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Local Business  » Starting a Jewelry Business? Home parties are a great way to

Starting a Jewelry Business? Home parties are a great way to

Article:

Home parties have been used successfully to sell everything from

cookware to naughty nighties; most of these small businesses are

part of a large, organized national franchise, but the home

party concept is also a perfect way for local crafters to market

their wares.

If you'd like to try home parties, you need a plan. First, take

a look at your inventory of jewelry; do you have enough pieces,

in a large enough variety, to hold a party? Think about having

coordinating pieces - necklace or pendant, earrings, rings, and

bracelets, in five or six different designs. Have enough pieces

of each so that you can sell the items individually or in sets.

Once you've decided what you want to sell and how many items you

to need to have for sale, set a timeline for yourself, based on

how long it will take you to craft the items, and then schedule

your first party. If you have a friend, family member, or

coworker willing to host a party for you, that's great.

Otherwise, put up flyers, along with copies of your business

card, and send a press release to your local paper.

Fill your hostess in on how you plan to run the party, and make

sure she lets her guests know that you plan to have the items

for sale at the party. You may want to discuss her

responsibilities; most home parties have light refreshments, and

she'll need enough seating for all her guests, plus a clear

tabletop for you to use as a display area.

During the party, make sure your jewelry is displayed

attractively, and have inexpensive but attractive door prizes so

that guests have an opportunity to win a small handcrafted item.

It might be enough for you to display your work, but think about

working up a presentation for each collection, and show it

around to guests. Another good idea is to display a portfolio of

high quality, color photos of more complex, expensive gifts for

special ordering. And don't forget to collect the names of

guests who are interested in hosting a jewelry party of their

own!

You'll want to reward your hostess for having the party, so be

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sure you have a thank-you gift. You may want to allow the

hostess to choose her favorite piece from your jewelry

collection, or you may design a graduated gift selection, with

the hostess gift based on the amount of money you make at the

party.

If you know other crafters, consider offering to sell their

craft items at the party for a commission. You may even want to

create a small home party cooperative with several crafters, so

you can each sell your own crafts and collect a commission on

everyone else's work.

Certainly more traditional selling venues - flea markets and

craft fairs, gift shops, even eBay - should also be pursued, but

giving a series of home jewelry parties is a great way to

connect with enthusiastic customers and possibly develop a real following for

your jewelry.

About the author:

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern

New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and

Topics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.