Live in DFW .....call for entries for Jingle Bash

Etsy Dallas is hosting its first ever Jingle Bash on Nov 22nd at Sons of Herman Hall in Dallas.

For non-ED members.....
- Booths are $60 each
- App Fee is an additional $10 (non-refundable)
- Deadline to apply and pay is October 3rd
-Request an application by e-mailing JingleBash AT yahoo Dot com.

Get your application in quick: We are about full of jewelry vendors, although we are accepting applications from any handmade artists and crafters and will jury each applicant equally.

Notifications of acceptance will go out the week of October 13th

Paypal Checkout Tips

One of the many reasons that I love using Paypal is that they are continually evolving their product to keep up with e-commerce demands. I also love the fact that they offer several very useful resource guides whether or not you are new to e-commerce.

I just tripped across the "Checkout Optimization Guide" and was impressed with all the "Eleven Steps to a Better Checkout.....and more profits".

This information couldn't be more timely for me as "behind the scenes" at Designing-Diva, I'm upgrading my shopping cart because of feedback from my customers.

If you use Paypal or want to streamline your checkout, I think you will find this 33 page guide very useful!

To your success,

~Randi

Build Relationships.....

When I first took the leap and decided to sell my handcrafted jewelry, I was very unsure of myself and definitely out of my comfort zone. Looking back, I don't know why I couldn't see the parallel between my retail experience and my new entrepreneurial adventure!

I had a very successful retail career that helped me pay my way through college. The reason that I was always in the top 10 sales was because I always focused on building a relationship with the customer and NOT jumping right to "selling".

I don't know why I thought selling my artisan jewelry should be any different? Nerves, I guess!

Now, I love doing shows and don't get butterflies and continually 2nd guess my display, pricing, etc...I get excited about all the people that I'm going to meet that day. Does that mean I will have stellar sales? Maybe...but it is not my focus. My goal is to "reach out and touch" as many people at possible so they will remember me in a "positive" way.

With each show I do, I have repeat customers whom I have come to know many personal details...from births to deaths and many celebrations in between. It is these relationships that have allowed my business to flourish.....not only do they trust and continue to buy from me but are my "cheerleaders" and refer others to my business.

Now, remember the 80/20 principle I've mentioned.....80% of your business will come from 20% of your customers! Do you know who your "golden 20" are? I do and I treat them like "Platinum" with targeted offers , handwritten cards, and phone calls.

By building relationships and NOT focusing on selling, I have gained many loyal customers who continue to "cheerlead" and send referrals my way. It is so much easier to build a relationship when there is a connection already ( eg My aunt has a gorgeous necklace and said you could help me customize a design for the corporate world.).

Here's to your success in business,

~Randi
P.S.
I'm sponsoring " 3 original necklaces valued at $100 each" as prizes for the Spirited Woman Video contest. The entry deadline is Sept 30th so grab your video camera and your friends ....and show your spirit!

You can check out my alternate persona, the Dallas Designing-Diva's, video entry here......Post a comment and link to your video entry here!

In Home Jewelry Show-Success Checklist

Long before I had an e-commerce site, I sold my jewelry through in-home shows/parties. These were great ways to build my local customer base and get referrals.

Whether you are just getting ready to show the world your designs or you are a seasoned designer, hold an Open House in your home/studio and invite your local clients.

Jewelry Show Success Checklist

• Choose a date and time that there is nothing major going on in your community. Scheduling a show on Homecoming Weekend would probably NOT be a good idea!
• Use e-vite to send out e-mail invitations 3 weeks before and a "card" in the mail 1 week before as a reminder.
  
• Ask your family, friends and customers to RSVP via e-mail or phone. Encourage them to bring a guest by offering an incentive (discount, etc).
• If possible, ask at your church , children's school, hair salon, local coffee shop, etc...if you can put up a flyer to invite people to your Open House. This is a great way to get more exposure within your local area.
• When setting up your display. Simple is best. Remember, the jewelry should be the focus. Arrange your jewelry by color, style or price so it is cohesive.
• Don't forget to have a few mirrors so guests can try on and see jewelry on.
  
• If possible, have a friend or two that can help out to answer questions, help check out and /or gift wrap.
• Offer a refreshment and snack. It will help people linger.
• Put your game face on and interact with customers. This is not the time to be the wall flower. Ask someone what drew them to a design....start a conversation...that is how relationships start!
  
• Don't forget to have ample cash on hand to give back change. Have a designated area to check out and specify what types of payments you accept. This is also the perfect area to have a "gift wrap" area.
  
• Make sure you have business cards and promos to put in bags and to give to everyone who attends. Even if they do not buy, you want them to be able to contact you in the future.
  
• Have a sign up sheet to collect customer information. Ask for referrals!
• Remember to smile and have fun! You will learn something at every show just by engaging your customers!
  

Check out this great article at Fire Mountain Gems on holding an In-home Jewelry Show. Plus, if you are a "beader" they have a great idea and printable resources on how to host a Swarovski Workshop.

Here's to your success having a fantastic jewelry show!

~Randi

Are You Getting Ready For Valentine's Day?

Don't forget.....magazines have LONG LEAD times ....so you should be pitching national magazines with "Valentine's Day" themes....

I know it is only mid-September but prominent national magazines have 6-8 month lead times. Now is the perfect time to be working on your Valentine's Day pitches to the editors....the deadline for pitching will be late this month/early October so don't be caught out!

Here's to getting your product placed in a national magazine......

~ Randi

New (to me) Resource for Online Artists

Nicolette Tallmadge is the creative genius behind the fabulous resource for artists, The Crafted Webmaster. She has run a successful handcrafted jewelry business , Mixed Media Designs, for over 11 years.

"The Crafted Webmaster's goal is to help artists, craftsmen, gallery owners and other people in the art and craft industry learn how to effectively use the web to promote and sell their works."

I connected to her through Twitter (Did you read the Twitter for Business I reprinted from John Jantsch/Duct Tape Marketing regarding this social network?) and signed up for the newsletter immediately. I found several relevant topics as I'm in the midst of changing over my shopping cart (the main reason for sporadic posting at the moment) like "keeping your website design simple" to how to get more sign ups for your mailing list.

If you are selling your jewelry and/or art online, I highly recommend The Crafted Webmaster as resource.

~Here's to selling more jewelry and/or art,

Randi
P.S. You can follow me on Twitter here.....

Save on Jewelry Selling Insights

Wooho. David Weiman has just announced he is lowering the subscription price to Jewelry Selling Insights.

The subscription price for the monthly pay-subscription newsletter, The Jewelry Selling Insights, has been reduced from $47 to $36 per year. That's just $3 a month which is less than a gourmet cup of coffee from Starbuck's!

Just click on the banner image to get signed up!

Here's to your jewelry selling success!

~Randi