How to Start a Direct Sales Jewelry Business
Jewelry is a popular item for gift-giving and personal use. This is why selling jewelry direct can be an easy path to business ownership. For the jewelry crafting hobbyist, selling your work is also a practical progression. The appreciation and income you earn from selling your work can add an extra fulfillment to an activity you already love.
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Things You'll Need
- Business license
- Federal tax identification number (EIN)
- Jewelry
- Computer with Internet connection (optional)
- Digital camera (optional)
Instructions
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Choose a business name. It should be a name that has an available Internet domain. Even if you do not plan to sell your jewelry online, the popularity of the Internet makes an Internet presence a marketing requirement. Use the WHOIS online search tool to check for domain availability. Be sure the name has the ".com" available; most people associate this extension with a legal business and it is the first extension they use to search for you online. Searching the domain will also give you an idea of what other businesses may have the same name; you don't want to share a common business name with a business that also sells jewelry. Once you pick a name, purchase the domain immediately.
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Obtain a business license and file your DBA (doing business as) paperwork. Where you file these forms and filing costs varies by location. Contact your local chamber of commerce or your state's business administration department to determine exact details for your area. After filing these forms, open a business checking account. You must have your DBA certificate to open the account in your business name. You are not legally required to have a business checking account, but it is recommended by the IRS. Finally, apply for a Federal Tax Identification Number (also known as a Tax ID or EIN). This number is required by most suppliers if you wish to purchase supplies (or jewelry) at wholesale prices.
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Determine where you intend to sell your jewelry. You can sell online by creating or purchasing a simple website and uploading photos of your jewelry. You can also sell on consignment in existing boutiques and retail stores, host home parties, and/or open your own retail store. You can sell handmade jewelry at artist markets, craft fairs, and on websites such as Etsy or Art Fire. Deciding where you will sell your jewelry also helps you decide the types of jewelry you want to purchase and pricing.
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Obtain your initial jewelry inventory. If you make jewelry, design an initial number of unique pieces to start or create a set of designs that you intend to reproduce. Other options include subcontracting the design and crafting of the jewelry out to someone else, or purchasing wholesale jewelry. An Internet search on the term "wholesale jewelry" will help you locate suppliers.
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Create or purchase marketing material, including business cards and a sales brochure or catalog featuring photos of your jewelry. Include all pertinent contact information---don't forget to include your website address! Now you're ready to sell.
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