Host a unique and memorable jewelry party
Jewelry parties can be a blast, and successful ones are very rewarding. Having a successful party and getting referrals because of it builds self-confidence and really reassures the artist that they are doing a wonderful job making jewelry and building trust with clients. So how do you present a party that is memorable and successful? Remembering those manners from elementary school, being unique and making sure there is no stress for the hostess. So how do you do that?
1. No stress equals referrals. People who host jewelry parties for an artist because they don’t want to do any extra work that might cause them more stress than they think the party should be. I agree. Some friends come up to me to organize a party and it always seems like I’m working hard to organize it. Keep it simple for your hostess. Often I even provide refreshments. All I say to the hostess is that I need an area that I can work with, and they are more than happy to accommodate me. Just let him know that the sodas are more than enough, that there is no need for additional food, and that you don’t want food prints on your jewelry anyway!) Make your display easy to set up and easy to break down from that So that the hostess doesn’t feel like she has outdone your welcome. The guest will arrive and see you relaxed, see how simple it is, and see you have a good time and they will want to earn free jewelry themselves by organizing one for you.
2. Customer service is very helpful. I’ve been to parties where the artist seemed like all she cared about was making money, and seeing her pressure sale made me want to leave without her realizing she was booking for the door. Most of the time those artists are not friendly and have an “ego” about them. That is not the way to present yourself, it is a detour in many ways. Throwing a party should be about making money, but also about building trust, building relationships, and showing how you differ from every other jewelry artist on the market. It should make them feel like they are being cared for, as well as being cared for. No one is going to want to buy a green bracelet if it doesn’t complement it in some way. I love presenting jewelry to clients and noticing a trait in them that will make the jewelry stand out in them. For example, “Turquoise is a great stone for you to wear, it really complements your blue eyes.” Have fun, make some friends, and it’s really about helping someone find the perfect garment to wear.
3. Nothing is more important than being unique. I’ve always liked going to different parties, like MaryKay parties. Marykay parties are really about having fun, finding a product that suits you, and spending great one-on-one time with the people you care about. What’s more fun than shopping with your closest friends? This is what a jewelry party should be like, have fun with your friends and enjoy shopping together. So how can you make yourself unique? Here are several ideas. Throw in and try some. See what works for you. Not everything will. I know from experience.
1. Offer jewelry to the customer. Bring your best accounts and sort them by color. Have guests find beads they like and make them a piece. It’s important to calculate your costs in advance (such as price per account, materials, labor, and flat fees) so you don’t lose money. Give them a realistic time frame on when to expect their part, and always make sure you get paid in advance.
2. Offer gifts or punch cards for frequent shoppers. Find out what won’t make you lose a ton of money.
3. Have a prize on the door for the most amount spent, a picture for everyone who books a party, or even a free pair of earrings for everyone who brings a friend. Play with your margins and find out what will work for you.