Elegant Netted Bracelet

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

SharonI@10 — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 03:58:16 GMT

I have sold my jewelry at 2 different types
of venues. The first was at a monthly
street market. Big mistake!! Unfortunately I brought mostly high end stock. This street market was more like a Flea Market. Plus I was competing with resale. Will never go there again as a vendor.!! The other 2 venues were for artists only. I brought all my jewelry to both and nearly sold out at the first show, and did very well on the
second. Yes! I will only do shows were the shows are juried and only artists need apply.
Sharon (Wannabe Beader)
Some where in Texas

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

KimF@34 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 21:20:41 GMT

I also just started selling at fairs and have the advantage of living in a tourist town. I have found that tourist towns are key to sales. People are there on vacation, and shopping is part of most vacations. I tried selling in a larger town 30 miles away - terrible sales! Look for those tourists!

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

KathrynS@27 — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:16:52 GMT

My daughter sells accessories (not jewelry) and has found interesting differences in selling locations as well. Some of her items use recycled materials and those were extremely popular at a farmer's market--people who have the inclination to buy fresh, local food also liked the "real recycling" involved in reusing materials. Sometimes, a location can surprise you.

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:42:16 GMT

hello beaders all over the world!!my name is Louise and i am addicted to beading about 2 years!1 i am making lots of presents to family, and friends!!www.pushadolls.com
mixed media artist

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

Sooz@3 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:35:00 GMT

What a coincidence you talk about the beauty of netting! The Etsy Beadweaving team just finished up their November challenge and it was titled "caught in a net"! If you want to take a peek at the versatility of the net weave, go to:
http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

bluejaycenter — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:05:27 GMT

Thank you for bring this up, your post strike home. I found that the overwhelming choices are not good for business, especially the styles of the items are similar. So if the vendors close to you are selling different items or different style jewelry, it is still enough to set you (and other vendors) apart.

BJ

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

TamaraM — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:49:34 GMT

I don't sell anything myself, so I could be way off base, but in reading about your different experiences, it immediately occured to me that diversifying where one displays one's wares might be a good solution. Different spots are better for different reasons, and the more people who see your stuff, the more likely you are to get sales.

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

ZittaS — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:46:48 GMT

Michelle made an excellent point. Fairs, particularly jewelry fairs are overwhelming and makes you feel confused and exhausted before you begin the round of the stalls. It is the same with shop windows. When just three items are displayed, you take in all the details. When the shop window is laden with articles, it hurts your eyes and you quickly move on! So please, let us have small displays of mixed crafts,so that your eyes can get a rest between stalls! As I love cheese, I wouldn't mind to throw in a few cheese stalls as well...

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

Zaz — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:51:36 GMT

oh and thank you michelle for this maybe simple but "just how i like it" pattern. my sister is deeply depressed and will visit us in the holidays so i hope to engage her into beading with me, she loves beads.
big hug
Zaz

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

Zaz — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:49:54 GMT

hello all, this is a very interesting topic, i hope more people with experience would contribute to it. i am still new at venues although my business is not beading but still, i do sometimes incorporate them as i design and make clothes and accessories.

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

SueK@56 — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:37:07 GMT

"Location, location, location!" Just like in real estate, you have to work at being in the right place at the right time. This is the main reason that I attend a fair/bazaar as a patron before I ever apply as a merchant. I chat with the vendors and try to get a sense of what will sell best from my own line. When I get home I record my notes before I forget them and THEN I make the decision if that event is the right place for my jewelry.
And, as Sue S. says, how the jewelry is displayed is critical. I could probably sell ice cream to Eskimoes if the set-up was right. It takes patience and practice to get your tables to looks "just right". Simply beautiful creations like Sue's sometimes get lost when placed next to a lavish display of Murano glass work. The answer? Change the location or pump up your own display. Sell yourself! Sell your work!
Work at being in the right place and once there, work hard at being the best and the brightest at the show.
Sue Kooiman
Show Off Your Stuff
Black Tassel Jewelry Designs

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

SueS@98 — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:30:56 GMT

Regarding the question, "Does it matter where you sell your jewelry?" I would have to say that in my experience it definitely does! Not only does it matter WHERE it is being sold, but HOW it is displayed. Also, the amount of competition with like items makes a difference. I have tried to sell my peyote stitch bracelets at local bazaars, and also at a high-end craft fair. People at the bazaars were bargain hunting and thought my price of $25 too high. People at the high-end market were only interested in the high-priced, relatively simple-designed but more expensive Murano glass necklaces which were lavishly displayed in the booth next to mine. Consequently, I only sell in special venues or online now.

re: Elegant Netted Bracelet

CindyG@15 — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:49:09 GMT

Thank you for posting the interview, Michele!