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Starting a Jewelry Business? Home parties are a great way to sell your work.
Home parties have been used successfully to sell everything from
cookware to naughty nighties; most of these small businesses are
part of a large, organized national franchise, but the home
party concept is also a perfect way for local crafters to market
their wares.
If you'd like to try home parties, you need a plan. First, take
a look at your inventory of jewelry; do you have enough pieces,
in a large enough variety, to hold a party? Think about having
coordinating pieces - necklace or pendant, earrings, rings, and
bracelets, in five or six different designs. Have enough pieces
of each so that you can sell the items individually or in sets.
Once you've decided what you want to sell and how many items you
to need to have for sale, set a timeline for yourself, based on
how long it will take you to craft the items, and then schedule
your first party. If you have a friend, family member, or
coworker willing to host a party for you, that's great.
Otherwise, put up flyers, along with copies of your business
card, and send a press release to your local paper.
Fill your hostess in on how you plan to run the party, and make
sure she lets her guests know that you plan to have the items
for sale at the party. You may want to discuss her
responsibilities; most home parties have light refreshments, and
she'll need enough seating for all her guests, plus a clear
tabletop for you to use as a display area.
During the party, make sure your jewelry is displayed
attractively, and have inexpensive but attractive door prizes so
that guests have an opportunity to win a small handcrafted
item.
It might be enough for you to display your work, but think about
working up a presentation for each collection, and show it
around to guests. Another good idea is to display a portfolio of
high quality, color photos of more complex, expensive gifts for
special ordering. And don't forget to collect the names of
guests who are interested in hosting a jewelry party of their
own!
You'll want to reward your hostess for having the party, so be
sure you have a thank-you gift. You may want to allow the
hostess to choose her favorite piece from your jewelry
collection, or you may design a graduated gift selection, with
the hostess gift based on the amount of money you make at the
party.
If you know other crafters, consider offering to sell their
craft items at the party for a commission. You may even want to
create a small home party cooperative with several crafters, so
you can each sell your own crafts and collect a commission on
everyone else's work.
Certainly more traditional selling venues - flea markets and
craft fairs, gift shops, even eBay - should also be pursued, but
giving a series of home jewelry parties is a great way to
connect with enthusiastic customers and possibly develop a real following for
your jewelry.
About the author:
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern
New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and
Topics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.
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