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Own a Bead Store? Here are 5 Tips to Boost Sales!
printer friendly versionOwn a Bead Store? Here are 5 Tips to Boost Sales!
Photos courtesy of Vegas Beads
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' online Ask the Experts brings you tips and information from jewelry-industry professionals. Questions and answers on jewelry-making are posted daily, so be sure to check out this valuable online resource.
''How do I increase customers and sell more products in my bead store?'' is a frequently asked question at Ask the Experts. We posed this to David Weiman, Ask the Experts' jewelry marketing and sales contributor, to see what he has to share. Here are 5 tips to boost your bead sales:
- Kids love beads! Make sure you have a special section of materials for children. Classes for just kids or kids and parents make for extra sales, and great public relations opportunities.
- Make jewelry in the window. The most successful jewelry store near me has someone making jewelry not in the back, but right in the front window! You'd be amazed at how many people stop to watch, see something in the displays they like and go in to buy!
- Sponsor an event. Charities often hold runs, walks and other outdoor events in the summer and fall. Check your local charities to see what's coming up, and take advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Offer pieces of your jewelry as prizes, or offer to be the official starting place or ending location of the event.
- Show how it's made. Small DVD players are very affordable now. Tape yourself making various pieces. Then, burn a DVD that you can show in the shop on a portable player (so you can move it around). You can use those same videos online if you have a website. Also, be sure to take advantage of the free online videos. By showing these videos, offering the products used in the video, and being available to support your customers' questions, you combine the education and support your customers will come to trust.
- Create a place to "hang out." Make room in your store for socializing. Keep coffee and tea available and provide a place for two people to sit and talk. Creating a comfortable and inviting space for people to spend time in your store will increase their comfort and desire to return again and again.
About the Author: Dr. David Weiman, "the Jewelry Marketing Doctor," is a psychologist and internationally-known expert on marketing and selling handmade jewelry. He is also the resident jewelry selling expert for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Ask the Experts online Q and A series. His new book, 101 More Great Jewelry Selling Techniques, is available at www.MarketingJewelry.com where you can also sign up for his free "Jewelry Seller" e-newsletter. His is also the author of the Introduction to Marketing and Selling Jewelry CD and workbook program.
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