I sell handmade jewelry. I would like to try to sell to retail stores/chains, etc. How do i begin to do that?

Question

I sell handmade jewelry at:
www.sentimentaljewelrycreations.com

I just started about last year. I sell on Ebay and to friends/family for right now. I would like to expand my line and sell to more places-such as retail chains/stores. I would like to get the word of my jewelry "out there." How do I begin to get the word out and try to sell to larger stores-and then there are some that get regonized in big magazines like Style or Glamour-I would love to be one of those people !:) ....So where do I begin to "break into the business?"

handmade jewelry link:
http://www.sentimentaljewelrycreations.com

Answer 1

I'd check with locally-owned stores where you can talk personally to the owners. See if they will sell your jewelry in their stores, first. That will give you a feel for the business and help you make connections you will be able to use later.

Answer 2

Congratulations on your business. Before one goes to any retail stores/chins, one should know exactly who ones customers are. No sense in marketing to everyone and everywhere. Are the customers people who go to specific stores? Once one has determined that, the next step would be to approach these stores and have them push ones product, and have them be the sales team. For example, offer the store % of all dollars from sales of ones product. I would say no more than 5-10%. But make the deal attractive to them, and they do the work and your count the $$. I know it is hard starting out small, and provided the product is good, the stores will/should push the product, in hopes of getting the extra dollars. A win-win situation for all involved. As far as getting into the big magazines, I would start with local papers/journals first, build a name locally, then bring in the big magazines. Give some stuff away. I would also look for free press. Like have the local paper which caters to the targeted customer base do a story on the product. Once you start to build momentum, the big magazines will notice and come your way.
Hope this helps and best wishes with the business.

Answer 3

Maybe you could a business add in some of the bead magazines. "Like Bead Style"? or try consignment shops.
I also sell handmade jewelry!

Wish you luck, Pandora

Answer 4

Associations may be a good place to start -- check the sources box.


Hope that helps!