How to Sell Your Handmade Jewelry to Galleries

Are you a jewelry designer who wants to sell tovariety of reasons including an overabundance of
your jewelry designs to galleries? These retailjewelry or a particular style of jewelry, being
outlets are always looking for unique handmadeoverextended on their inventory purchases, not
jewelry to sell to their customers. Many galleryhaving the time to properly evaluate your line etc.
owners pride themselves on having unique itemsThey implied that a designer should follow up with
that can't be found in other stores and galleries.them at least one time at a later date do see if
The key is to know how to approach galleryanything has changed.
owners in a professional manner. After6. A few gallery owners emphasized the
interviewing and speaking with a variety of galleryimportance of having a full line of jewelry, not just
owners, I discovered a variety of tips to help youa few choices. It's difficult to create an appealing
be more successful marketing your jewelry:display or theme if there are only a few items in
1. Gallery owners prefer that you approach themyour handmade jewelry line.
only after calling and setting up an appointment.7. If you live outside the area of the gallery
Unscheduled visits particularly on busy days areyou're approaching, you can contact the gallery
frowned upon. Several gallery owners noted thatowner by mail. Be sure to include clear
Saturday is the absolute worse day to approachphotographs and a wholesale price list. Mark your
them either in person or by phone. One galleryprices as wholesale so there's no confusion to the
owner said that if a designer drops in on agallery owner as to whether the stated prices are
Saturday unannounced, she'd be unlikely to evenwholesale or retail. Include your minimum order
consider them for her gallery as it's a sign ofrequirement.
unprofessionalism.8. When a gallery owner places an order with you,
2. Your personality can play a role in whether orbe sure to address all of the details regarding
not your jewelry is accepted into some galleries.shipment. When will it be sent? How will it be
Gallery owners don't appreciate pushy jewelrysent? Who pays for shipping and handling? When
designers and those who try too hard to "sell"a shipping date is established, be sure to follow
their products. A polite demeanor and goodthrough. Gallery owners are very critical of
manners go a long way towards showing you're ajewelry designers who don't follow through with
professional and can increase your chances ofshipment in a timely manner.
acceptance if you have a good product.9. Contrary to what you might think, gallery
3. Several gallery owners emphasized theowners love working with jewelry designers and
importance of having up-to-date wholesale pricewelcome new contacts. This means new and
lists with you for your scheduled appointment.fresh merchandise for them which is the life blood
Have your prices clearly marked as wholesale onof their business.
the sheet. Retailers don't like to have to askThis should give you some idea as to what gallery
whether the price listed is wholesale or retail.owners expect from you as a jewelry designer
Make it easy for them.and professional. It's important to maintain good
4. Most gallery owners emphasized they're lookingcommunication with any gallery you establish a
for unique jewelry designs that their competitorsrelationship with and to practice the art of good
don't carry.While it may not be practical for youcustomer service. It really is a mutually beneficial
to grant them "exclusive rights" to your designs,relationship and partnership between you and the
Don't make the mistake of selling to theirgallery. You're helping them as much as they're
competitor down the street.helping you. Be sure to nurture that relationship
5. "No" doesn't always mean no. Most galleries saidand it will help your business grow.
they could turn down your work initially for a