Here are 5 helpful tips to sell jewelry during the Covid-19 pandemic so your handmade jewelry business thrives.
The Covid-10 pandemic has forced us to make many changes to our lives. Wearing masks, frequent hand sanitisation and reduced social interaction have become a way to protect ourselves from getting sick. Not only has the virus impacted our day-to-day routines, but also our businesses.
Many people have lost their source of income or it was significantly reduced. I usually receive several emails about how to start a jewelry-making business but I definitely saw that figure increase after the pandemic started.
I wanted to put together a few tips that would help you if you’re looking to sell jewelry during this pandemic. Even if you’re already selling your handmade pieces, these tips can still be useful.
How To Sell Jewelry During The Covid-19 Pandemic
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1. Sell Online
Minimising face-to-face interaction with others is one way to prevent the spread of this disease. This helps to protect you and your customers from getting sick. If you haven’t already, selling your handmade jewelry online is an easy way to carry on your business while reducing your risk.
There are many ways to sell handmade jewelry online, each has their own advantages and disadvantages. The easiest method is to utilise online marketplaces like Etsy and the most complicated is creating your own website where you can sell your products.
2. Take Advantage of Technology
Many people probably hadn’t ever heard of Zoom before the pandemic started and now, so many people are using it daily to do everything from hosting church services to participating in online classes.
Create videos on YouTube or social media platforms to market your jewelry. This is a great way to show potential customers behind-the-scenes, introduce them to new pieces that are for sale, etc. Use Zoom to teach jewelry-making classes virtually, if that’s something you already do or want to start doing.
Of course, you’ll need some basic equipment to do this. Obviously, a camera is the most important thing. However, you don’t need to go out and get some expensive camera to get started. Many cell phones have excellent cameras these days so perhaps you can start there.
Make sure your sound is good as well. Use the built-in microphone on your camera, phone or computer. Alternatively, use an external microphone. These usually offer better sound quality.
You’ll also need good lighting. Artificial lights are one way to go but you can sit near to a window so you get lots of indirect, natural light.
Whatever equipment you use will totally be dependent on your budget but you have several options so there’s no excuse not to get started if this is something you want to include in your online business.
You can also use technology to help with other areas of your business. If you have employees or sub-contractors, have online meetings to discuss business. Chat with customers online to find out what they’re looking for if ordering custom products instead of meeting face-to-face.
Use software to allow customers to set appointments instead of just showing up at your business place. This allows you to manage the number of people in your space at any given time.
3. Share Clear Guidelines for Your Business
Whether your business is online or in-person, it’s always a good idea to have clear policies for yourself and your customers. This can apply to returns, shipping options and times etc. During pandemic times, your business may be affected by things beyond your control.
One example of this is shipping delays. Shipping times may be affected in some parts of the world and it’s important that you’re aware of this and make sure your customers know what to expect as well. Have clear timelines set that span the full range of when an item is usually delivered e.g. 3-6 weeks or 5-7 days. You should let customers know what to do if their order doesn’t arrive within the expected timeframe and you should have a plan for what you need to do as well.
If you sell physical jewelry products, you may want to include how to safely sanitise an item once the customer receives it. Let customers know how to cleanse jewelry without damaging it. Some people go crazy sanitising everything that enters their homes for fear of the virus lurking on surfaces but certain products or chemicals may damage jewelry.
Of course, you’ll also want to follow any rules set by your specific government as well. These seem to change as the pandemic situation evolves in each country so be mindful of your particular situation.
4. Don’t Assume Anything
As I mentioned, lots of people lots their jobs or had their income slashed. As a result of this, many households obviously would not have the spending power they once used to. However, that does not apply to everyone. If you sell more expensive items, don’t assume that your customers can no longer afford to buy. Do a little market testing. Sell jewelry at different price points and see what your target market gravitates to the most.
5. Offer Incentives
No matter how you try, business may be slow. It may be a lull due to the ongoing global situation or it may just be your particular target audience. Offering incentives can be a good way to increase sales and attract new customers.
Be creative. There’s not a person alive who doesn’t love saving money. Try offering discounts, new customer only coupons, special offers for returning customers… there are tons of options you could look into.
It doesn’t seem like Covid-19 is going anywhere any time soon unfortunately. Meanwhile, it can’t be business as usual. We’ve already had to adapt our lives in order to survive. Use these tips to do the same with your business, new or existing, so it thrives too.
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