New to Jewelry Selling?

 
Whether you have decided to sell pre-made jewelry or make your own, you probably have lots of questions about what you need to get started.    Below are some of our suggestions based on our own selling experience, and what we have gained from helping countless people start their own businesses.

Transporting: Generally, you will need something to place your jewelry pieces in while you travel.   Stackable jewelry trays work best for this purpose.  We recommend the plastic variety, as some of the wooden type tend to fall apart easily, or show scratches and holes in the glued-on vinyl covering, while these may work fine for those who don't move their jewelry, if you travel, these will not hold up well.  Next, you will need to choose tray liners or inserts to place into these trays.  Depending on the type of jewelry you sell, you will need some flat liners to pin some pieces to (using U-pins), some flocked sectional liners to separate your pieces into different compartments to avoid damage, some specialty liners such as those with hooks and attached easels, perfect for displaying necklaces and bracelets in a snap, and ring foam for displaying rings.  Generally, you will need about 10 trays and a tray carrying case to start.  Your goal here:  protect and organize your jewelry for a more professional look and feel. 

Displaying: We recommend starting with 2-4 necklace easels, 6 earring stands, 1 bracelet t-bar, and 4 ring stands.  Remember, the majority of your jewelry will be kept in your trays, but you want to display some pieces for people to see and touch, which is very important because people like to be able to touch jewelry.  But, if you desire, by using strategically located u-pins, you can secure your jewelry so that they cannot be removed from the displays.  The more elegantly your jewelry is presented, the more delicately people will handle them.  You will also want to set out several trays showing more color options, sizes and styles than those on display.   Don't fall into the all black velvet trap!  We see this countless times, customers insisting on having black velvet displays because that seems to be the most common among your peers.  Sometimes velvet does not work in certain outdoor or dusty situations.  Remember that most jewelry stores use white as a jewelry display preference.  White leatherette is easy to clean, provides a great background for most jewelry because it allows colors to reflect, where black absorbs that reflection.  Black has it's place and is good for sterling silver, gold and other bright metals, and to project elegance, but for casual jewelry, brightly colored beads or crystals try white.
 
Catch their eye with colorful and unusual props.  We like black or copper colored wire displays, decorate with ribbon or place on top of striking fabric prints.  Get creative: glassware filled with colored stones make a beautiful prop to drape a bracelet over.  Silk flowers placed strategically around your setting give it warmth and appeal.  Props should be rich in color if you are utilizing a black on black or white on white setting.  Trinket boxes, statuettes, picture frames with your business card, various packaging options (beaded jewelry pouches, colorful boxes), and more can be added if done so in moderation and with regard to the overall feel of the jewelry you are offering.  Rhinestone or diamond jewelry would be best displayed in a glamorous velvet setting, where hemp and leather accessories would be best displayed with a more casual and fun setting.  Your goal here:  show your jewelry with respect and dignity (displays), offer a large variety to look at and touch (trays), catch their eye (props). 

Packaging:  Packaging your items is of critical importance.  Most sellers choose jewelry pouches because they are lightweight and easier to travel with than boxes.  However, for gift giving, customers prefer attractive boxes.  So you can either give them an option, or have boxes available "by request".  Boxes with cotton filling are the basic, but most common option.  Think about setting your business apart by offering something different.  Use a jewelry pouch in combination with a colorful tuck top box, place some pretty tissue paper at the bottom of the box, place the pouch on top, close the box and maybe add some raffia, organza or satin ribbon.  You can even place your store logo sticker on the box for some free advertisement!  Your goal here: make attractive packaging seem like a "bonus" to your buyer.
 
Of course we could go on and on with tips and tricks.  But you will want to implement your own ideas to make your business more personal.  We just want to help you get started with the three goals shown above.  Merchandising and pricing are important, but won't come into play unless you get customers to look at what you're offering!
 
 
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