[Jewelry making - Article 01331] - Re: [Orchid] How do you sell off a jewellery business?

[Kimberly Starbard]

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Hi Annabel

    I'm so sorry to hear of the trouble you are having getting off the
    ground. I have been trying for about 4 years now. I make about 2k a
    year(much of the problem is my lack of drive/focus/willingness to
    get out there). Others are not always making as much as you think
    they are, but many don't like to say. I just wanted to put in that,
    even though you do not live in the U.S. does not mean you cannot sell
    in the U.S. Perhaps, if you are willing to share photos, some on the
    forum can recommend venues/outlets based on the styles and prices of
    your jewelry. 

    There is one point that I found concerning and this is your
    willingness to bring down your prices to match what you think people
    will pay. Another way to look at it may be "what can I make that is
    stylish and salable in the 65 dollar price range" as opposed to "how
    low can I bring my hourly rate to be able to price my hand-knotted
    pearl necklace at 65 dollars" 

    I spoke to someone once. She did many large shows in New England
    years ago. When she started, she was making hundreds of 65 dollar
    rings because they were selling like hot cakes. The only problem was
    she was exhausted. At one large show, she finally collapsed. She now
    teaches and makes more high-end jewelry. 

    I have read that about 70% of retailers in the U.S. go out of
    business (this may be outdated now) in the first 3 years. It is
    tough, so please don't slam yourself. It is a continual learning
    process. I would be quite willing to show you some of my
    better-selling low-priced items if it would give you any perspective.
    I really hate to see people not be able to get a leg up in what they
    love to do for there is no better feeling than to wake up and do what
    you want to do. 

    Have a look at Etsy.com and fragments.com There is gold-filled and
    gold-plated jewelry out there. 

    One last thing. One of my biggest weaknesses is buying things I do
    not need. I have a 400 dollar polishing cabinet in the garage, a
    wireless cc machine that has been used once and costs about 40
    dollars a month, and a 1200 dollar jewelry case that has also been
    used only once. We all make mistakes (some of us make a lot :)) 

    If you want to try and come up with any other ways to handle things
    (besides going out) I would be happy to help in any way I can. If
    you are really ready to call it quits, don't be so tough on yourself.
    Often, when bad things happen to me, it means that there are many
    extra-good things ( that I cannot yet see) are right around the
    corner. 

Kim Starbard
http://www.kimstarbarddesigns.com
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