How to Make Money Selling Homemade Jewelry

(817 Words)
Selling homemade jewelry can be an excellent way to make money. There are many opportunities for such a venture. The following tips can help you make money with such a strategy.
Plan the type of jewelry you wish to sell
Before you sell homemade jewelry, you have to make it. There are many different considerations when deciding what to make. First you want to make something that people will want to purchase. Of course, people have all different styles so you are likely to find a market for almost anything that you create. Certain pieces can stand out more, however, and use more innovative techniques. You may want to research techniques in beading and jewelry making. You can focus on one type of material such as glass beads or on a type of jewelry such as necklaces or make a wide variety of pieces.
You need to also consider the amount of time, effort and money you wish to put into the items compared to how much you think you could make for them. For instance, if it takes you an hour and $50 to make a necklace, is it something that you can sell for enough money to make it worth your time? Remember that you will be competing against mass produced items. You need to be able to reasonably price and sell your items.
Make the pieces
Now that you have decided which items to make, you should make them. If you will be selling many together at an event or a shop, then you will need to create a decent stock with which to begin. If you will be selling a few pieces online or creating custom orders, then you can start with fewer pieces and see how it goes. Make sure that the pieces are well-made.
Decide on your pricing and business policies
The success of your homemade jewelry business will depend on smart pricing. Consider what you put into your pieces as well as your clientele. You can always adjust the pricing if business is slower – or faster – than expected. Formulate your other policies such as returns and shipping, as applicable.
Attain what you need to sell your jewelry
What exactly you need to sell your jewelry will depend on where you are selling it. For instance, if you will be selling your jewelry on the internet, then you will want stunning photographs to showcase the jewelry. You can purchase a kit that comes with a small backdrop and lights to allow you to take professional-appearing photographs. You may also want to take a photograph of an attractive model wearing the items.
If you will be selling your items at a craft fair or other physical location then you will need a way to display them. There are various stands and other set-ups that you can make or buy to showcase your jewelry in the most attractive way possible.
Find opportunities to sell your jewelry
There are many different places where you can sell your homemade jewelry. Of course you can sell them to friends and family. Many of your loved ones may be willing to support you.
Craft fairs are another wonderful opportunity to sell homemade jewelry. There are many different events all over the country at different times of the year. The cost of these range as do the crowds that attend. Get as many details as possible about these events to find out which may be the most lucrative for your business. You may find other community events such as county fairs where you can sell your homemade jewelry.
Many crafters also sell homemade jewelry on the internet. One popular website for handmade goods is www.etsy.com. Many people also sell on www.ebay.com. You can also make your own website.
You can also go around to different local businesses to ask if they will carry your homemade jewelry. For instance, many beauty salons carry a small stock of jewelry, thus these can be the perfect venue for your wares.
Promote
Just as with any business, promotion can aid your homemade jewelry making business. There are many different ways to promote your business. You can advertise on a social networking website such as twitter or Facebook. You can tell people about your business, and ask that they tell their friends and colleagues. You can even buy advertising space in a local newsletter or newspaper. You can also try to be innovative in your techniques. For instance, you can host a free jewelry making clinic and hopefully get some free advertising in that way. You can give your homemade jewelry as gifts to people for special occasions, and perhaps they will think of you when they need gifts of their own.
Making money by selling your homemade jewelry does not have to be just a dream. With hard work, dedication and careful planning, you can start your homemade jewelry business.