Archive for » November, 2009 «

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 | Author: admin

Having your own jewelry business can be both exciting and rewarding, but like any business, you have to do things properly to succeed, and one of the most important things to be on top, next to finding a great jewelry wholesaler, is finding all the right accessories for your business.  Here are 5 of the most important must haves to make a true success of your business.

1.    Your Business Card is one of the first investments you should make.   Repeat customers are the lifeblood of any business, and it will be hard for customers to make subsequent connections with you if they don’t have a way to contact you.  Business cards don’t have to be expensive, and you can even make them yourself with supplies from the business supply store.  Be sure to include all important information on the card such as both cell and land lines as well as a current email address.  Consider printing a small brochure or pamphlet to describe your business and service, and include the same information there as you put on your business card.  Some people like to consider promotional items such as calendars and magnets when getting other printing done, but these things can get costly so they may be a consideration for a later date.

2.    Display cards for earrings and pendants are an absolute must to keep your pieces organized and in good shape.  Hang tags will be valuable for bracelets and other pieces that aren’t displayed on a card.

3.    Gift boxes for your jewelry are the next important item to consider.  If your jewelry wholesaler doesn’t supply these, you will have to source them at a packaging or gift-wrap wholesaler.  Be sure to consider all the sizes you need for the different pieces you sell.  If the boxes don’t come with an inner liner you will have to put that in as well.

4.    Once your customers have made a purchase, you will need take home packaging for their items.  Many jewelry sellers like to place the gift boxes into a velvet or fabric pouch of some sort.  These provide a little extra protection for the items while in transit.  Small gift bags are also a necessary investment and these can often be custom printed with your business logo for an extra personal touch.  They should be available as well from your packaging wholesaler.

5.    Something else to consider for your jewelry business is gift certificates for your shop.  Many of your customers will want to give the gift of jewelry but they like to let the recipient choose for themselves.  Gift certificates can really increase your business from clients who prefer this kind of shopping.  Like business cards, you can buy blank gift certificates for your stationery or business supply store.  These can then be filled out by hand or printed off on your computer.

So, choosing beautiful pieces to sell is only the half of it. Make sure you are well-stocked with the right supplies and your jewelry business will be a big hit!

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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 | Author: admin

It could be because of the economic crisis or due to a turning back to basics in many aspects of life, but the fact is that fashion trends, in general, are becoming simpler.  In the jewelry industry, the tendency is moving towards the fundamentals, placing an emphasis on thickness.

Big necklaces are seen as the main accessory to complement any wardrobe, as they will really enhance the look of simple and clean lines, be it during the day or night.  Bulky necklaces really transform a plain t-shirt and jeans outfit with a touch of simple and classy sophistication.

Following bold necklaces in the preference pyramid, are the audacious earrings, which sometimes become the main and only jewelry accessory, given their long, big and coated designs.  For the less intrepid, hoop earrings continue to be a classic, no matter the times or season.  Pearls and chains are other endless classics.  Women are wearing them long and in layers, or all together in a choker.

A great hit is to combine several chains of different metals and colors to create a huge impact, or wearing three or four long chains with a knot, forming a ‘Y’.  All types of metals and graphic components are a sure way to go during this fall and winter seasons.

In regards to color, red is out there to support any classic look, especially when combined with black, white, or grey outfits.  Now the rule is to mix and match, so forget about wearing just one tone, the idea is to create drama in a good way.  Black all the way is very in, also combining it with black jewelry pieces in matte and shiny styles.  For a more dazzling effect at night, wear rhinestones and they will surely convey the message in a classy way.  Clear and metallic colored crystals combined with dark metal are a total hit.

So, to be a successful jewelry business owner this season, select a jewelry wholesaler with a respectable reputation and a big selection of what’s in, so that you are not left out!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 | Author: admin

A key factor for a successful jewelry business is to know a lot about the pieces you sell, including the way in which they were created and the history behind the materials used.  All this information can prove, not only your interest and knowledge of the business, but an interesting way of pulling customers in and getting them interested in what you are offering, much more than a ring, or necklace, or pair of earrings…

This is the case of enamel pieces.  Enamel jewelry is an ancient craft that is now coming back to life in a strong way among young and modish people.  But, why is this?

In order to understand the reasons, let’s take a look at some of the history behind enamel jewelry.  It was tremendously popular in the early beginnings of commerce, when the Egyptians and what later became the Greek Empire used enamel to create jewelry pieces to enhance beauty and show status.  Later, the Roman Empire followed their lead.

Enamel jewelry relics that have been found confirm that the Greek sailors, who spent a lot of time in high seas and rocky slopes, cherished its durability.  This craft moved on to the Middle Ages, becoming a part of the lives of middle working classes and merchant people who could not afford precious metals and stones.  Enamel jewelry was popular for many centuries, until it was substituted by new and more elegant styles during the Victorian Era.

However, enamel pieces are popular again today, due to the renewed interest in New Age Spirituality and eco-friendly lifestyles that cause the tony set to be attracted towards enamel’s simple elegance.  Enamel jewelry normally incorporates natural and organic motifs that show great affinity towards the earth and its survival.

Most commonly, enamel jewelry pieces appear as brooches, pendants, rings and medallions, which although they lack the shine of precious metals, offer an affordable and interesting way of expression and set the user apart from the materialist wave that is currently swallowing the world.  Enamel jewelry lasts a long time due to the way it is created, making each piece very cost-effective in comparison to other kinds of jewelry.

Each artist gets inspiration from many different sources.  While many find their muse in New Age symbols and designs, others venture into more modern eras, making this type of jewelry very popular among people of all ages.  The themes are endless, and the creator’s creativity has the last word.

Experts recommend that when acquiring enamel jewelry, you should research the creator and its purpose, since this is an art with great meaning and strong identity.  You may even ask your jewelry wholesalers for an artistic vision statement to offer to your clients with every purchase, as a way to add more value to your pieces.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Friday, November 20th, 2009 | Author: admin

Every small business’s main challenge is to find effective and inexpensive ways to advertise their products or services, and it is not different for the retail jewelry entrepreneur.

Many entrepreneurs have discovered that even with the best product, the best distribution, the best website, and the best creativity, a product is far from reaching its peak if there is lack of personality.  Nowhere is this truer than in the jewelry business, where personal contact is a must and a decisive element is required when it comes to closing a sale.

Every jewelry business will reflect the owner’s personality directly, be it honest or deceitful, dynamic or lethargic, interesting or dull, clever or unimaginative, creative or unoriginal, strong or weak.  Your personality must be consistent throughout all of your daily activities, because the way you behave and act will reflect on your product.  You are your business’s non-stop advertisement.

At times when you were at a store or any other public place, think of the people that complimented you on your jewelry and those you gave a business card to promote your business.  What would have happened if you had been rude in some way while you were there?  Do you think those people would have talked to you and praised your product?

If you are a shy person, for example, it must be very difficult for you to step forward, introduce yourself, and start a conversation with a stranger, however, think of it as an opportunity to meet an interesting individual and to share your experiences and passions.  It is very possible that you will make a new contact by being bold and saying hi, and believe it, it gets easier after you have done it a couple of times.

Everyone has his or her good days and bad days, nevertheless, when you are the face of your business, you must learn to be constant and persevere.  In the long run, it is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better and grow from the inside out.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Thursday, November 19th, 2009 | Author: admin

As a jewelry business owner, you have a great opportunity to give added value to your customers by educating them.  There are many things you can teach them about jewelry: how to care for it, how to wear it, or the history behind a piece, stone or design. You can introduce them to a new material, or explain to them what the real value is of the pieces they are buying.  These are things that people will not normally know or consider important until someone else takes the time to teach it to them.  This is added value.

You can share your story with your customers and get them excited about owning a piece with a ‘history’, your ‘history’.  You can plan a different talk for every show or event where you present your jewelry, centering them on pieces or materials you wish to sell the most or show as special.  In the end, you will have several educative talks to share with your customers when the opportunity arises.

The key to educating your customers is knowledge.  You must know and understand your business deeply.  When you do, you feel comfortable, excited and safe talking about it.  Keep it simple and down to earth so that the message reaches your customers, if you use a lot of technical information or difficult vocabulary no one will grasp what you are trying to communicate.  The idea is to have fun doing what you do, and transmitting this enthusiasm to others through your knowledge.

Every time you show your jewelry, tell your customers something new about it, teach them something interesting, and explain why the pieces you offer are valuable, do not just say it.  You will be perceived not as your run-of-the-mill jewelry seller, but as an expert, a knowledgeable professional, and someone who cares to teach others about what they are buying.

An educated customer will trust you, will appreciate your product because he or she knows its worth, and will purchase from you over and over again.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 | Author: admin

A joint venture is the alliance between two complementary and different businesses on their way to success.  If you have something to offer the other business, you can get lots of free and valuable advertising, which is something you don’t find easily.

Consider this experience:  Mary’s husband is a painter.  He painted the walls of a coffee shop that was opening near their home and in the process, both Mary and her husband became friends with the owners.

Mary owns a small wholesale jewelry business, and a few months after the coffee shop opened, Christmas was around the corner, and she wanted to make a special jewelry event at a nice place.  Mary asked the owners if she could borrow a space at the coffee shop for her party.  She was inviting about fifty customers who wanted to buy jewelry and would love to enjoy their menu while they looked at the jewelry pieces. Mary would get a cozy space at a great location.

Of course, they accepted the offer.  The shop owners didn’t accept Mary’s offer to pay them a percentage of her earnings, and still, they all worked together to impress the attendees, who were pampered like kings and queens.  It was a huge success.

Imagine the future opportunities these two businesses will have when working together.  Generosity is a great part of a joint venture’s success.  You must give in order to receive.  The more you give, the better your opportunity to earn big.  For a small business, sales can come from many different sources and places, thus, do all you can to help.

Respect and care are also basic ingredients for a profitable joint venture.  You should love their business and they should love yours.  In the beginning, be careful with what you ask for, do not demand too much.  Keep things simple and very organized so as to not complicate your partner’s life.  Present them with ideas for the setup you will be using and respect their opinions.  Of course, they should be adding ideas too; this is not a one-way deal, and remember, it IS a deal, so, establish all the terms clearly and offer a simple contract to respect the agreement.

A joint venture, besides a profitable option, can also be a very rich personal experience for both parties.  You can earn a valuable friend for life, and the knowledge you will gain from seeing others run a successful business is invaluable.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 | Author: admin

A solid reputation is worth a million bucks.  Every jewelry business has a personality, and as it develops, it will become known and will make a name for itself… and it better be a good name.  Here are some tips to consolidate your jewelry business’s reputation:

1.    An incredible return policy
Review the type of guarantee and return policy you offer your clients.  It should show a high value for customer satisfaction, one the clients are surprised by, because it will give them confidence to buy more than once, and they will feel safe.  Don’t be afraid to open your return policy completely.  Just offer to take back any piece, at any time and for any reason, no questions asked.  A 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy will show your level of trust for your product and most surely, no one will return what they bought.

2.    Valuable incentives

Review the incentives you provide; these are a must.  Customers expect them, and they put your business in the minds of your clients. They inspire loyalty and translate into more sales.  An incentive is anything that gives added value to the client and pampers her while stimulating more purchases, or it can be simply a gift to someone who buys.  You can put some pieces on sale, for example, the “buy 2, get 3” offer, start a ‘frequent buyer’ plan, or just give an unexpected gift for big orders.

3.    Helping others
It is crucial for any business, be it in wholesale jewelry or any other type, be it big or small, to have a good will principle and image.  You can say it is karma.  Donate a part of your sales to a good cause, donate your time, volunteer for charity events, and donate some items for worthy causes.  There are many ways and opportunities to help.  And, why do this?  First, if you are blessed, and you most certainly are, so you should bless others.  Second, it feels really good to help in some way.  Thirdly, Also nice, but not as vital as the first two, it draws positive attention to your business.  And finally, donations are tax deductible.

Hopefully these tips will help you consolidate your jewelry business’s reputation and will also help you enjoy the ride in a great, happy and worthwhile way!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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Monday, November 16th, 2009 | Author: admin

Are you in the jewelry business part-time?  Would you fancy selling a couple of pieces of jewelry every day?  If your answer is yes, the secret is simple: wear your jewelry everywhere you go!

There are marketing opportunities virtually everywhere, and you will have the chance to profit from them if you are wearing some of your jewelry.  It doesn’t matter where you go, to the store, school, work, quilting class or the dentist, lots of people will see you, and if you want to boost your profits with your part-time jewelry business, make sure they always see you at your best, wearing nice clothes, your hair looking beautiful, a smile on your face, and at all times, wearing your best jewelry.  You can be sure many people will approach you to ask about it, and this is the perfect opportunity to market your business.

It is easy to sell a product once the potential customers are attracted towards it; it is just a matter of talking about its worth with enthusiasm.  You never know where your next sale can be:

- Maybe at work?  During work hours you come in contact with dozens or hundreds of people daily. There is a great chance someone will comment on the pieces you are wearing.  In meetings and office appointments you may find people who do not have the time to shop for gifts or need a custom design, and this is your chance to get them to buy from you.

- Maybe at school?  If you are studying, your classes are full of other students and teachers that could be interested in your jewelry.  Wear your pieces to club meetings, concerts, dinner parties, and other school activities.

- Maybe at the store?  Shopping with your jewelry on will attract the attention of other people at the store.

- Maybe in waiting rooms?  While waiting at the office for a doctor or dentist’s appointment, wear an incredible piece of jewelry.  You can even take a small display and make as if you’re arranging it, to prompt questions from other patients waiting.

- Maybe at church or community meetings?  These people know you and will be very open to ask and compliment you on your style.

- Maybe at family gatherings or in outings with friends?  There are no better people to pitch to than your family and friends to start selling big.  They will promote you among their friends and other family members, starting a powerful chain reaction full of possibilities.

Make sure to give your card to every person who asks about your jewelry.  If possible, include a small brochure or postcard, and make it easy for them to reach you at any time.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.paradisojewelry.com as the original source).

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