Getting in Front of Retail Buyers without Going to Market

As a mompreneur, my two children are my "whys" and "top priorities". It is a constant struggle to balance being a CEO, producing "enough", selling and finding new retail and wholesale customers on top of being a wife and mother and all that entails!

My business plan includes a mix of retail and wholesale clients. At this time, wholesale business is my bread and butter and I'm always on the look out for ways to attract and retain new clients!

Generally, retail clients purchase jewelry and fused art glass directly from me at shows that I do in the North Texas area. Most online retail purchases are a result of meeting me at show or admiring jewelry worn by someone (referrals rock!). Last year, I did almost 30 shows and am in the process of really looking at my "target market" and ROI.

While Dallas does have a great wholesale market venue, at this point it is out of my "league" not only price but "production" ( I have no studio assistant) wise. However, I have found some non-traditional ways to get in front of wholesale retail buyers that may be of interest to you.

Here are 2 websites that are portals for retail buyers to check out business's and purchase directly from you the independent business owner:
*Wholesale Crafts
*Wise Rep

Here is a trade magazine directed at retailers and their buyers:
*Inspired Retailer

Plus, do not underestimate the power of networking. When shopping at your favorite boutiques, make sure you dress nice and wear some of your great pieces. I personally know two designers who are now carried by Nieman Marcus as a result of a retail buyer checking out their "jewels" whilst they were browsing ! Talk about high profile and dollar accounts!

Do you have a success story with a retail buyer or wholesale account that you would like to share? Leave a comment!

5 Business Actitivities You Must Do Consistently to Grow your Jewelry Business

1. Get in front of customers every day. For me that means, I advertise online and offline to drive customers to my online jewelry boutique.
**I post for FREE everyday in Craigs List
**I have Google Ads
**I hand business cards out everywhere I go because I "wear" my business and get comments all the time.
**I submit online press releases
**I submit articles to my local paper

2. I add a new offline or online venue to contact every single day. I call mid-upscale boutiques ( the newspaper is a great resource) and ask to speak to the owner or retail buyer; this is how, I have attained several wholesale accounts. I also search other venues online that I can write an article for in exchange for a link, or a place that I can post a blurb (social networking sites) about what I do, etc...

3. Ask for a Referral. Whenever I have a customer, I always tell them if you love the jewelry,

Tell your Friends

. Another example of viral marketing (yes, I do sound like a broken record).

4. Customer Service Excellence: offer the best customer service starting with their shopping experience, checkout and impression of your jewelry (package and display). But it doesn't stop there, keep in touch with your customers ( I use e-mail) and I offer Customer Rewards (Diva Bucks, private sales and trunks shows).

5.LISTEN to your Customers: if you just listen, they will tell you what you could do to improve and if they don't ASK.

Is there anything that we could be doing better? Did we meet your expectations?

These are just a few ways to get feedback. If you do get negative feedback, do NOT react. Write it down and look at what they have said. Is it an angry customer or is it a valid point? If it is valid, you better change and quick because it could be hurting your business.

In order to have a successful jewelry business, you must do these 5 activities consistently.

If you found this information helpful or if you have soemthing to add, post a comment. If you would like to see other topics covered, post that too.

Welcome to Jewelry Marketing Tips

Welcome to Jewelry Marketing Tips. I am excited to share an exclusive venue on how to market your handcrafted jewelry so your business flourishes.

Here are just a few things that you can expect from this jewelry marketing Tips:

*Where should I market my jewelry?
*How do I establish wholesale accounts?
*How do I contact retail buyers?
*Photography
*Packaging
*Jewelry Displays
*How to Talk to Your Customers
*Shows-craft, juried, retail and wholesale
*Trunk shows
*Fundraisers
*Website: do's and don't
*Create a customer base
*Customer service



Well, I think you get the idea that no stone will be unturned so you can grow your jewelry business. As a jewelry artist, I want to give back to the creative community. Many of these ideas can be used not just for jewelry but for any business.

Here's to your success in marketing.