Do you make artisan jewelry?  Has your beading hobby grown from a fun pastime to near obsession?  Do you need some extra money?  Perhaps it is time to start selling your jewelry.

There are several venues for selling jewelry- all with pros and cons.  Here I will detail selling in retail shops and explain how to get started making a profit from your jewelry.

Many smaller retail shops (boutiques and locally owned shops) will take artisan jewelry on consignment.  In my experience, most will pay you 50-60% of the retail selling price when your items sell.  This may seem like a steep commission for them to take, but they provide a lot in return.  They are providing the retail space, marketing, and staff to sell your jewelry.  Most places will also take responsibility and pay you if any of your items are stolen from their shop.  Basically, you just drop off your jewelry and wait for the checks to arrive. 

To get started selling in retail shops there are a few key steps.  First, make sure your jewelry is well made and of good quality.  If you've just started making jewelry, you might not be ready for this.  It often takes time and practice to get good at wire-wrapping, crimping, etc.  You don't want to sell a product that will be returned because the crimp came loose and the necklace fell apart. 

Second, visit the shop and just look around.  Make sure your jewelry fits with the general theme of the shop.  You don't want it to look just like items they're already selling, but you do want to fit in.  For example, if you make crystal and silver mother's bracelets you probably don't want to sell them at a funky modern hippy jewelry shop.  Also, make sure your jewelry fits with the price point of other jewelry being sold.  If your jewelry is a lot more or less expensive, it will probably not do well there.  (Note: if you find that you must price your jewelry much higher to make a profit, you may need to look for better sources for your beads and findings.  To make a profit selling jewelry, you really need to be able to buy your supplies at wholesale or near wholesale prices.  eBay is a good source for inexpensive beads and findings. I have many items in my store, Beader's Bay, at good prices.  I strive to keep my prices below places like Fire Mountain or your local bead shop.)  Part of this step is figuring out what type of jewelry you make- who is your target market?  Do you make high-quality, higher priced items?  Do you make funky less expensive jewelry?  Pick shops that fit with your type of jewelry. 

Third, ask to speak to the owner or manager of the shop- it is often preferable to call on the phone to set up this meeting.  When you go to meet with them, take samples of your jewelry.  They will want to see it and assess the quality in person.  I've found that they often just pick what they'd like to sell out of what I've brought- so be sure to bring enough!  Generally, most shops will want to start out with 15-20 pieces (depending on price and size of the store, of course) to see how they sell.  If they sell well, they may want even more next time. 

Fourth, make sure to get it in writing!  If they agree to take your jewelry on consignment, make sure you get a written consignment agreement and a list of all items they took on consignment.  The agreement should clearly spell out how much you'll be paid (what percentage), when checks will be sent to you, what will happen if an item is stolen from the shop, and what will happen if an item doesn't sell (when will they return it to you, will they mark it down, etc.).  It is a good idea to put stock numbers on your jewelry so they can let you know specifically which items have sold- it is much easier to say item #321 vs. pink glass earrings with silver... 

Once you've gotten one high-quality/good reputation store in your area to sell your jewelry, it is much easier to get your foot in the door at other shops.  Often just saying, "xyz store is selling my jewelry, but I'd like to broaden my market..." will convince another shop to carry your product. 

Last, be sure to check back often to see what is selling and what is not.  Ask what they'd like you to make more of and keep them stocked with your jewelry if it is selling well.  It also never hurts to drop by unannounced to see how they are merchandising your product- how it is displayed, where it is located in the store, etc.  It also gives you the opportunity to bask in the feeling of celebrity at seeing YOUR jewelry for sale and seeing customers admiring it!  :-) 

Good luck and have fun with it!