Comments on: 8 Useful Lessons in Retailing Jewelry

By: Kerry

Kerry — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 23:16:12 +0000

In reply to Sarah de Larrinaga. Great points, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I used to be a bit paranoid about theft in the beginning. I have been selling my jewelry at our local Farmers Market for 11 years and have found that there has been very little theft in that time. Most people are delightful:)

By: Nata

Nata — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:57:22 +0000

Great insights, and all so true! Thank you.

By: Judith Oswood

Judith Oswood — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:53:24 +0000

In reply to Patricia C Vener. I limit my sales to artisan fairs. Craft sales won't work because art is too expensive. No one wants to spend $100+ at a craft fair. They're looking for cute, but cheap usually. I usually sell out of a gallery, but can only put so much in there so the one artisan fair a year near me is a big money maker when I make it in.

By: Mary f Gwin

Mary f Gwin — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 06:45:59 +0000

I haven’t been to many craft fairs…only one in fact! A friend asked me to help her with items to fill up her space. I followed up my space on the tables..and she had a display board and it was only about two feet off the floor. I thought no one would even notice the jewelry three but i sold tons.i kept having to replace pieces as fast as i sold them! Only i sold like three times the amount of stuff she sold and i never got invited back to sell with her.lol!

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 20:31:22 +0000

In reply to Judy. If you travel be careful about including sales tax in the stated price as in some states that is not acceptable. I suppose you can still do just not not mention it officially. :)

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 20:27:56 +0000

How interesting. I prefer to look eye level and will bend down only if something is especially eye-catching. I think it may also depend on the size of your work, too. Larger pieces or exceptionally eye-catching pieces can go pretty much anywhere. Small works probably need to be more strategically place.

Sadly, going on how I prefer things is apparently not the norm. I am very happy to ask about work in cases. I suppose the difference is in approach and perspective. I look at Jewelry as art. If it’s not artistic I walk past. (Unless I’m doing market research – LOL).

On the other hand, I’ve not had success at selling my work, so everything I say is likely very narrowly focused.

*sigh*

By: Joyce Martin

Joyce Martin — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 01:08:37 +0000

Three things to comment on:
My jewelry runs $20 and up so theft is a concern for me. To address that I use bed risers under the table legs. This not only raises the level of the table but also deters pieces walking away.

Show fees are really going up. I do mostly juries shows. Jury fees are $25 and up then show fees range from $150 and up averaging over$200.

Not only do you need a state license but many towns have a local permits. Insurance is also needed.

By: Sarah de Larrinaga

Sarah de Larrinaga — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:28:40 +0000

In reply to Phyllis.

This may be tempting fate, but I used to worry about theft, and now don’t after a couple of years running a stall. First off, I reckon 99% of people are 100% trustworthy. Secondly, if you greet everyone with a cheery hello, then they know you’re aware of them and this is probably enough to deter the light fingered. Thirdly, although my jewellery is laid out for people to pick up it isn’t stacked up any old way. It’s really clear if a piece is missing from its space. Finally – although nothing has ever gone from my stall so far – I’d rather lose a couple of pieces than deter all the legit buyers out there.

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 17:09:58 +0000

I put a small sign in the corner of my display stating that taxes are included. All items are at eye level or table level. It helps to have one other person with you if at all possible, just to keep an eye on things when you are busy with someone.
I really resent those people who think they don’t need to pay taxes or have a business license. I know several who only go to certain craft sales because they know the people running the sales won’t question them. Just puts a bad taste in my mouth.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:06:05 +0000

One more thing. Sales of earrings went higher when I put the price on the front of the card instead of the back. All of them are on business cards. The front is plain with the name of the gemstone or anything else important. Labels stating Sterling or Gold Filled are also on the front. Information is written on the back too. Earrings are in small wooden boxes, easy to flip through or placed next to a matching necklace. Got to make it easy for our shoppers.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:39:53 +0000

Make it as easy and accessible for all customers. I use table risers all the time, inside or outside shows. Make it easy to reach also. Now I place everything closer to the edge where shoppers can see and touch. Higher priced pieces are by me. My mannequin is at the front of the booth, she discreetly draws in shoppers. Greet everyone quickly and have fun most of all.
PS. If the show is a bust, keep on smiling, don’t look bored, disinterested,angry or worse bitching about the lousy show with another vendor if customers are around. You never know who is watching you or what other opportunities are around. Have fun.

By: Terri Wlaschin

Terri Wlaschin — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 15:02:57 +0000

I agree with your insights but do have some jewelry at eye level so it can be noticed from a distance in a crowd of craft tents. If it’s too high up, it creates the impression of untouchable. I use the standard it must be reachable without strain and I tell customers feel free to try anything on. I would also add many, maybe most, customers generally don’t want a lot of interaction or explantions. I greet them briefly but then let them be until they initiate conversation. I don’t stand in my tent. I usually stand outside but not like a lion at the gate. I also like to dress in an artful, professional style and wear jewelry I made.
Also a sense of humor goes a long way.

By: Bob A. DeMarcki

Bob A. DeMarcki — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 14:21:46 +0000

Very insightful. Many thanks for sharing your observations.

By: Jo-Ann

Jo-Ann — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 01:31:06 +0000

Wonderful tips! Thanks 🙂

By: Linette Arnold

Linette Arnold — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 16:20:39 +0000

If some customers are at your booth, it definitely draws in more to see what’s so interesting. I get tired of sitting anyway, so I’ll stand in front of my booth and “rearrange” it. I’ll comment to people walking buy about their cute child or pretty outfit and try to engage them in a conversation.
I display my jewelry on foam boards covered in white fabric. I use pearl headed pins pushed into the top edge of the board to hold them in place. Matching earrings, free with purchase ;0), are attached to the hang tag on the necklace clasp. It still surprises me that people don’t know where to look for the price of an item – it’s on the back of the hang tag just like in a store.
One more thing. If a customer is looking at an item, take it off the display and put it in her hands. It will give her a closer look and might even give her a sense of ownership.

By: Paula

Paula — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 20:28:14 +0000

Answering Phyllis’ concern about pieces ‘walking off’; I sit near the table & kibbutz with my friends/customers & maybe have a glass of wine…do not stare at them but just by being there, I can answer questions…works for everybody!

By: Tyronda

Tyronda — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:33:59 +0000

Thanks so much for these tips! We will definitely consider all of them.

By: Phyllis C

Phyllis C — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 05:05:52 +0000

keeping it low, , visible, touchable……. and most important, NOT hovering over customers is very important. People (IMHO) come to craft shows with the express desire to find something different, handmade and to me the artist/diva/craftmaker…. Know your inventory…….. watch it carefully, and I have found that 99.9% of the public are so honest….. it’s wonderful ( and No I do not wear Rose colored glasses 🙂 ) but ( so far) it has never been a “deal breaker” . As far as show fees, OMG I so agree with Stone Pylon……. I am in Central FL, and we have morphed in show fees from $35/50 to *85/$100 to NOW $150/400, and that is ONLY the set up fee……. some shows are asking for % of our sales, and others are requiring insurance ( for stepping into tent 9 which is in their property to begin with, etc etc…….
The decisions you make HAVE to include the expenses ( fees/supplies/travel/etc) Working Craft/Art shows can be very rewarding, very, but sometimes it takes A WHILE, and “sometimes” you have to amend/change.. It will work……….. if you will 🙂

By: stonepylon

stonepylon — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:43:11 +0000

Good tips all!

Sure would be nice if our business licenses, etc. were so low – between the city, county and state I’m out around $200.00 a year here in S FL, plus craft fair people usually want a booth fee of $35-$100 and I have to have insurance to get in…

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 20:50:24 +0000

I agree with most of what is being said. However, my “little question” would be, how to deter thieves from picking up your jewelry, as it is “layed about”?
I used to do that, but now have everything ( mostly) is open cases. They are able to touch, see, and even pickup if they want, but it isn’t just “asking” to be lifted.
Any insights would be AWESOME…. thanks always for all the great and shared info!

By: Anna

Anna — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 12:22:26 +0000

Great tips – thanks! I never thought to display matching pieces. It can be a bit challenging to think from the perspective of browsers and buyers 🙂

By: Gloria Mushonga-Roberts

Gloria Mushonga-Roberts — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:15:42 +0000

Excellent suggestions as always. I’ve had experience with a couple of the suggestion and found them valuable.

By: Michelle Gray

Michelle Gray — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:12:05 +0000

Great tips, Pamela, and other commenters. Looking forward to trying some of the wisdom gleened from you all!

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:54:31 +0000

After doing craft fairs all this year, I have learned several things and they all seem to go along with what you have stated. Customers like to be able to browse and not have to worry about someone standing there watching them all the time, they like to be able to pick items up and look at them, the prices are usually on the back of my cards for the earrings and tags on the other items so they are readily readable. At first I had a display case, but that was a big turnoff for most everyone, so now things are displayed openly on tables laying usually flat or on stands with coordinating pieces together. Always giving the customer the option of trying things on and offering the best offer as well.

By: Dita

Dita — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:37:45 +0000

I agree with the comment that Vicky made that people some times don’t want to make eye contact. In my very recent show , just last month, both my self and the lady next booth, who was selling water colors found out that there were more crowd when we were not present in the booth. It was a nice day, so we were just standing across from the booth under the shade of the tree and chatting. When we found that the customer is looking up and around for the seller I appear with,- “may I help you?’

I have always heard that vertical display is important, and it is from a distant view attraction but people like to touch and feel and look at things that are kept low too. A balance is important.

By: Beverly

Beverly — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:40:31 +0000

Thanks for the tips. This will be my first time selling jewelry at a local community festival. I don’t know what type of customers attending but I will take into considerations all of your tips. At a few other shows I have done, I figured out some of the demographics of the customers and was able to adjust my jewelry and prices. And my display.

By: liz love

liz love — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:46:08 +0000

Thanks so much Ms. Vale!

By: Vicky

Vicky — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:45:28 +0000

SO true that people don’t look up! I used to have big A-boards on my display table but people only ever looked at the stuff the was flat on the table. They generally don’t want to make eye contact with you until they are sure that they like the stuff and think its in their price-range. If they have to look up it increases their chances of making unwanted eye contact before they are ready! I now have all my stuff no more than 18 inches above table height. The only thing at eye level is me!