When pitching do you send a jewelry sample or not.....

When pitching accessory magazine editors (on or offline), you want your business and jewelry designs to be noticed. Have you wondered if you should send a jewelry sample or not?

First, ask yourself if your business model can afford this marketing expense? Sending samples with every pitch can add up quickly!

Will the sample be returned? Well that depends on the media outlet and if they requested it. Margie Zable Fisher just recently wrote a post titled, "Should The Media Return Your Product Samples..." that you may want to read before sending a jewelry sample without it being requested.

Note that many online magazine/fashion/accessories editors will request a sample in exchange for a review of your jewelry product. Often times, these type of "blogs" will review your jewelry design and have a give away/contest which can generate more PR than just a review alone. Ask if you are allowed to offer a discount/special offer as an additional incentive for readers to visit your website/online shop.

Happy pitching. Please chime in. Do you send jewelry samples with your pitch or do you wait for them to request a sample? Leave a comment!

~Randi
P.S.
I do not send samples unless requested. I used my press kit materials with high res. product photos to impress the editors.

Offer More Than Just Your Signature Jewelry Brand

With the busy holiday season coming up, I always like to design and carry some fashion conscious inventory that will serve to draw new customers and serve up a dose of "the moment style" for my fashion-forward clients.

Of course, I've worked hard to define my brand that identifies me and my jewelry line as the Designing-Diva. The signature that my customers have come to love is a jewelry collection that is unique .....a woman can express her personal style and taste without having to worry about it being another cookie cutter accessory.

But I can support my brand and signature with some more fashion forward designs that still have my "stamp" on them. These designs will support and complement my signature designs and not compete with my signature. During the holidays, these lesser value fashion-forward designs do well because so many people are looking for unique affordable gifts but still want to pack a punch ( the packaging...designer artisan jewelry gets them all the time).

How do you know what is fashion forward? Easy...check out the malls, open a fashion magazine, etc...Take what you see and translate it into something that complements your signature/brand that will draw in new fashion conscious customers and offer a great unique affordable gift for your current and new customers alike!

Controversy Sells

Have you heard of Blood Diamonds? I'm sure you have. Why? Controversy sells!

Controversy does not have to be negative but just a different slant to what is already out in the media. Let's say you read an article about fashion jewelry sales are up; write an article or press release on why people are throwing their money away and why fine jewelry is an investment.

Remember,the goal is to sell more product but the press release or article must NOT read like an ad or it will NOT be published. It will end up in the trash basket and NOT in print!

What kind of controversy can you stir up to sell your product?