Business and Marketing

I'd like to know if it would be practical to promote/sell pieces on more than one website--I suppose I'd also have to split the pieces between sites instead of showing them all on all sites--yes?

The benefit of selling your jewelry on established websites is their marketing power. They are able to draw more customers and prospects to their...

I'm a new jewelry designer and I was wondering about different ways to promote and sell my one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, do you have any suggestions?

A simple way is to wear your jewelry all the time. Remember that people notice jewelry often. This means you need to be bold when the situation...

I have started a home party business. I want to be able to take credit cards, how would I go about this? Someone suggested Pay Pal, I don't understand how. Need better suggestions. Thank you for your time.

Taking credit cards is a good move for any business as there are studies showing up to 70% of artisan sales are with credit cards. There are a number...

A customer wrote me a very nice thank you note recently. When I asked her if I could use it as a testimonial on my website, she said I could but she only wanted me to use her initials. When I see a testimonial without a full name they look fake, but...

Your instincts are correct that testimonials followed by initials or "a satisfied customer" don't look "real" to most people. For that reason, only...

Occasionally, someone will contact me about a piece they want to buy from my website, but say they don't like the color of one of the stones, or they want a different kind of clasp. Should I tell them the piece is "as is," or should I offer to...

Customizing a piece of jewelry is a great way to provide superior service and show prospects and customers you are eager to do what it takes to make...

When I send a piece of jewelry to a customer, I'd like to include something extra--a small gift of some kind--in the package. Any suggestions?

One of the easiest and most useful things you can include is a small jewelry polishing cloth. Even better if you can get it imprinted with your name...

What is a juried craft show?

A juried craft show is one that has a selection committee deciding which crafter gets into the show. Many times the shows are juried so that the show...

A few prospective buyers have asked me how much it cost me to make a piece that they were interested in. How should I answer that question?

Explain to the prospective customer that in addition to your cost of materials, shipping, overhead and other related expenses, your time and talent...

I am interested in selling jewelry at craft fairs and shows. I will need to have a pretty large inventory of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. What do you recommend as a good amount of inventory for a fair or show? Thank you!

I wish I had a crystal ball. It's a common question, though, and a good one. There's no real way to predict what you'll need at any given event. And...

With selling jewelry in mind, should I focus my designs into a theme or collection?

Creating themes, collections or lines are terrific for three reasons. First, a collection helps you market your work, because it gives you a ''hook''...

How do I charge for teaching how to make jewelry? I'll be carrying the products myself (beads, etc.). There isn't anyone here who teaches at all in my area. I know in Houston they do but its 2 hrs away.

The decision to teach involves more than just what to charge. You want to make sure that you have the skills to instruct effectively, are fully aware...

I have been on Etsy for a couple of weeks now, and I have included a link to it on Facebook. Are there any more strategies I can adopt to increase views to my shop?

Etsy has its own set of tools and resources for helping its members sell more, so you should definitely check out the resources and community links...

If I buy a licensed college or pro team charm and use it in a jewelry design, do I have the right to resell it?

Yes, if you purchased the charm from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads you may resell it. As I'm sure you're aware, those are highly valuable logos on...

I am new to the jewelry making business and have been interested in a business of my own since my work related accident, which forced me into early retirement. I was doing a web search for something that would help in my fixed income and I came...

It sounds like a meeting with an accountant might be a good idea before you go into business for yourself. That's because what you charge for the...

I have sold my jewelry and wire work on consignment before, with pretty good success. However, I recently spoke with a shop owner who wanted me to pay a nonrefundable consignment fee to sell my work. I'd honestly never heard this before, and I'm a...

There are no hard-and-fast rules or formulas for how various selling arrangements are created. The fact that you're feeling wary most likely...

I usually make items at my own pace and inclination. I'm thinking that selling on eBay might be the way for me to go. But I have no idea how it works. Does it cost to place items on eBay? Please help! Thanks.

Nearly all websites where a jewelry artist might sell their jewelry charge a fee, and the structure of those costs varies. Check with individual...

I've been making beaded jewelry for some time for myself and friends and family but would like to turn it into a business. How do I go about placing a value on the beads, findings, etc. that I already have from an accounting/tax standpoint? I no...

A good accountant can provide invaluable help to jewelry sellers for issues just like this one. They can help you determine how (and if) you can...

I find great inspiration from the Gallery of Designs and the Beading Instructions. Will I get in trouble if I make and sell my jewelry using inspirations from these resources?

The designs and projects featured in the Gallery of Designs and Beading Instructions are provided for creative inspiration only. Fire Mountain Gems...

I've had surprising success in making and selling jewelry, however I am still unsure how to properly price my items. I make my products well, with good quality materials and am frequently asked if I even make money at all in regards to what I...

In general, you first need to figure out the price you'd charge when selling your work to vendors, which would be the wholesale price. To determine...

I was wondering if people buy your pendants and supplies and sell them as their own? That wouldn't really be their own design, but they'd still be selling it. Is that still okay?

Many customers purchase jewelry-making supplies and finished jewelry for resale through Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®. We offer bulk packaging and...