How to Build Successful Handcrafted Jewelry Business

Colorful Feather Copper Cuff Bracelets

Best Ways to Build a Successful Handmade jewellery Business

How to build a successful handcrafted jewelry business;

First of all, let me say that we have been making handmade jewelry for over 35 years. We have had a store, sold at craft shows, mall shows, wholesale gift shows, and have a website. We have sold at retail, on consignment, and wholesale directly to stores; orders are taken by sales reps, jobbers, and distributors, as well as online. We have started with nothing and built our artisan jewellery business one step at a time. To those people who think they are able to jump right to the top of the ladder, you need to crawl before you run a marathon.

Every business needs a solid foundation and must be gradually built to achieve success. Very few have the financial means to start at the retail level. Trade shows are expensive, require a large selection, and need professional-looking displays, so they are not something for those just starting out. Handmade jewellery for women is a popular accessory that can be worn personally or given as a special gift.

Hummingbird Wire Bracelets, Colorful Animal Jewelry
Wire jewelry, hummingbird bracelets, handmade in a colourful design

How to build a successful business. You could work with many different materials to make different designs. There is a lot of competition. So you’ll have to work hard if you want to get your business noticed.  You do not have to be overwhelmed by the thought of competition and starting your business. Once you start making your jewelry in your own niche and determine your target customers, things will fall into place.

Cut Out Copper Feather Bracelets
Copper feather bracelets handmade in feather artwork with striking colours.

That said, craft shows are the best way to build an enduring business. Local shows tend to be less expensive and are a good way to get those first sales. You will perfect your booth display and learn what customers actually want. You will gain the experience needed to move on to the next step on the ladder. Figure out how to create designs that stand out from your competitors’ designs.

Alaska Native Eagle Feather Earrings
Copper Feather Earrings Created in NW Native Haida Design

I’d like you to come up with a catchy, handcrafted jewellery business name that reflects your jewellery style and creativity and also attracts your target customers. Eventually, you will need to travel to juried arts and crafts shows. The best shows attract tens of thousands of customers and are difficult to get into, especially for handmade jewelry artisans, but are well worth the effort once you are ready. Displays need to draw attention to your booth, and you should have something for everyone—across different price ranges and styles — so that no matter where you are, your sales will be strong.

Native American Dangle Buffalo Earrings
Native Buffalo Earrings Handcrafted in Colourful Design

Along the way, you will likely run into some store owners who would like to buy your work to sell in their stores. Have a wholesale price in mind when you are pricing for your retail sales. Also, whenever you are travelling, have samples ready to show to stores and galleries on the way. Sometimes it isn’t easy to get up the courage to go into a shop and sell your work, but it will become second nature. If the manager or owner is not there, be sure to get their contact information and call them later.

Cardinal Rings
Adjustable Cardinal Rings Handmade From Copper

Once you have a solid cash flow established for your jewelry business and a great selection of designs, you will be able to venture into trade shows with confidence. Craft shows that focus on handmade jewelry gifts are the best, but most shows also have a handmade section. Wholesale gift shows are the mainstay of our business. Major shows attract qualified buyers from across the country and internationally.

Charming Rose Earrings
Flower Earrings Handmade from Copper in a Colorful Roses Design

Internet sales, whether your own website or an online marketplace, are easily set up with little expense, but success online requires a great deal of time dedicated to social networking. We consider our website an online catalogue to make our customers’ ordering easier, and as such, it is terrific. Every day, we get inquiries from all over the world that would never have been possible before the internet. It takes time to get noticed in such a competitive market, but once established, it can be very successful.

Almond Blossom Bracelets From Van Gogh Painting
Van Gogh Almond Blossoms Bracelet

Be positive and don’t get discouraged or frustrated. The business can be demanding at times, but it can also make all your dreams come true. It is a great creative outlet and a way to bring in some extra money when you are first starting. Over time, you will be able to expand your business to meet your needs. It takes time to build a successful jewelry business. Be patient, as there is no overnight success after you open your best online handmade jewellery shop.

Copper Reflections is a family-owned company specializing in designing and manufacturing unique copper gift items and handmade jewellery. We have been working in our craft since 1985, and we are the only ones doing this type of work. The designs and techniques we have developed over the years are unique to us.

Water Lily Pond by Monet Inspired Handmade Bracelets
Monet’s Water Lily Pond Bracelet

We have been established as a wholesale supplier in Canada and the United States for over 35 years. We have distributors in the US and Canada. So that you know, we can be contacted online.  Please visit our website to see all of our jewellery and unique gift ideas.

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