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Post by fernwood on Sept 2, 2018 10:18:34 GMT -5
Some here sell exclusively online. Some sell at shows, in person. So, how do those who sell at shows market their business? My Facebook page has received a lot of support from locals within 2 hours+ of my location. Selling items through that presently. Response has been great the past month and somewhat previously. Lately, many friends have been asking me to repair their broken jewelry. They are paying a great amount for this. I recently received professional business cards which I also use for hang tags on my jewelry. On the back of each is a list of all materials used and price. My medical limitations are a hinderance for attending shows, so need to stay within 20 miles of home. Not a whole lot of opportunities out there. Wanting to make the most of those I have. Ideally, I want to get the word out when I will be at a specific show. Plan on posting on my web site where I will be. Also, considering posters promoting the show and stating I will be there. Possibly including others who will be offering their arts. Yes, this is a poster-oriented community. Word of mouth is huge here, so letting friends and associates know where I will be when. The jewelry and lapidary world is new territory for me, business wise. Granted, I have had the jewelry business for over 15 years, but only realized it, combined with lapidary would be a viable means for supplemental income recently. In the past I have co-owned both a photography business and a lawn care/landscaping/small engine repair business. Promoted those with no problem. Almost every online/print advertising source here is pretty costly. About $25.00 and up. Yes, due to lifting limitations, I do have help setting up for a show and taking down. Also, loading vehicles. Have included a copy of my business card for comments. If this is not allowed it can be removed. Specifically left off my address and phone number for security reasons. Only looking for comments, not sales. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.  New Buiness Cards 8-26 |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 2, 2018 10:31:20 GMT -5
I think I would list some stuff on Craig's List for local exposure and say where you will be. You can shout on the next door app, too. That's local. Some radio talk shows will mention local shows, too. How about church bazaar?
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 2, 2018 16:19:27 GMT -5
There are numerous Facebook sites that you can sell on so you are not limited to your own Facebook page. This will give you more exposure and when shows you are going to be at come up post the show place and date and say "I will be at booth ______, stop by and say hi".
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minerken
Cave Dweller 
Member since August 2013
Posts: 466 
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Post by minerken on Sept 2, 2018 16:28:32 GMT -5
around here we have virtual yard sales that are a facebook thing may also reach out past your local community no costs for posting or sales.
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 2, 2018 16:41:07 GMT -5
Full disclosure: I'm not trying to supplement my income. Just offset some of what I spend on tools, material, equipment, etc. Also, I'm not doing top quality $100+ fashion items.
I set up a Facebook page a few months ago. Lots of "likes" on the items I post, but very few sales. I use it mainly as free advertising.
Craft shows aren't working well for me, either. After subtracting the fee for the space, I barely make enough to justify the time I spend there along with setup/teardown. Have never taken in enough to also cover the time spent making the items. Some of the problem might be that I'm only doing small local events while I get my feet wet. I'm probably going to try some larger events and festivals next year.
Nearly all my sales have been wholesale to local hippy/artisan retail stores. Less money per item, but all I need to do is gather up a bunch of stuff, drive down the hill, sell it, cash the check and drive back up the hill.
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Post by fernwood on Sept 3, 2018 7:21:37 GMT -5
I have tried selling at shows four times so far. Once was at a street sale for a local festival. There were several costume jewelry booths there. Did sell some things to those who were looking for higher end items. Was back the next year with a partner. We both sold more than the previous year.
Once was at another local event. Did pretty good there, but over 12,000 people went through during the 3 days.
The other one was a very small pop up event for an organization I am a member of. Very few people attended, so minimal sales. Trying there again in a month. The organization is larger now and I am on the committee that plans/promotes/schedules events.
Very few opportunities for wholesale here. Most places are on consignment. Their fees make it impossible for me to even break even.
Will look into other online opportunities. Tried Craigs List in the past. Only had scammers show interest. Yes, there are some local for sale Facebook pages for no cost.
My Facebook page is generating a lot of interest. Had some sales there. More requests for custom pieces, which I prefer over pre-made items.
The closer it gets to Christmas, the more opportunities there will be for local shows. My biggest problem is doing shows when I have a work schedule that includes most Saturday nights. No time to take down the booth and get to work. It would be very tough for me to do a show during the say and work that night. Too new of an employee to ask for much time off.
I have donated items to several local non profits for their fund raising. That has been a great way to help establish my business and earn credibility.
Appreciate all the suggestions.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2018 14:21:29 GMT -5
Don't forget traditional publicity. I would suggest doing a press release one or two times each year and distributing it online and/or by mail to local newspapers, radio shows, arts &crafts websites/newsletters, newsletters of any organizations of which you are a member, local television news and similar. You'd be surprised at how hungry their writers are for local interest material. Announce something newsworthy (an event at which you'll be showing, your latest line of designs, etc.) and follow it up with an overview of your background and how you got into gem rocks, plus links to your selling site, FB or wherever their readers/listeners can go to see your products. There is a nice breakdown of how to construct your press release at this website. Just be aware that you want to save their editors as much work as possible (many of them will quote your press release just as you've written it, and some may even have a reporter contact you for more information if they want to give you more coverage). Put your most important points at the beginning of the body of your text, and end with your phone number and email address so that they can contact you if they need more info. It doesn't hurt to include links to photos of your work or event - they love photos just as much as we do. Did anyone mention art galleries? Many of those around here will take jewelry and rock sculpture pieces on consignment, which might be another avenue worth exploring. They, too, like to have a good local story on hand to talk up a sale to their customers. If you get some pieces into a gallery, definitely do a press release on that, too. |
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Post by fernwood on Sept 3, 2018 15:02:18 GMT -5
Don't forget traditional publicity. I would suggest doing a press release one or two times each year and distributing it online and/or by mail to local newspapers, radio shows, arts &crafts websites/newsletters, newsletters of any organizations of which you are a member, local television news and similar. You'd be surprised at how hungry their writers are for local interest material. Announce something newsworthy (an event at which you'll be showing, your latest line of designs, etc.) and follow it up with an overview of your background and how you got into gem rocks, plus links to your selling site, FB or wherever their readers/listeners can go to see your products. There is a nice breakdown of how to construct your press release at this website. Just be aware that you want to save their editors as much work as possible (many of them will quote your press release just as you've written it, and some may even have a reporter contact you for more information if they want to give you more coverage). Put your most important points at the beginning of the body of your text, and end with your phone number and email address so that they can contact you if they need more info. It doesn't hurt to include links to photos of your work or event - they love photos just as much as we do. Did anyone mention art galleries? Many of those around here will take jewelry and rock sculpture pieces on consignment, which might be another avenue worth exploring. They, too, like to have a good local story on hand to talk up a sale to their customers. If you get some pieces into a gallery, definitely do a press release on that, too. Thanks. After reading your post, a lot of great ideas came to mind that will not only promote my business, but the non profits hosting the shows. My daughter is an expert at writing APA style press releases. I had been toying with the idea. There is a chance for me to be on TV to promote both. I am waiting to apply to be a member of several local art galleries. Want to apply once I get the needed metal smithing materials. Mot galleries here are just by application. Exhibiting members must donate a certain amount of time per month to staff the gallery. There is a membership fee of several hundred per year. But, members are allowed 1-2 exhibitions/receptions per year highlighting their works. Thanks. |
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 3, 2018 19:51:52 GMT -5
I do market place on F/B .. It's been fair ...
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