It’s a horrible feeling to realize that one of your pieces of handmade jewelry has been stolen. It’s like someone kidnapped your baby! Okay, maybe not as dramatic as that but close! Anyway, it’s always important to think about how to prevent theft of your jewelry while you’re selling at craft shows, flea markets or wherever.
How To Prevent Theft While Selling Jewelry
Get Help
The easiest way to prevent theft is to have help! I’ve had the experience of selling at a craft show. There were hundreds of people there and it was overwhelming to say the least. There is no way that I could have managed my table on my own when there were multiple people looking at my table at the same time.
Be Attentive
Paying attention to each customer is another way to deter thieves. I made it a point to say hello to every person who stopped by my table. This has a dual purpose. Not only does it make people feel welcomed, it also chases away people who may be thinking about stealing. Shoplifters don’t like to feel that they’ve been noticed or may be recognized so they may be more likely to move on.
Watch The Blind Spots
You should make your table attractive by creating different levels in your display. However, these varying levels can create blind spots on your table. Don’t make your displays so tall that you have a hard time seeing over them. The use of strategically placed mirrors or mirrored decorations can help you to keep an eye on those hard to see places on your table.
Secure Your Stuff
Utilize see-through grids and use pins/ clips to fasten your pieces. If a person realizes they can’t easily remove an item and slip it into their pocket/ purse, they’ll be less inclined to try.
A glass case is probably the best security method that you can use. However, it does not allow your customers to touch or look closely at your work without asking. I personally don’t like this approach as it can impart a “stuffy” feeling which is the opposite of the atmosphere that I like to create at my booth. I leave glass cases to the salespeople selling gemstones and precious metals.
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You can use one or several of these methods. They are very effective in reducing theft. Let me know what works for you!
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I work at a well known retail store in a jewelry Department. Last night I was showing a very expensive watch to a customer. I noticed the 2 guys looking at several watch8in our glass cases I approach twice asking if I could assist them with anything. The second time I ask if help was needed one guy ask to see a very expensive watch. While he was viewing the watch I noticed he kept one hand in his pocket . I made sure my case was locked up I kept my eyes on the guy the whole entire time! After viewing the the watch for about 10 seconds the guy ran off .What else could I have done ?
Hi Rachel, you didn’t make it clear but I’m assuming one of the guys stole the watch? If that’s the case, I’m very sorry to hear that. As vigilant as you might try to be, it’s not always possible to prevent these unfortunate incidents. It sounds like you did everything you could in the moment. You made your presence known and let them know you were watching them. You locked the case and kept your eyes on the valuables. Your attention was probably divided between the two of them and if that’s true, it was probably planned so you would be distracted at some point. Try not to beat yourself up. You weren’t hurt and that’s the most important thing. The products in the store were probably insured as well. Best wishes!