The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online jewelry design course and because we do, we like to provide free tips for aspiring designers. Enjoy!
If you’re a DIY jewelry designer, having a general business background can be a crucial part of your occupation as you attempt to round up more clients and get your work out there to potential buyers.
During the holiday season, this is especially truthful. One fun way to incorporate your sales savvy with your already-busy social schedule is to plan a seasonal trunk show for your family and friends.
“Trunk shows are a tremendously fun and convenient platform for jewelry promotion, especially for stylists who are new to the industry,” says NYIAD jewelry mentor Serena Van Rensselaer. “Because they’re usually hosted in the home of the artist, the financial weight of fee payments (typical at other public markets) is lifted as well.”
If you think this sounds like a fun idea for your small jewelry design business, simply pick a weekend when you’re not especially busy, and plan to host an open house. Serena recommends hosting a weekend-long open house if possible. That way, your guests can enjoy the first night and check out your jewelry without feeling pressured to make a purchase right away. Similarly, you can play host more politely on the first night without feeling like you need to pitch your sales the entire time. By giving guests the option of coming back the next day, Serena says you’re also more likely to make bigger sales- think a grandmother coming back with more cash the next afternoon to buy a set of matching bracelets for all her granddaughters.
Even with a small budget, you should definitely be sure to provide a small buffet of food and drinks to your guests. It should feel just as much like a party as it does a shopping experience. Again, otherwise guests won’t know what else to do besides shop, and they might feel uncomfortably pressured.
Finally, always remember to bring business cards along! “Many times, guests will arrive with friends who haven’t heard of you or your business yet, says Serena. “And lots of these visitors arrive unprepared to shop! But if they browse your collections and they’re interested in your designs, it’s important to have the ability to direct them to a website, or to give them a means of getting in touch with you. You don’t want to limit any new client interactions to a few hours at your trunk show. Pursue a more long-term relationship!”
Want to learn more? The New York Institute of Art and Design offers an online jewelry design course that can teach you how to create and sell your own unique line of jewelry. Request your free course catalog today!
