Comments on: Discouraged Over Competition

By: marie

marie — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 21:03:10 +0000

I don’t know exactly when this post has been wrote, however in 2019 I would like to say that I personally stopped making jewelry because my feeling is that making jewelry because the market is on the verge of exploding
the stress of this activity is far greater than the small results you eventually obtain

By: Lotti

Lotti — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:42:47 +0000

That’s a great idea of Susan’s and Kerrie’s to make near-throwaway items and intricate love/expensive pieces. It’s something department stores also do and, I think, fast food places too. When you have the extremes, buying up from the bottom makes you feel like you’re treating yourself a little. At the same time buying something that isn’t exhorbitant/larger makes you feel like you’re being reasonable and saving money (or being healthier). It’s a funny aspect of human psychology.

By: Kerrie Venner

Kerrie Venner — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 11:37:59 +0000

I’ve heard over and over…to get you through your tough times
“Make what you love, and love what you make”
Use the best quality findings you can afford, and make every wrap, every cut, as clean and as perfect as you can.
Also, make one or two ‘love’ pieces to showcase your talent and skills. Price it extravagantly and don’t expect it to sell at it’s true value. Display them with pride, and make smaller, affordable items picking out one or two key elements so your customer can buy into the look. Keep going. Be true to yourself, keep your pricing intelligent and value your time.

By: Susan

Susan — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 05:40:28 +0000

I have had to change my perspective and step out in creativity. Instead of going to “craft” fairs, I chose to concentrate my time in a Downtown Market that is considered an Artist’s Market. To most attendees there, the fact that you created, grew or cooked something yourself is valued, even treasured. The atmosphere is inviting, some say addictive. I know I have repeat customers and visitors coming for the first time often ask for a card so they can shop when they go home. Venue is so important. Also, you might have a give away item or a conversation starter. I do both. I make gemstone jewelry mostly, and a few months ago I went to a local mine and gem swap, and came home with some lovely rocks to put in my display. Many of my customer love to learn about the gemstones they are buying, and a conversation is a great way to get folks to hang out a little longer and possibly buy something. I also make “princess bracelets” from inexpensive beads and stretch magic or gossamer floss, and sell them for $2.00. I often give one away to a little girl walking by with her family. It’s a $2 item but the smile on her face and goodwill created is priceless.

By: Elaine

Elaine — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 04:59:10 +0000

It is difficult to know what your competition will be at shows, but one way to draw attention to your product is to stand out in the crowd. Be the flashiest, or loudest, or most extravagant. I have used fur coats, wedding veils, prom dresses, (thrift store finds, or satin & faux-fur fabrics ). Creative packaging or display can make all the difference. A distinctive look on earring cards, gift boxes, business cards & flyers is a start. Your display needs to make people want to come take a look. One that worked for me at a holiday bazaar was sparkling crystal glassware, teamed with mirrors and a few iridescent balls. I used several sizes of stemware, compotes, clear vases and candlesticks to create different heights. tip : earrings can be hung from the lip of vases and glassware, allowing shoppers to see them through the glass..

By: Sue T

Sue T — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 20:23:16 +0000

I just finished a home show and did very well. I invited a dozen women and nine were able to make it. I didn’t do as well as my spring show but made more money than I anticipated.
One thing that brings the ladies out are homemade desserts. It is a real plus to mention this in the invite postcard.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 20:16:21 +0000

It’s not your jewellery all materials it’s your selling points you have to be different like diamond candles they sell candles with a ring that’s worth $10 to $5000 and sell the candles for $25 each so people have a chance to win a $5000 the candles are lovely to its so different and fun people love it and they put it up on Facebook to so it reaches more people for free.they just had a 20 million turn over because of a original idea

So having your own blog helps never rely on just sites like etsy you need to drive traffic to your shop also be every where have loads of shops

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:09:02 +0000

I too became very discouraged last year in the Fall. Thinking that I would sell a lot of my jewelry right before the Holidays did not work out. I did 3 local craft shows at High Schools. Perhaps because of the down economy I did not sell as much as I expected. There were many other jewelry artists at all of these shows and even though my jewelry was different from theirs, it seemed that many attendees wanted me to practically “give” away jewelry for free.

The big seller at one of these shows was someone selling home made cupcakes! I think trying different venues may help. My plan is to do some wine shows and other music type of festivals just to see what kind of sales I can generate.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:39:44 +0000

I agree with Sandra, if there are lots of a particular style out there it does mean it has buyers. This can be a good way to get traffic in but may be a loss leader in the end. I have found that some of the most popular items end up suffering from being offered too cheaply by people who are trying to get business. It becomes “not worth it” to bother with these items in my opinion. For me the key is marketing. Finding ways to promote your products and send customers to your store. I use Pinterest, Wanelo, Wish, Iheartit, , loveit, wheretogetit, tumblr, instagram, Facebook, twitter, indulgy, polyvore, svpply as well as working with bloggers to do reviews and giveaways. Offering coupons and specials is also a great incentive. Do you have a store online or do you just sell through Facebook? Some people do well with Facebook, but that is not a big help for me. Your stuff looks very good so just keep at it. It takes a lot of time and pushing, much more work than a 9-5 job, but such a feeling of accomplishment!

Jennifer

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:30:53 +0000

I too became very discouraged about the amount of jewelry available for sale at shows. I wasn’t even making my booth fees. I very much enjoy creating jewelry, so I decided to check out different shows and see what is being offered in the jewelry line. I am now learning some different techniques for jewelry not being offered in my area. It has given me back the pleasure I found in creating, without the stress and disappointment of very little sales. Still learning and practicing, but no longer discouraged!

By: Sandra

Sandra — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:07:34 +0000

I know what you mean, but Annette is right. Do what you enjoy doing, BECAUSE you enjoy doing it.
Some people manage to find a gimmick or ‘look’ that draws customers to them, others manage find the right venue for them to take their work to the right customers.
Maybe you should check into some different tutorials to try new ideas that you can incorporate into your own style, or maybe you should look into different options for selling your work, and try to focus on getting to where the shoppers are that want your style. If that style is ‘every where’, then it means the people who buy it are out there, you just have to find the best place to connect with them for you in your area.

By: Annette

Annette — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:27:51 +0000

With so much competition out there it is vital that (if you want to sell items) you do something different to what is around is around you. If you can’t identify that something different yet, then perhaps just make things for the enjoyment of making and for gifts – as a hobby, for the time being.

If making jewellery is a real passion, you will find your way and your point of difference eventually. (Mind you success is still hard to get even when you’ve done that, but perseverence helps!)