Can you help?? Advice Please??! :)

[CraftsbyDiane]

Hello

I have been making everyday and wedding jewellery for about 12 months now and although I get great comments and compliments about my work whenever I visit a craft fair or show to my friends, I sell very little.

I have 5 local stockists including libraries and gift shops and I have also recently opened an online store via PinkDoodle. I also have a blog where I can keep people up to date on my local event dates (craft fairs etc).

However, still not many sales!

My prices are competitive as I have done my homework and my items are very well made and unique.

How and where do you all advertise and do any of you have any advice on how I can get my name out there and more sales in?

Thanks in advance

Diane

P.S. Please feel free to take a look at my blog and online store and let me know what you think!

[Caroleecrafts]

I have joined several womens' online networking groups and advertise in their free directories (see my website for their links) stallfinder I think is £15 pa. I have tried to keep the adverts free or minimal otherwise the cost all adds up.

What about your local online directories (some free), I am in 2 loca,l Headley and Grayhsott, both Hampshire, with a link to my website. I see you are in Hants not sure where abouts though as our areas may overlap. A group of us meet every other month at Country Market not far from Birdworld, PM me if you want more details.

With regards to the selling it is very quiet at the moment and I think we have all seen a bit of a downturn, so don't get down about lack of sales customers can be very fickle and things sometimes pick up in the Spring.

Just noticed you are not that far from me about 10-12 miles there is a networking meeting at Chineham called Ladies that Latte this may help you.

PS I am now following your blog and on twitter have you also tried Facebook?

[CraftsbyDiane]

Hi Caroline

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I've heard of Ladies Who Latte - any idea when the next one is? I go to Basingstoke Networking every now and then (especially the ladies evenings) and there seems to be a lot of interest but no sales. I'm wondering whether it is the current climate?

I am based in Tadley so yes, not too far from you I don't think. You have emailed me before about the meetings at County Market but unfortunately I couldn't make the last one as my full-time job is shift based. Please keep in touch about upcoming ones though and if you hear of any craft fairs in the local area, please let me know and I'll do the same.

Thanks again and stahy in touch.

Diane

[Caroleecrafts]

Hi Dianne

The next meet is 16th March 10:00 at the Hampshire Centre Court Hotel. I know it is difficult when you are working.

I have just booked a fair on the 6th June at Winchester, Holy Trinity PCC (http://www.holytrinitywinchester.co.uk/page10.html), only sent off the cheque on Monday so know stalls still available, the rents are reasonable at £12.50, did not think that was bad in the middle of Winchester. Let me know if you are going.

[CraftsbyDiane]

Hi

I can't make 16th March but am writing out my cheque for 6th June at Holy Trinity as we speak so look forward to meeting you!!

Have you been to one of their fairs before??

Diane

[Caroleecrafts]

No this is the first time but I felt that the rent would at least be a cheap form of advertising with hopefully some sales at the same time. See you there.Will let you know of any others as I find them.

[samigail]

I looked at your pinkdoodle site.
I like the look of your jewellry - this is a huge compliment as I am not really a jewelrry person :)
However, I found it a bit difficult to truely see the lovely colours in the jewellry as the photos seem to have an orange glow about them, I wondered whether this was maybe putting people off online sales?

[sparkysdad]

I think right now anything is hard to sell, many people are not predisposed to spending on treats when everybody seems to know of someone whose job is at risk etc..

As you live close to Basingstoke, and from your post it seems you work shifts so maybe have spare "daytimes" now and then, could I make a suggestion??

When I worked in London for larger companies, we would now and then have people coming round selling things - sometimes it was just the travelling sarnie lady, but often it was hand knits, occasionally jewellery and the like..

I would venture a few emails, letters or phonecalls to the personnel departments of the bigger firms and make enquiries if they would consider letting you host a small display of your beautiful locally made unique designs "free of charge" in their reception area, staff restaurant, or other accessible space to coincide with lunchtimes or coffee breaks etc.. You may well get slapped down by 10 on the trot, but if one says yes, you are in..

Also well worth asking friends, neighbours and the like if they work at any of your target companies.. a word from an employee often greases the necessary wheels.. Often these big office blocks are more than a walk from the shops, and a bit of on hand retail therapy can be just what the lady ordered...

[loula_]

I think you need to do some research. Do you have a target market?
Once you know this, it is easier to start marketing your Jewellery in places you know your target market will see it.
Advertising on this site is OK, but won't necessarily make a sale, as most of us are compitetors for you.
Try approaching more well-known gift shops and online stores to see if they would be interested in selling your work, as they will already have the customer base you need, saving you the hard work.

Hope this helps :)

[CraftsbyDiane]

Thank you for all for your advice (sorry it's taken ages to reply - I haven't been on Craftsforum for a while).

I've taken into account your comments on my online shop which I really appreciate and have added new photos (so, fingers crossed I get some sales from that).

I've also written to some local companies about displaying my crafts in their foyers.

Thanks again!!

Diane x

[sparkysdad]

Thank you for all for your advice (sorry it's taken ages to reply - I haven't been on Craftsforum for a while).

I've taken into account your comments on my online shop which I really appreciate and have added new photos (so, fingers crossed I get some sales from that).

I've also written to some local companies about displaying my crafts in their foyers.

Thanks again!!

Diane x

Well, good luck, and keep trying! :D