How to Sell Handmade Jewelry at Home Parties

In order to successfully make a living by selling handmade jewelry, you must be extremely creative in designing your product. The great thing about creating your own jewelry is that you can buy your supplies at craft stores and supply catalogs, and you do not need to spend an enormous amount of money before you begin to sell your products. But when the time does come to sell your product, one of the best ways to do so is to organize a home party during which you can sell your jewelry.

Things You'll Need

• Jewelry
• Large tackle box
• Business cards
• Flyers
• Black cloth
• Folding card table

Instructions

1. Visit your local hobby and craft store. Browse through the jewelry books and magazines and purchase one or two in order to get ideas. Start out by buying the tools that you will need, such as a jewelry wire, elastic cord, wire cutters, threading tools (for small beading projects), as well as a large tackle box to store and organize your supplies. Browse through the beading section and purchase beads and jewelry novelties that are unique in shape and color.

2. Create jewelry. The process of making jewelry is a matter of bending wire and adding embellishments. However, it is the creativity aspect that you will need inspiration for. As a rule of thumb, never create the same thing twice unless it is requested by a customer. Your customers will want to attend the parties to buy unique jewelry, not items that are assembled in bulk.

3. Find a cute name for your new business. Create business cards and flyers. Prior to your first party, you will need to purchase order forms and sales receipts. At the debut party, invite several friends over to your home and offer special gifts and discounts to guests who will book a show.

4. Use different sizes of small boxes to stack at various heights for presentation. Drape a large piece of black material over a folding table to act as a floor-length tablecloth. Use different sizes of small cardboard boxes, stack the boxes at different heights and cover them with another piece of matching black cloth. You can also purchase acrylic jewelry displays at the hobby and craft store or through a jewelry supply catalog.

5. Provide packaging. Unlike other home parties, your guests will be able to purchase their jewelry selection and take it home that day. Therefore, you will need to have a supply of jewelry gift boxes and cute gift bags on hand. Be sure to place a business card into each gift bag.

6. Send thank-you cards to your hostess and each party guest after the party is over, even if they did not make a purchase. Send out occasional promotional emails or flyers to your customers in an effort to build repeating customers. If you treat your customers as your friends, you will create a bond that will make them want to buy more jewelry from you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative with party themes and promotional ideas. Keep your customers excited about your jewelry creations.

• It is important to have an ample supply of jewelry in stock for customers who would like to see more of your creations.

• Prior to your hosting your first show, contact your local courthouse to inquire about needing a special sales permit or license.

• Do not pester people if they seem uninterested.