Wire Jewelry Forum: Jewelry Artists Competition

by Narlene Allen, Wire-Sculpture.com

Wire Jewelry Inspiration for

June 12, 2013

Fierce Competition!

Today’s post is going to be more of a discussion topic – so join in the conversation! We love to hear from our readers!

As an artist, you are an individual, right? You’re one of a kind, just like the pieces that you create!

Discussion Topics:

• When you create a piece, do you envision who might purchase it?
• If your pieces are so special, what makes your jewelry so much more special than anything offered for sale by your competition?
• Do you feel direct competition with big box sellers or with other jewelry artists?
  

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42 Comments

1. 

   Mary Phillips

   June 12, 2013 at 6:00 am

   As a jewelry store on Etsy, I feel like I get lost. I thought it was just me until I looked at the top 20 jewelry sellers on Etsy and realized they were mostly mass produced junk jewelry priced $10 or less. So I’ve been working on setting up a shop on a site that only sells handmade. Etsy is going for the eBay format and I believe, although I’ll probably keep my shop there due to all the promo I’ve put into it, there are much better places to sell online for me. I think competition is good as long as it’s apples to apples.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     June 12, 2013 at 1:01 pm

     I agree, competition is great, as long as it applies! Thanks for your comments and good luck with your ventures!
   • 

     Dorothy

     June 12, 2013 at 2:26 pm

     Mary, just checked out your shop and handmade jewelry on Etsy. It’s very lovely and I like the variety of styles. Know what you mean about getting lost there. There is so much underpriced jewelry and makes it hard to compete.
     • 

       Amy

       June 16, 2013 at 9:52 am

       Amen Dorothy and Mary! I love making and selling my jewelry, and Etsy is a wonderful website, don’t get me wrong; it just creates a feeling of “getting lost in the mix” sometimes. At first I thought I was “imagining” this (aka lack of confidence, but now, I don’t think so). But my love and obsession for creating jewelry now far outweighs that feeling, because I’ve finally realized that there’s room for everyone-there are so many tastes and styles out there, that anyone can find their “niche”… :)and I’ve found that with me, being good at making a lot of different styles isn’t as good as being great at making just a few different styles. The icing on the cake is when you have someone buy the jewelry off of you while you’re wearing it! good luck to all- <3
   • 

     Jay Helwig

     June 13, 2013 at 7:43 am

     Hello Mary: I feel the same about Etsy….your lost. I create gemstone and wired crafted necklaces mostly. I start to tidy up my work space not knowing where it will lead (daily). So it is very exciting. Hence I have a large number of peices of beauty. I supply a local boutique, but would like to have another sales outlet. Could you supply me with the other places to sell on line, please.
     I’m doing an art show this weekend and I feel people will come, expecting to buy “art”. Therefore have more money with them, than they would take to a craft show. Both have merit. But lately sales at the craft show have been close to nil. Yet everyone likes my creations, but did’nt expect to see my work at a craft show. So hoping the future will be brighter.
     Thank you Mary for your time…
     • 

       Deb

       June 15, 2013 at 6:04 am

       Hi All! I just recently opened an Etsy shop. Only a little over 10 fingers worth of stuff out there so far, but more to go. I signed up for their “marketing” too, though the lowest choice for now. Next to no hits. They even ran a promotion for New Shops and my stuff wasn’t even on it! So disappointed.

       Anyway, Jay, I just experienced the same at a craft fair. Everyone loved my stuff, said it was the best at the craft fair, but I had only 4 piddly little sales. Doing another on July 4th and crossing my fingers it does better. But, I am really wondering if Craft Fairs are the right venue too as everyone seemed to be going to the Flea Market tables (that did Great). Jewelry seems to be viewed as an “extra” as opposed to a necessity and people don’t seem to be spending as much on it. Yet, watching those shopping channels and the sell-outs all the time, you wouldn’t know it.
2. 

   Judy

   June 12, 2013 at 6:01 am

   HI! I never feel competitive with other artists. I love to share my ideas and feel there’s a love for the art with everyone I talk to. I never make my jewelry with anyone in mind…I just let me creativity take it’s course. what I create is special to me, I designed it and created it, I feel good about that!
3. 

   Gail Chambers

   June 12, 2013 at 6:49 am

   I am a wire wrapper and weaver, and when I start a a piece I focus on letting the wire dictate to me what it will become. The only time I think about the customer I am creating for is when I’m sizing, like a bracelet or ring.

   As an artist, I strive to be unique, unlike others in the marketplace. At first it was hard to come up with a workable and different style, but now that I have, I try to remain faithful to that style. I also pay attention to detail. I tuck all the ends and finish them off and design to make my jewelry items comfortable to wear…not just pretty.

   I don’t consider myself any more special than other wire artists that have developed their own style. We are all artists and express ourselves through our art.

   When I first starting doing shows, I did craft shows. At those events, artistic items are usually compared price wise to what a customer can get at a store. Most visitors are looking for a great piece at a great price. Since then, I work at getting into galleries and/or doing shows that are juried and work more with artists.

   I think the key to success in the art industry is to believe you are an artist and approach your business as such. You need to believe in your creativity, no matter what level you are at. Even though I, personally, work on projects at an advanced level, I don’t consider myself an “expert.” There is always more to be learned.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     June 12, 2013 at 1:05 pm

     Thank you Gail! It sounds like you’re on a great road to creating wonderful pieces.
4. 

   Debi Woods

   June 12, 2013 at 6:54 am

   Good morning to all at wire sculpture…
   Most of the jewelry I make is Native American, but with a modern twist, or old style native jewelry.
   My modern day jewelry sometimes is different.
   So do I feel like there is competition, yes… but mostly on my modern day jewelry, and I guess some with my native jewelry.
   There is some of the most talented artisans out there that there is no way I could compete with them, but then again, a lot of my work is different, so I do not feel threatened.
   The sad thing for most of us, is that there is so many people making jewelry today, that no one buys, when they can make there own.
   I have a online store, had lots of sales, then had to change screen names last year, lost my number of sales, all my contacts… ( did not keep a paper trail)… which I now do…, and it is like starting all over again. NO one wants to buy from someone with low sales.
   I stand behind my work, and I do my very best to please the customer… whom ever they may be.
   Wishing many sales to everyone…
5. 

   Frances Lediaev

   June 12, 2013 at 8:30 am

   When I am creating a piece my first thought is how I can sculpt the wire to complement the stone. I use the basic steps I’ve learned and then try to push myself to add to the designs. I occasionally make a piece for a particular age group, such as teenagers, since they are more than willing to let me know what they are looking for! I do not feel any competetion from other jewelry artists and definitely not big box sellers. I have never came across another wire sculpturer who makes rings and bracelets or earrings. I have mostly seen simple wire wrapped pendants in my area of the country. My way of sculpting has it’s own unique style that really make my pieces one-of-a-kind. I like to make sure my customers feel they will stand out from the crowd when they wear my jewelry pieces.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     June 14, 2013 at 10:04 am

     Frances,
     What part of the country are you currently located in? We are always looks for new artists,so feel free to submit any photos of your pieces. Good luck to you!
     • 

       Frances Lediaev

       June 19, 2013 at 8:19 am

       Hi Narlene,

       I live in Fresno, CA. Be glad to show you my work. Where should I submit photos? This blog does not allow uploading. You also can see my pieces at http://www.artwirejewelery.com
       • 

         Narlene Allen

         June 19, 2013 at 9:08 am

         Frances,

         Thanks for the information! If you’d like to submit some ideas, there is a Click Here link toward the top of this page, above the social share icons, where you can submit ideas and you will also be able to upload photos as well. We would always be interested in new and amazing pieces!
6. 

   Joan Kraus

   June 12, 2013 at 8:41 am

   I do get frustrated at the proliferation of cheaply made jewelry. It makes my jewelry, made with better quality components, look overpriced. The catalog suppliers are following the trend with more and more cheap components… I find it harder and harder to locate quality beads.
7. 

   Judy Champa

   June 12, 2013 at 9:15 am

   As far as the “Big Box Stores”. I really don’t worry too much about them, because the clients that purchase from me want something that is one-of-a-kind. In most cases, I do not reproduce my creations. I have the belief that everyone has a right to have something that is distinctively theirs, something that no one else in the world has. And the “big box stores” have “stuff”.

   And, yes, I am always watching what other artists are making. And what the customers that purchase from them are buying. If I am making lots of formal jewelry and notice that everyone is purchasing more fun, free-form type pieces, I begin to change my designs to something that can be worn with more informal wear, things that can be worn to work AND can be worn with jeans or shorts. I am constantly re-inventing the styles I make to what the purchasing public demands. That’s the only way for me to stay in business. If I make the same type jewelry over and over, even my current clientelle will loose interest in what I am doing.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     June 14, 2013 at 10:06 am

     Judy, Great insight! Thank you for sharing!
8. 

   Rhonda Rogers

   June 12, 2013 at 9:26 am

   The first time I participated in a “arts faire” I did fantastic, sales wise. The next year my jewelry ideas were for sale at another booth. This has happened just about every year. One year, I had a young lady come to me booth and take pictures of my displays. She didn’t ask permission, just took her pictures and left.er But on the upside I have customers who come ev
   • 

     Frances Lediaev

     June 19, 2013 at 8:22 am

     Rhonda,
     I had the same thing happen to me! A lady said she was taking photos for the event and I found out she just wanted to show her sister! You just need to develop your own style and then no one can duplicate it because it is an art form and no two styles are exactly alike.
9. 

   Jeanette Salazar

   June 12, 2013 at 9:28 am

   Hello everyone on Wire Sculpture.com I’m new at makeing wire jewelry, and I’ve entered a couple of shows and so far I love it. And NO I don’t feel like im less an artist or I don’t feel infearrior of other sellers, because like you said everyone has different jewelry designs than mine. I love to see the jewelry from different designers and I accually buy some jewelry from other sellers because they are so beautiful. I feel that everyone can learn from one another.
   • 

     Narlene Allen

     June 14, 2013 at 10:07 am

     Agreed! We can all learn from one another!
10. 

    Rhonda Rogers

    June 12, 2013 at 9:29 am

    stupid computer. On the upside, I have customers who come every year to see what new stuff I’ve come up with so they can be ahead of the trend..
    I hope you can put this on the tail end of the other comment. It will make more sense that way.
11. 

    Juanita

    June 12, 2013 at 9:31 am

    I prefer not to do shows that have big box or retail vendors because they have the capability of low balling their products, and I cannot afford to.

    In regard to other crafters, I enjoy them, because we all bring our own flavor to our art. I often befriend other jewelry makers and love seeing how others approach their art.
12. 

    Mary Lee Peterson

    June 12, 2013 at 10:37 am

    This is a great topic, because I, for one, am fairly new at jewelry designing and selling. The reason I design jewelry is that I love working with precious and semi-precious stones and seeing them turn into something even more beautiful that you can wear. I am not designing jewelry in order to sell it, and that’s probably my problem. Each piece of jewelry I design and create is a unique piece of me, and I value myself highly. But my experience at arts and crafts shows is that people are looking for a bargain and are not willing to pay what I charge. My prices are not high–don’t even give me much of a profit, if you take into consideration the time that goes into each piece–but I’m in competition with lovely mass-produced jewelry, much of it imported from foreign countries where the labor is cheap. Perhaps the problem is the venues I choose. I live in a pretty up-scale area (Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC), and try to chose those venues where the attendance is relatively high. I might have better sales if I took a chance and was juried through one of the really high-end shows. But the booth spaces are so expensive, more than $300 and up for a 10’x10′ space, and I’m not prepared to risk that investment without some assurance that I’ll make that back in sales. Any advice on how I can have good sales without compromising on quality and creativity?
    • 

      Narlene Allen

      June 14, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Mary Lee, Thank you for the great comments and questions. We are going to be discussing some additional topics on quality vs. price in the next few weeks, so keep following our conversation. I think there are others who are having the same issues as well. Cheers!
13. 

    Terry Andrews

    June 12, 2013 at 11:25 am

    I agree in part with all of the above – “craft” shows are being taken over with what I call “Taiwan-City” stuff. Shows are advertised that you can’t sell re-sell, but they are loaded with it. It makes my “barely over the cost of the item” (no labor included!)look high. By the time I pay booth fee, cost of food for the day, as well as gas to get there and time away from my family, I wonder if it is really worth it! But, it is my joy and comfort! My pieces are mine. They are simple and the type of pieces that I wear. I do see a lot of what looks like “copying”, but like other “crafters” – these are MY designs. Too bad that some people have to copy, but then look at it this way – you have something that someone else can’t do without copying! What talent you must have Rhonda!
14. 

    Beba Adams

    June 12, 2013 at 11:36 am

    I am not afraid of competition with other jewelry makers as a general rule. I am a wire wrapper and I work with natural stone which I cut, shape and polish myself. There are a few craft fairs that I attend where there is a wire wrapper present (the same person at each event) who uses inferior wire and imports all her products from China and then sells them for about one third the price of mine. A lot of her stones are fake. The general public doesn’t know the inferior quality of this work and some think I am charging too much. Mind you, there are still people who do know the difference in quality and workmanship.
15. 

    Robyn Pacey

    June 12, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    As a jewellery-maker, I try to spend my energy focussing on what I’m making, so I can make pieces that represent my own creativity and style. I love walking around at craft shows and art fairs and seeing the diversity of styles. No one jewellery artist is the perfect match for every customer, and I think a good variety of creative styles is the best for both the customers and the sellers. If a show has something that a customer likes (whether from my table or another), they’ll return the next year, and tell their friends how great it is. That kind of word-of-mouth advertising is good for everyone.

    That said, I do find a couple of things frustrating. One, when other jewellery makers act as if it’s a competition. I actually had a vendor, once, come up to my table and start tsk-ing my work in front of a potential customer, trying to drive away business to her own table. That was unbelievably rude and unappreciated. (For what it’s worth, the customer never did go to her table) Also, I do like when a show caps the number of tables selling similar things. I remember one Christmas fair where I heard numerous complaints from shoppers that all the show had was jewellery – an exaggeration, but a good perception to avoid. A good mix of handicrafts will draw more sales, I think.
16. 

    Karen Cabael

    June 12, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    I don’t try to compete with the big box stores at all. I do craft shows, car shows & bike runs mainly and have no problem getting good prices for my work. The best advice I ever got was “If it’s not selling (and your sure it’s good work) RAISE THE PRICE! If you don’t value your own work than your customers won’t either so when they see a beautiful, hand made piece of jewelry priced really low – the first thought is usually “what’s wrong with it?” Price your work higher and you will sell more!

    And yes – I get customers that try to compare my work to Cookie Lee or some other mass produced line. I just remind them that my jewelry is all unique, one of a kind pieces but if they’d rather have exactly the same thing as thousands of other women – then, by all means, go buy Cookie Lee
    • 

      Narlene Allen

      June 14, 2013 at 10:18 am

      Karen – Great comments! Thanks for the insights!
17. 

    RGilbert

    June 12, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    The first step is putting yourself out there. That’s difficult because there are other people who have been doing it longer and, possibly, better than you. But if the work is high quality, there is a market out there for it. It might not be Etsy or eBay but one-on-one shows with the risk of renting a space and not quite making the nut. But there’s lots to be learned in taking that risk.

    You have to have a tough skin to deal with people one-on-one. Too many people offer up their opinions about something that you might have spent hours designing, manufacturing and perfecting. It’s part of the game. I’ve discovered that the simpler something is, sometimes the better it is. But people who don’t want to pay the price for that elegant simplicity will conjure up some kind of negative comment and walk away. I don’t fear competition with other artists; I can learn from them. I have problems with those who are selling mass produced items that aren’t really their own. You really have to have a tough skin with that kind of competition because there is no real way to beat them except to make fine quality items that offer up something that the mass produced items cannot– the cachet of being hand-made. There are people out there who still want that.
18. 

    RGilbert

    June 12, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    The first step is putting yourself out there. That’s difficult because there are other people who have been doing it longer and, possibly, better than you. But if the work is high quality, there is a market out there for it. It might not be Etsy or eBay but one-on-one shows with the risk of renting a space and not quite making the nut. But there’s lots to be learned in taking that risk.

    You have to have a tough skin to deal with people one-on-one. Too many people offer up their opinions about something that you might have spent hours designing, manufacturing and perfecting. It’s part of the game. I’ve discovered that the simpler something is, sometimes the better it is. But people who don’t want to pay the price for that elegant simplicity will conjure up some kind of negative comment and walk away. I don’t fear competition with other artists; I can learn from them. I have problems with those who are selling mass produced items that aren’t really their own. You really have to have a tough skin with that kind of competition because there is no real way to beat them except to make fine quality items that offer up something that the mass produced items cannot– the cachet of being hand-made. There are people out there who still want that.
19. 

    Janice Fingado

    June 12, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    When I make a piece I envision a certain type of person it would appeal to (and then make sure it matches something in my closet!)
    My work stands out from others simply because of the quality of the workmanship. And unfortunately that takes years of constantly trying to improve your techniques. I live by the saying “You don’t become a Pro by knowing how to do 1400 things; you become a Pro by doing one thing 1400 times.”
    Competition doesn’t bother me one bit: partly because I make one-of-a-kind pieces but also because I teach jewelry-making and “Imitation is still the greatest form of Flattery.”
    Now, a practical suggestion: First writer spoke of all the competition on Etsy, all turning out the same thing. Etsy has 26,000 pages; how is anybody going to find you? I sell on Ruby Lane, a website handling only Artisan Jewelers – 2,000 pages – people Google a stone, or a technique and up pops my shop. They have great Tutorials, a Mentoring system, good payment access, and NO Commission. Quality all the way!
20. 

    DeLane Cox

    June 13, 2013 at 8:23 am

    I love designing jewelry! I love my stones, and I specifically design around the stone..what that particular stone needs. Design for someone? No. Someone will love my jewelry I actually sell as “wearable art” because many of my pieces are high priced. But they are also high quality so many pieces are investments. Yes, I have another line that is “fun jewelry” that sells for less. And many people like that. Especially the younger crowd. It is a bit more trendy. I also give special consideration to the “seasonal colors” specified by a couple of color companies. Why? Because the clothing industry pays attention, and they send out clothing in those colors. My jewelry may go with something someone has just purchased, or even (gasp!) last year’s clothes. I still work with sterling and gold filled wire (some stones just need that!),but I am also expanding out with pieces in copper, brass and colored wire. I also like the argentium, silver filled, and he colorclad coppers. What wil I be doing next year? Whatever. But i will still be having fun at it!
21. 

    Daniella

    June 13, 2013 at 12:33 pm

    Hi all: I have enjoyed reading the above comments and agree with so much of it. I figure I will always be learning, there is so much to know about and learn. I enjoy using gemstones as a focal piece and build up around it. All my pieces are all handmade, each and every link and closure. I can’t afford to use silver or gold albeit gold filled wire, but use copper covered wires in silver, gold and in copper with is such a lovely color. People have always complimented my work. I also am on Etsy and have even stopped bothering to check, my prices are definitely not high, but it really does seem that no one wants to pay for something handmade but as has been pointed out, rather are willing to pay for cheap Chinese made stuff with inferior workmanship because it is mass produced. Mind you, the Chinese also are known for the beauty they have created in the PAST when they handmade items. It would be wonderful to know where one can sell online that truly represents HANDMADE jewelry!!! Does something like that even exist??? I would love to know!!
    • 

      Cari

      June 19, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Hi Daniella and Everyone,

      Daniella: ’It would be wonderful to know where one can sell online that truly represents HANDMADE jewelry!!! Does something like that even exist??? I would love to know!!’

      Search for ‘Handmade Artists’ they support only handmade. (hope I’m not promoting to much)

      I opened my Etsy shop in 2006, when Etsy was a toddler… lol what a great place to learn from other artists, share ideas, and sell handmade. However, thing have changed and last year I closed my Etsy shop. I have a new place to sell wares.

      Nevertheless, there are people out there looking, wanting, and willing to buy only handmade products. As a handmade artist myself, stick to your guns when it come to pricing your creations. If possible, create something that will draw potential customers to your shop… when they arrive, then they will see for themselves how talented and unique you really are.

      We can’t compete against those that mass produce, but we as handmade artists can offer custom items, 2-3 day shipping in the USA, and excellent customer service (just to name a few) which they can’t do.

      Bottom line… Stay true to yourself and your craft, because mass-produced can’t offer handmade uniqueness.

      Cari (aka crochethooked)
22. 

    Diane Garrett

    June 14, 2013 at 4:00 am

    I also have had very little luck with online sales of my handmade jewelry. I do mixed media jewelry and have tried Etsy, and E-Bay, and at one time I tried integrating my jewelry into my Faux finishing web site which is basically my 9-5 job, and still I didn’t have much luck online. I got lost on Etsy and E-bay, and just didn’t have the time or funding to market my own website enough to be found in the search engines.
    I know that my jewelry is beautiful and well made and really put my heart and soul into making each piece, so I don’t have time left over for marketing. I do have a few local shops that sell my pieces, but I would love to have an online venue that was worth the time and effort that it takes to photograph and upload each piece that is for sale.
23. 

    Suzanne

    June 14, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    To answer the question: No, I don’t create with the customer in mind, but sometimes I bring less expensive items with me for the younger shopper, if I have a booth at that type of “faire”.

    Most of my sales have been at seasonal craft fairs or out-door markets. My work is basically in wire wrap , and I strive for OOAK designs that please me. I get lots of compliments, and sometimes special orders revolving around loose stones. While I never feel I am in competition with other artists, I do get really ‘ticked-off’ when other vendors in attendance sell bulk imported jewelry. It changes the whole climate. I am exploring the on-line idea, but agree with others that ETSY or E-bay may not be right for me.

    I don’t often contribute to this forum, but always read and appreciate what others write. Thanks for the opportunity. -Suzanne in Connecticut
24. 

    Yvonne Estrada

    June 15, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Interesting conversation – great comments and thoughts. In answer to the questions
    •When you create a piece, do you envision who might purchase it?
    No, I make the piece so that the stone is the star and the wire is the frame or I put stones together that compliment one another. The piece is it’s own art and it will find a home. I do custom work though and then I always think about the buyer
    •If your pieces are so special, what makes your jewelry so much more special than anything offered for sale by your competition?
    I believe every artist has a unique vision. What I see as possibilities when I see a stone will be different than what someone else sees. What makes my jewelry unique is ME!
    •Do you feel direct competition with big box sellers or with other jewelry artists?
    Not with big box but yes there is competition with other artists. Some artist sell for very cheap – but I usually find their work reflects the price they are offering it for. Other artists do wonderful work – which I buy myself. We are have different styles – something for everyone.

    I buy from Etsy but I search for handmade items. Most of my jewelry is handmade by me or by other artisans. I don’t like mass manufactured items. There is a lot on there and even when I do a search there might be 75 pages. Having your own website like I do requires a lot of work but I prefer it. I have a full-time job and I often tell people ‘my full time job supports my rock habit’.

    When I started many years ago some people would make negative comments like ‘too expensive’ or ‘I think you should have done this differently’. Here are my answers to both “expensive compared to what? Based on the quality of my work and it’s one of a kind nature, it is well priced. I appreciate you stopping by.” On the other comment, I either ignore the comment or respond with “That’s the great thing about making your own jewelry – you can create it as you envision it. Perhaps you should consider making jewelry.” That usually shuts people up as they have no intention of investing the $1,000’s of dollars in tools, supplies, etc.

    For me what has been tough is finding weekend venues to show my jewelry. I had 3-4 really good ones and for various reasons they shut down or reduced their size. With my full time job I don’t have time to find new venues and test them out.

    I believe our artistic talents are a gift from God and to express them is to honor Him. So stand your ground on price and quality. You are a child of the greatest artist of all time – if you doubt it – look around at the world. It’s an amazing masterpiece.
25. 

    Frances Lediaev

    June 19, 2013 at 8:24 am

    Rhonda,
    I had the same thing happen to me! A lady said she was taking photos for the event and I found out she just wanted to show her sister! You just need to develop your own style and then no one can duplicate it because it is an art form and no two styles are exactly alike.
26. 

    Stacy

    June 26, 2013 at 7:06 am

    I create what my heart and hands tell me to create – sometimes I will buy a pattern from another artist and work with it until I have made it my own. Other times I will just stir my beads around on my work table until a design shows up in my mind. Then I create away! Of course, whatever I make, I show to everyone I know, wear it everywhere and before you know it I have a sale. Most of my sales come from custom orders.

    My pieces are special because I ask the purchaser questions about themselves, making it personal, incorporating their stories into the piece, for example: A friend had a cross her grandmother left her upon her death – she wanted me to take this cross and make a keepsake. She related that she loved the warm feeling she got while sitting on her grandmothers lap at church….reaching into a pocket and taking out the cross and praying with her grandmother. I took that piece and created a rosary using rosewood beads and copper wire – the beads were vintage and the copper such a warm metal. When I gave it to her she cried!

    To me that reaction to my jewelry is what is important – you can’t duplicate that no matter how many pictures others take. The big box stores don’t have those stories and THAT is what people are looking for – their own original story in a piece of jewelry! Do that and you will make sales…..
27. 

    Grace

    June 26, 2013 at 8:47 am

    Hi everyone! I find this thread fascinating. I am a Realtor and not a jewelry designer or retailer, but I do teach and have taught more than 200 people how to wire wrap and make jewelry. Wire work is a hobby of mine for over 18 years now. I can admit that most of the jewelry artists in our group struggle with sales both at booths and on Etsy. Their complaints and concerns are similar to those voiced on this forum. The lone standout in our group is a gal named Rose who sells about 2000 handmade pieces per year. That’s right…she sells thousands of handmade pieces each year. She has pretty much changed every view I have ever had about what sells or how to sell. She makes extremely simple items…hoop earrings mostly and sells these on Etsy for about $25, but profits about $20 per set. She also makes more complicated items, but sells those at fairs rather than on Etsy. When I asked her about her secrets to sales, you would be surprised how much time she spends marketing herself and her products on blogs, Facebook, twitter, google+, Four Square, instagram and Vine. In this, she’s like a Realtor…we market the heck out of our homes. She also sends her customers a newsletter every month showcasing her newest arrivals and offering promotions. She is as much a jewelry fabricator and designer as she is a marketing machine, and it’s in the marketing that I see so many artists fall down. So if you are talking about branding, you need to talk about marketing and the efforts you are making to stay in touch with your target audience. Without it, you’re going to be buried by competition–I know…I am a Realtor and we are all about branding and marketing. So think like my pal, Rose, and put as much effort in communicating regularly with your customers to be successful.