jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2014 9:59:41 GMT -5
Does it make sense....
To make a lot of cheaper $50 dollar pieces quickly that may sell to a down economy(quicker)
To make jewelry out of repurposed material(it's vogue)
To cater to a younger money earning group and make jewelry that meets their whims
To use alternate materials
To deviate from traditional styles and processes
To tell a story about the way you made your pieces and what they are made of
To delve into as many style categories as you find your self comfortable with to touch more buyers
To study leading edge styles on Etsy and other sites to get ideas and see what is selling
To avoid silver due to it's cost and skill levels
ETC.
I think people should research such angles as they start into the jewelry business and think long and hard about what their niche is. The above set of bullets are exactly what has worked for me. With a production/industrial background. I see people making a lot of money on a broad range jewelry. Seems like serious thought and planning is a minimum. The list above is a lot of reasons to give me confidence in my market. Helps w/sales and contentment at the work station.
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Jan 12, 2014 10:06:09 GMT -5
James excellent post for those taking the "hobby" to the next level. Good list of bullets to ponder. Cheers
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2014 10:22:51 GMT -5
I plan. Can't take a step w/out plans. Just works for my autism haha. But i do see a lack of discussion on planning.
May the plan set you free. Then attack with great desire and motivation.
Make some jewelry and take it to a boutique or list it on the net. See what happens.
May have to redo 'The Plan'....
Thanks bsky4463
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Post by 1dave on Jan 12, 2014 12:03:06 GMT -5
Consider a can of corn in a grocery store. Sometimes a hundred of them are sold in an hour. The store owner gets rich with a very low markup because of volume sales.
Now consider a BIG diamond in a jewelry store. It may sit there for 20 years before being sold.
KEYSTONE. Sell for twice what it cost you. Some jewelry stores operate on a triple keystone to survive, but the higher the price, the slower the sales.
At my first rock show as a dealer, I made most of my money on small chips of variscite at 25 cents each! Most of my expensive stuff was still there at the end of the show, where everyone was drastically cutting their prices so they didn't have to haul it all home again.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2014 12:12:33 GMT -5
Tell it Dave. A fellow i knew that did rock shows kept a bowl of small tumbles to attract kids. Little periwinkles.
Along came the parents.....
This day people buy more inexpensive. Trend may be here to stay a while.
Gotta mark your stuff up, be bold.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 12, 2014 12:42:18 GMT -5
jamesp those are good points to ponder. I think you could probably add about a dozen more... there's lots to think about.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2014 13:18:43 GMT -5
Yes Tela. I tried to learn by listening and looking. Learned about rejection too. Some boutiques would frown on your stuff. Some not. They are not shy to let you know their feelings. All is good.
The ones that invite you in make it worth it. A lot of skilled people do not put much effort in marketing. Once you get a name/base you got it going on. A few shops have kept me out there. I do not pursue enough. Some people buy stuff because it has a name... Just the little toe hold i have kept lets me know that i may have potential if i broadened out.
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Post by Pat on Jan 12, 2014 14:24:43 GMT -5
jamesp lots of things to consider if you want to make it a business. I want to keep it at the hobby level, so I make only what I would wear unless a friend requests something in a different metal or stone. I also do special requests from friends/family. I'd emphasize telling a story, and add good photos.
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Post by 1dave on Jan 12, 2014 14:38:15 GMT -5
Know your customer.
If you are aiming at people getting married you will be doing something very different than for teenagers.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2014 14:46:12 GMT -5
jamesp lots of things to consider if you want to make it a business. I want to keep it at the hobby level, so I make only what I would wear unless a friend requests something in a different metal or stone. I also do special requests from friends/family. I'd emphasize telling a story, and add good photos. Yes. It gets more complicated and less fun. Lest you are rolling in cash !!
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