Showing posts with label jewelry trunk shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jewelry trunk shows. Show all posts

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Lessons I Learned at My Last Jewelry Trunk Show


The Shecky's Girls Night Out event in Dallas was fabulous. I loved the new location -Fashion Institute Gallery (F.I.G.) building in downtown Dallas.

I had the preshow jitters because about 70% of my jewelry inventory was the new Glass Rock Candy Collection that I was revealing to the general public and press!

With ~60% of the show being assorted jewelry vendors (not all handcrafted some was also imported), I had a leg up on the competition because folks are buying directly from the designer/artist which always resonates with folks. It is so fun to engage people and share the inspiration behind my signature ring the Three Pebbles, Three Wishes (not a dry eye in the house I may add) and every other piece of jewelry I create. Having said that, I should have had a larger sign stating buy directly from the artist ( I think my sign was too small)....because people are more apt to ask questions and linger when they know you are the artist. So, that is lesson #1 since NOT all vendors were the designers themselves (some design and contract wholesalers in India, etc to manufacture their designs).

Last year, I had a helper my dear friend, Mrs E, but being a school night a lot of my gal pals have soccer, dance, etc...and it was hard for them to get away. I really missed having someone help bag, run the credit card machine so I could focus on doing what I do best-engaging the customers who are browsing! :) For 3 hours, it was utter mayhem in a fabulous way but I'm sure I lost a sale or two because I was stretched so thin! Lesson #2, get a helper at all costs!

I had a Shecky's show special and the sign I had needed to be more prominent.....so, I did NOT need to repeat it like a gazillion times!!! Lesson #3 cost me a rough voice by the following morning! hee hee





I am really excited to be doing the event in Houston tomorrow because it is a SOLD OUT show. Yeahoo. I was a little nervous because it was the first time for Shecky's in Houston but all those ladies stepped up and are ready to shop!

I'll be road tripping just for the day and I can't wait to have gauge Houston's reaction to the new collection. And I'm sure, I will learn a few more lessons a long the way! The more shows I do the more experience I have including being prepared. The gals next to me forgot extra tape for their credit card machine. OUCH....but since I'm such a nice neighbor I shared my extra roll! ;)

The collection, Glass Rock Candy, will be available to the general public by the end of May.

If you would like a chance to snag some Glass Rock Candy at an unbelievable price make sure you sign up for the Diva newsletter because next week I will have two specials that includes the exclusive Shecky's goodie bag at a price that will think you are dreaming!

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Still time to capture the V-day market

January can be a real sluggish month sales wise and such a let down after the "holiday" frenzy. No worries though, you can still make up for the slump in January with V-day .....and there's still time! Here are a few ideas to get your creative market juices flowing:

  • Reach out to your mailing list with a "special offer" just for subscribers.
  • Offer a BOGO for repeat customers.
  • Have a V-day drawing and create some buzz....blog about it, send a press release out, etc..
  • Host a trunk show in your home or try to get into a local salon. Network....for a girls night out with a "hostess" getting free jewelry....have a theme...."Love yourself first and have a little girl fun!"
  • Offer a "wish list" service....let your customers choose items and you be their secret cupid by forwarding their wishes to the "designated" person.....include a "may also like" with a special offer!
Leave a comment if you have any other great V-day marketing inspiration!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Market Your Handcrafted Jewelry Daily

If you do not have a website, how do you market your handcrafted jewelry so you are in front of customers daily??

1. Wear your jewelry everywhere. Think of yourself as a walking billboard. Make sure to carry business cards with you to hand out.

2. Consider jewelry trunk shows in spas, salons and boutiques....Call and ask if you can drop by and see if they would like to host a trunk show.

3. Private trunk shows....keep up the social networking. Who are your yes, no's and maybes to have a jewelry trunk show...

4. Do you wholesale your jewelry? If you do, make it a daily business activity to speak to/contact a new boutique or retailer on a daily basis. Pick up the phone book, do an internet search, etc...

These are just a few ideas to help you market your jewelry on a daily basis. What other business activities do you do daily???? Leave your comments!!