What to make?
The first question to ask yourself when you are
considering starting your own jewelry business is what to make? Now
chances are you are already making lots of different things (after all, that’s how most of us get started; by making WAY too much jewelry for
ourselves) But there are some things you might want to think about when
choosing what you will make to sell.
1.
What do you enjoy making? Maybe the most important thing, and of course
it will change all the time. In the mood to crank out a bunch of
earrings? Then do it! Feeling inspired about a new line of necklaces?
Make them now! Of course there will always be orders that have to be
filled, but when you have the chance, follow your inspiration. It will
lead to fresh ideas and new creative heights.
2. Quick and easy? Or high end and one of a kind?
Now odds are you might do both of these things but some people (myself
included) like to sit down and make 20 pairs of earrings that are all
the same style in different colors. I know others who can’t stand making
two of the same style earrings, they just get bored. So think about how
you work and that might tell you if you will be doing a line of jewelry
available in a few styles and ten different colors or if everything you
make will be your signature style but OOAK. Of course something one of a
kind might take longer to make, which brings us to the next point.
3. Price vs. Time
If you are spending hours on one piece you need to be able to sell it
for enough money to pay yourself for the time and materials you put into
it. So think about where you will be selling it and if someone will be
willing and able to pay $300 for that spectacular piece. Ideally you
want something that doesn’t take more time to make than what you can
reasonably sell it for. In other words don’t spend six hours on
something that someone will want to pay $20 for. Under pricing and not
valuing your own time are common mistakes when first starting out.
4. Consider your market:
Who is going to be buying your jewelry? This touches on something we
will go into later which is where to sell your jewelry. If your are
selling at a craft fair that will be attended mostly by people in their
20’s you might sell totally different items than you would if your
jewelry is in a high-end salon with a clientele mostly in their 40’s .
You have to think about what price point the people in your market will
be comfortable spending on earrings or a necklace, and what style will
appeal to them.
5. What do people compliment you on?
If you are already making and wearing your jewelry around town or to
work, chances are you’ve already been getting compliments or co-workers
asking you to make something for them. So take note of what they are
drawn to and very likely it will sell well too.