Topics: Selling, Resizing, Repair

Q.
I recently started selling jewelry. I've had a repeat customer that has bought my standard sized beaded bracelets. However, she now wants them re-sized to be smaller. Should I charge her a fee to do this? I don't want to lose money on my supplies to do this, but I don't want to lose a repeat customer.
- Stacy
A.
Repeat customers are your BEST customers. They have already shown they like your work, and marketing to them requires minimal additional cost. Although it may take some time to re-size the bracelets, consider how expensive it can be to market yourself and get new customers. Turn this into a selling opportunity by asking this loyal client if she would like to see designs in private in the future. Then, you can custom-fit new items just for her before you've finished them. Also let her know that you're interested in creating custom gifts for anyone she's shopping for. It's a great way to solidify your relationship with her and gain new customers.

- Dr. David Weiman
Dr. David Weiman is a respected expert in the field of marketing and selling handcrafted jewelry and a well-read contributor to Fire Mountain Gems and Beads "Ask the Experts". He is the author of Introduction to Marketing and Selling Jewelry, The Jewelry Selling Answer Book and The 5 Keys to Selling Handcrafted Jewelry. A free newsletter on selling handmade jewelry is available at his website: www.marketingjewelry.com.

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