October has barely just started but for those of you who sell your handmade jewelry, you should already be thinking about Christmas.

Christmas is one of the biggest opportunities of the year to increase sales. People are thinking of getting special gifts for their friends and family and what’s more special than an item that has been lovingly hand-crafted?

What You Need To Do

Prepare

Think about the items that you would like to sell and begin collecting the materials that you will need. Don’t wait because the stock in the stores will fly off the shelves the closer it gets to December 25th.

Make The Jewelry

After you’ve determined what jewelry you want to make, start physically making these items and stock up. This will make life much easier for several reasons:

1. Have items for customers to look at because people often don’t know what they want. If you can show them pieces already made up, you may not have to go to the extra trouble of making something new.
2. When people start requesting that you make specific pieces for them, all your time will go into making these and you may not have much time left for anything else.
3. Another good reason to have pieces in stock is for all those last minute customers who suddenly remember they were supposed to get a gift for someone and rush to you in a panic the day before Christmas, you’ll have items available for them to purchase.

Money Matters

Get a down-payment on items that people special-order. Decide whether you want 50% of the final selling price or for the customer to pay for the materials. The deposit will deter customers from making orders and then changing their minds about collecting the finished piece.

Also, it means that you don’t have to use your own money to purchase materials or to spend on the gas or bus fare you’ll need while you’re purchasing them.

Advertise

Take advantage of websites such as Facebook to market yourself to potential customers and show off your work. The prettier your pictures, the more they will appeal to customers. Stay away from cluttered backgrounds and remember light is your friend!

Read the tips in my post, How to Photograph Your Beaded Jewelry, to learn how to take the best possible photographs.

Include a price and short description of the piece of jewelry. The description should state the type of jewelry, e.g. whether it is an anklet or bracelet and the dimensions of the piece. These details are difficult to determine from a picture.

Dimensions, especially length, are very important as everyone’s body is different (not everyone can wear a 7.5″ bracelet). People have personal preferences (long earrings vs. short) as well.

Names for each piece would also be beneficial. It provides an easy reference for customers to use when they contact you. Also, naming a piece makes you look a more professional.

Customer Service

Above all, maintain good customer service habits. Ensure you are available during business hours (if you have specific hours), be polite and ensure you finish your work by your deadline, if you have one. All of this will ensure you reap the benefits later, a.k.a repeat business!

Sales can significantly increase during the Christmas season so use these tips to take advantage.