How to Sell Jewelry as a Sideline Job
During tough times, people get more creative in order to earn extra income. Some people resort to starting their own business in the fear of losing their job. However, others look for an opportunity to pursue what they've always dreamed of--turning their hobby into a money-making endeavor. In addition, moonlighting in jewelry sales has become more popular over the last decade. With the help of the Internet, starting your own business is affordable and less time-intensive.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Jewelry-making supplies
- Pen
- Paper
- Color and drawing media for design
- Photo equipment or photographer
- Web designer
Instructions
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Decide if online selling is right for you. Entrepreneurs claim that selling jewelry online is simpler than opening up a physical store or knocking on people's doors with a bag full of samples. Online retail sales also entail less expense and are more manageable for a budding business owner. However, there's still a need for thoughtful business management, customer service and technical skill. If you have these qualities or are willing to learn, online jewelry sales are a viable option.
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Browse through popular websites to set up a store. Etsy, eCrater and Ruby Lane are some examples of marketplace websites where starting entrepreneurs are able to launch their businesses without much capital. Among all three, Etsy is the most popular one, and is a well-known platform for selling handmade or customized pieces. The Etsy blog also documents several motivation-boosting stories of entrepreneurs who quit their full-time job because of the increasing demands of their Etsy business.
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Plan your jewelry's theme and look. There are a lot of options in materials and styles. Design with your target client in mind, and stay consistent. You need to come up with something unique that's high quality and salable. The items you're selling need to stand out among those already available on the market.
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Compile a market study of your own. Figure out who would be interested in the type of jewelry you'll be selling. By knowing in advance who your target audience is, it's simpler to plan your marketing approach. Contemporary designs may not appeal to senior women, while pearls might be of less interest to college students. Start your research in the marketplaces mentioned above to see what's popular, trendy, or passe.
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Take sharp, well-lit photos that show off your merchandise. Regardless of the selling method, crisp photographs are necessary. Post them online on a photo-sharing website such as Flickr, or use them to sell your designs at your workplace or other event. Hiring a professional photographer is ideal, but a photography student from a local arts college is more affordable for a limited marketing budget.
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Formulate a plan to reach out to your target market. Social networking sites are useful for building up business and are usually free. In addition, launch your own website in addition to a hosted storefront. Look online for a freelance graphic designer and web designer, or advertise for one at your local college or arts school. A blog is also a valuable and cheap marketing tool.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit jewelry image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
