It’s that time.  You have practiced your weaves, you have mastered the seamless join and you are wanting to share your passion with the world.

If you are interested in turning your hobby into a business venture, you are going to need to know some basic steps you should take to help you sell your creations.

Selling isn’t as easy as making it, placing your item out in the public eye and waiting for the customers to flock to your store.

Here are some guidelines to help you sell your jewellery even if it’s just to your friends and family.

1. Be knowledgeable & ready to answer questions

Make sure you know the materials you work with.  You will need to be able to provide an accurate description of the pieces you are selling.  This includes any beads/gemstones and the metal.  Know how it will react in certain conditions, how it may affect people with allergies, how to best clean it and look after it.

2. Show your work at its best

If you’re selling online, take the most amazing pictures that you can. Your customers can’t pick your work up and take a closer look, so you have to do that for them with your images.  Most phone cameras can do the job well, just make sure that you have plenty of lighting and the image is clear and not blurry. If you use props, make sure that they don’t steal the limelight from your piece.  Also take images from different angles and don’t be scared to come in close to feature certain aspects of your work. 

If you’re selling at markets, spend some time before hand working out how to display your pieces. Try to create a theme for your table that will make people want to come over and take a closer look. Check out pictures of other people’s stalls to get ideas for yours.

3. Be descriptive

This one is tough, I struggle constantly with it.  While pictures are what capture your customers eye, your description is what will help hold and sell your piece.  Include a clear and accurate description of your piece. 

Include all the necessary details (like materials, lengths etc) but try to use descriptive words to entice your audience.  For your jewellery use such words as “eye-catching”, “one-of-a-kind”.

4. Back your offer

If you are really looking for a way to convince potential customers to shop with you, a warranty on your items goes a long way to convince people that you are a serious contender.  You could offer say to fix the item for a period of time after purchase.  It will show customers that your work is of a high standard.

If you’re selling at markets, take your pliers. Customers frequently come back if they have had a mishap with their jewellery and if you are able to fix it on the spot then you will have a very happy customer.

5. Advertise

While creating a store front in say Etsy will get you some browsers that may stumble accidentally onto you site, you still need to be responsible for driving traffic to your store.  You don’t have to pay for all advertising, use social media.  Create a Facebook page, post images on Instagram, start a blog.  Advertising is crucial for your success.

Selling your chain maille pieces isn’t going to be easy, but it can be very fulfilling and a worthwhile adventure.  I hope these tips will help you on your way.