Trying to sell your handmade jewelry can be something of a challenge. Not only is your market one that's absolutely filled to the brim, but some areas are tough to sell in. If you use finer materials, but live and work in a blue-collar area, it can be difficult to find customers willing to pay proper prices. I'll start off with what didn't work in my area, and then move on to what does.

One selling method to be avoided, based on experience, is the outdoor jewelry sale. In a lot of people's minds, this is equal to "yard sale junk". It was so disappointing to see pieces that sell at a minimum of $20 at retail have to be dropped down to wholesale pricing in order for people to buy them. Due to the loss my business took, we decided not to use this strategy again. This may very well work in some areas, but it didn't in ours.

The key ingredient is networking. You know you have a good product, but need to have the right people see it. Anyone selling handmade jewelry should have an online presence. Even if you lack the time to maintain your own website, you should at least have Ebay or Etsy listings. Make sure your descriptions are detailed. Use a digital camera for your pictures, rather than a film camera. Digital pictures offer a picture quality film can't come close to. If you have your own scanner, you can scan the pieces for even better pictures.

Good social networking profiles are a must. Ning offers several networks devoted to crafters and jewelers. Facebook allows you to put up your own business page in addition to any existing profiles you may have on there. Twitter is also a good way to keep people updated on new items.

Don't forget about offline customers. Even though catalogs are expensive to produce, photo books with accompanying price sheets are a reasonable alternative. Sales appointments can be set with area businesses, especially when you're a few months away from the Christmas selling season.

You should also try to get some of your pieces in stores. Smaller, independently-owned gift stores are a great prospect. Have a binder with full-color pictures of your items, descriptions, wholesale pricing, and suggested retail when paying a visit. Having a few pieces with you for the store owner to see first-hand will increase your chances of getting a good sale.

The last, but not least, way to sell a piece of jewelry is to wear your creations frequently. Many who admire your handiwork will be very willing to purchase if they find out what you're wearing is for sale. Make sure you always leave a business card with anyone who likes your jewelry. Even if they don't purchase today, they might in the future.

These easy suggestions will help you along your way. Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Amanda Demers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best way to sell handmade jewelry?
We want to hear your view. Write now!