Comments on: Transitioning to Higher Jewelry Prices

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 17:10:14 +0000

In reply to Duane Aldrich. Thank for sharing your strategy, Duane - it sounds very sensible and do-able, for you and for your customers.

By: Duane Aldrich

Duane Aldrich — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 17:03:02 +0000

I’ve done this, but I’ve kept my low end items too. A simple set stone on a chain I’ve kept the same price structure that I had near my beginning, but as my abilities grew I added more elaborate designs and more expensive stones that allowed me to add a higher price range. I hope to soon add a 3rd level for that customer who really wants a spectacular piece and is willing to pay a little more for it.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:58:11 +0000

In reply to Blanche Nonken. Blanche, thanks so much for sharing your experience!

By: Blanche Nonken

Blanche Nonken — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:54:08 +0000

As I shifted from copper/brass to silver, I raised my prices, and opened an Etsy shop as well. I’ve yet to get comments about prices, and have sometimes been pleasantly surprised at what sells. December was my best month to date, with I think close to $400 gross take – most of it being from a local saddlery that also has a large jewelry display case. Don’t be nervous about raising prices, I sure was and still feel weird about pricing things higher but ignore my inner voice on this subject.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:31:55 +0000

In reply to Jill K..

Thanks for mentioning this, Jill K. You’re right that many folks don’t know or care if the price is changed – and then it’s a non-issue.

By: Jill K.

Jill K. — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 23:38:09 +0000

I take a different approach. I don’t announce that I’m changing the price. I just change it. Most people don’t even notice, and if somebody does, then I may say something like, “You’re such a special customer of mine, the price doesn’t apply to you this time. If you buy it right now, it’s $X for cash and $Y for charge.” That often makes them want to buy immediately. For the ones that claim, “too rich for my blood,” I explain I have to pay rent, materials, etc. and it is handmade, taking my time and talent. If they’ve been really nice, perhaps I’ll offer a small discount or I might say, “well, maybe next time, but I can’t promise it will still be available.” Some people will just throw a $amount out to see if you’ll haggle, but they don’t understand they are sometimes rude about it (offer $5 for a $30 item). What sells for $X in a rural place might easily be $Y in New York or San Francisco.

By: Michele C.

Michele C. — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 22:49:28 +0000

Hi Rena!
I am encouraged (and emboldened) by your jewelry pricing article. I have recently started making original painted pendants on pendant trays using a variety of materials, such as foil, yupo paper, alcohol inks, and even nail enamel, sometimes including crystals and reflective tiny moons & stars. Glass cabachons glued into the painted pendants finish and magnify the detail. This is a departure from the strung necklaces, bracelets and earrings I’ve made in past years.

I haven’t sold these yet but I was invited to participate in a local high-end art and craft guild holiday fair in December 2018. I have a couple of other opportunities at a gallery and another artisan craft fair nearby. I plan to use your pricing guide, which sets my pendants (strung on suede or leather and adjustable) at the base price of $33.00. It does seem high to me, but I think the traffic at these venues will support the prices.