Have you ever...

[Seahorse]

...made something for free and given it to somebody that you think will help promote your wares just by wearing it?

Obviously its clearly self promotion and plugging but if you think the other person/people would like and benefit from what you make them at no cost or effort on there side of things,then whats the harm?

Im considering doing it.Anybody else done this?

[auntynet]

I haven't done it but then again I don't know anyone that would be able to help me promote my stuff. So, if I was given the chance, then I would do it.

THAT IS NOT AN INVITATION FOR YOU LOT TO ASK ME FOR FREE JEWELLERY!!!!!!

[claireybear]

I dont see a problem with that. It's no different to companies sponsoring charities/youth football teams etc in return for their name on the kit. Or on a smaller scale, people who donate handmade stuff to charity but have their contact details on it in the hope people will contact them for more.

If you know the person will like it, then Im sure they wont mind that it is also advertising for you. Go for it!

[Caroleecrafts]

I have done this in the past but after years of 'Oh get Caroline to do this etc will only take her 5 minutes) 2 hours later and tearing my hair out, have stopped doing this.

I agree that it can promote your work but make sure you draw a line from promotion and being used. I made a bag (like mine on my album) incorporating her business card, was a thank you for arranging a networking lunch. She was so chuffed with it she has now got me some more orders, so in this case it worked beyond what I was expecting.

If you go ahead keep a careful note of what leads you get, not just for you but it helps to thank the receiver and keep them informed.

Good Luck

[Aviya Glass]

Yes I have done. Once it was because I knew this person could not afford anything much to go with her prom outfit but the thought was there that she would be 'advertising' for me - although I didn't ask her to! Does that count?

I made jewellery for an affluent friend of mine, I knew she would sing from the roof tops if anyone asked her as she is a business woman herself. She needed no asking to do the promo! In fact she asked me to send her stuff so she could sell it for me!

In all I don't think there is any harm if you know it won't offend or pressure the wearer. There is no such thing as a free lunch.....

[Seahorse]

Thanks one an all.I shall get thinking.

[LauraT]

My Mum and sister get 'free' stuff from me on the understanding if someone says something about it they have to say I made it!!

I have also made something for a friend who was going to a ball and she didn't have thing suitable to go with her dress -I had about 1 hour to put it together!!

Laura

[janetdc]

I do give friends my jewellery as pressies and have then had requests from friends of theirs or they have commissioned other stuff for their friends and family. Mostly I wear it myself.

[xrheax]

I don't make jewellery.......but I did make a table plan for free for a girl I met online. She really couldn't be bothered with it and as she sort of paid for some of my wedding dress it was the least I could do

[urbtaf]

Nets forgotten that Blanche on coronation street has some of our scarfe rings, The first time she appears on screen wearing one the banners are going up on the stall


AS SEEN ON CORONATION STREET

[Fluffy Squirrel]

Nets forgotten that Blanche on coronation street has some of our scarfe rings, The first time she appears on screen wearing one the banners are going up on the stall


AS SEEN ON CORONATION STREET

Well done on those sales... something being seen 'as worn by...' a celebrity always boosts sales

[hdflred]

Yes I gave away quite a bit at the start, but only one lady really helped me (and boy did she help)

I have also sent free samples to a magazine I am dying to be featured in.

I would just say choose who you give it to, took me a while to realise not everyone is as excited about my business as I am (WHY NOT????)

[Sue T]

Yes, my daughter wears a lot of my jewellery and gets a few orders for me, she is my best advert.
Sue.

[GonetoEarth]

Guilty......

I'm sure I read somewhere that this was a very good marketing tool. This particular person actually got all her female relations to use/wear her jewellery and asked them to pay an amount towards the cost of making them. ( so, they would value them).

It worked too apparently.

I wear/use my own 'stuff' and that occasionally prompts people to ask where they come from etc and I think it's a great advert. Use these opportunities when you get them.... I would.

[Autumn Faerie]

Yes, my daughter wears a lot of my jewellery and gets a few orders for me, she is my best advert.
Sue.

Yes my daughter wears a lot of my things too & it's lovely when she comes home & says her friends really liked so & so. I also wear my own stuff too, of course!