Maybe you have some suggestions.?

Question

My daughter and I have started making jewelry. We THOUGHT when we first started investing money in the supplies to make it, that we would be able to sell it then be able to put more money back into it, giving us a larger quantity and style to choose from.

The problem is, how do we actually get started? We are mainly making jewelry that represents the colors (and mascot) of the university where we live because it is a very popular item and it is VERY expensive to even purchase a simple little bracelet at Dillard's in the mall.

Problem is, we don't know how to get the stuff out there. Do we invest in jewelry boxes for the ear rings, bracelets and necklaces or just make our own cards to hang them from. Do we need a business license to even do this?

And please don't suggest selling on eBay. For two reasons, One, I have sold on eBay before. It is not as easy as some people let on to believe. And, I have researched 'home made jewelry' and it DOES NOT sell well at all. Thx 4 NE advice!

Answer 1

Hello,
It will take trial and error at first.
To establish what people like in your community,
you already have a sense for that. A bead store should be helpful to you. But I find them expensive for a retailer - you, ok for hobbist but not for someone to resell.
Importantly you want to make your purchases at "Wholesale prices". Search google for "wholesale Jewelry or wholesale jewelry supplies. Ideally it costs you 5 dollars you sell for 15 dollars. Cost x 3 is selling price.
In my local people are only willing to pay $15.00 its all they have, even $10 is better for them. That means I have to get my costs down. - so depends on you clientele.
Establish your price points, that will assist you in determining how much you should pay for inventory.
University should be a great place to sell your jewelry. Inquire about a table. Nice thing is jewelry is very portable. Plus it has good mark up potential, and requires little space. Build a good selection in time. Yes buy supplies to show the jewelry well, at least a ring box, and a bracelet holder, and earring holders. Remember the word "wholesale, you need wholesale prices - caution, some say wholesale but are not. At least keep in my how much you can receive for your jewelry. Ok, don't sell on Ebay but go to "Wholesale" Jewelry, supplies anything. I ran a jewelry business for 5 years, still do. Made great income at times, and never left the city for my wholesale purchases. Imagine to person to person, kind of isolated but it still worked with the advent of computers. To keep your costs down, you need to buy a reasonable amount of items each time, example 12 strings of beads, or 50 rings ect. Ideally you want your individual cost per item as low as possible.
It can be a good part time even full time seasonal occupation, even year round for some people. When people put up $10.00 every few minutes, it can add up faster than a nice piece of sterling silver at $30.00.
Try to know your buyers price point, their tastes, and work from there.
Good Luck to you and D, and have fun.

Answer 2

I'm not sure about the permit, I do know you could sell information on the
jewelry (How's it made- Where it comes from...) and not need a permit.
So you sell the info at the price of the jewelry.

Get a light weight folding table and chair. A soft dark blanket and place it
on the table. Secure the corners.

Place your jewelry on the tablecloth left to right facing the public.

Go out somewhere there is alot of traffic (pedestrians).

You might want to work from a check cashing spot, (protection from the elements).

Last, make your jewelry on site. It attracts attention, and you can make
jewelry at request on the spot.

Answer 3

some options might be contacting some of the smaller shops in your area,, to see if they would carry your jewelry, you would need to figure out a wholesale price to sell it to them for,,,,,, or else do it on consignment,,,,, in which they would still keep a small percentage of the selling price,,,,,,, another idea would be if you area have a local flea market, though im not sure uiniversity students would shop at those that much,,,,,,,,,, if you could take pictures of the items and create a simple catalog (which you could do on the computer) you could then inlist a student to perhaps pass them out,,or let a student be an associate of yours,, give them a 10 percent credit for any order they get for you,,,,,, that way they could earn free jewlery,,,, if your daughter doesnt attend that school,,,,,,,, the students, i would think, would be your target market,,,,,,,, yes you can get a business license and sell them at games/events,, in most areas,,,,,,, i would stay with the cards,, as most "costume" jewelry in the stores are sold this way, and would be alot cheaper i would think then boxes,,,,,,,,

Answer 4

Start small at University games and other activities. You can get away with not having a license if you are discreet, but they aren't expensive at all and eventually you'll need one, so go ahead and get one! Also invest in some other colrs so that you aren't limited to University students & moms. You could also host parties at your home where you get to show off your jewelry & attract new business!

Answer 5

The missing link is marketing. You have to let your potential buyers know about your product, that it exists. If it's school themed jewelry, I'd start with the school bookstore. Try to get them sold in there. Alternately, set up a booth or table at every school function that happens. Finally, consider advertising in any publication read by people from the school.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Great questions!
I have a perspective or two that can help - one is finding a wholesaler - but I may not post it here.
Drop me an email - I'll be very pleased to send along the Link!

Keep Smiling!

Answer 8

Craft shows with cards made up especially any where around the city of the university.

Answer 9

i thinkthat you can sell them at ebay for secod hand.

Answer 10

FLEA MARKETS!