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 Home parties have been used successfully to sell everything
from cookware to naughty nighties; most of these small
businesses are part of a large, organized national
franchise, but the home party concept is also a perfect way
for local crafters to market their wares.
If you'd like to try home parties, you need a plan. First,
take a look at your inventory of jewelry; do you have enough
pieces, in a large enough variety, to hold a party? Think
about having coordinating pieces - necklace or pendant,
earrings, rings, and bracelets, in five or six different
designs. Have enough pieces of each so that you can sell the
items individually or in sets.
Once you've decided what you want to sell and how many items
you to need to have for sale, set a timeline for yourself,
based on how long it will take you to craft the items, and
then schedule your first party. If you have a friend, family
member, or coworker willing to host a party for you, that's
great. Otherwise, put up flyers, along with copies of your
business card, and send a press release to your local paper.
Fill your hostess in on how you plan to run the party, and
make sure she lets her guests know that you plan to have the
items for sale at the party. You may want to discuss her
responsibilities; most home parties have light refreshments,
and she'll need enough seating for all her guests, plus a
clear tabletop for you to use as a display area.
During the party, make sure your jewelry is displayed
attractively, and have inexpensive but attractive door
prizes so that guests have an opportunity to win a small
handcrafted item. It might be enough for you to display your
work, but think about working up a presentation for each
collection, and show it around to guests. Another good idea
is to display a portfolio of high quality, color photos of
more complex, expensive gifts for special ordering. And
don't forget to collect the names of guests who are
interested in hosting a jewelry party of their own!
You'll want to reward your hostess for having the party, so
be sure you have a thank-you gift. You may want to allow the
hostess to choose her favorite piece from your jewelry
collection, or you may design a graduated gift selection,
with the hostess gift based on the amount of money you make
at the party.
If you know other crafters, consider offering to sell their
craft items at the party for a commission. You may even want
to create a small home party cooperative with several
crafters, so you can each sell your own crafts and collect a
commission on everyone else's work.
Certainly more traditional selling venues - flea markets and
craft fairs, gift shops, even eBay - should also be pursued,
but giving a series of home jewelry parties is a great way
to connect with enthusiastic customers and possibly develop
a real following for your jewelry.
About the author:
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in
southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to
Tips and Topics. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.
Written By: Aldene Fredenburg
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