Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry : The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit

  Author:    Viki Lareau
  ISBN:    1596680245
  Sales Rank:    14116
  Published:    2006-10-28
  Publisher:    Interweave Press
  # Pages:    96
  Binding:    Paperback
  Avg. Rating:    5.0 based on 24 reviews
  Used Offers:    15 from $13.49
  Amazon Price:    $14.93
  (Data above last updated:  2008-11-29 08:12:45 EST)
  
  
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Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry : The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit
  
Straight from a jewelry-business mentor, this guide to entering the bauble business compiles expert knowledge and wide experiences for those looking to take their hobby to the next level. Aspiring businesspeople will gain the advantage of experience from the numerous case studies and engaging personal stories. Starting with the basics of assessing style, time commitment, and target market, the sections progress through business licenses and tax numbers, developing a cohesive presentation for a business, and the fine art of pricing for a profit. Helpful appendices on display suppliers, business and government agencies, and recommended reading complete the handbook, making it a valuable companion for entrepreneurs.
                  Reader Reviews 1 - 28 of 28                 
  
  
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11-25-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  What a resource!
Reviewer Permalink
This book is so helpful-the information was just what I needed to help me launch my jewelry business. There are answers to questions I didn't know I had .The experience of the author is so evident in this well-written wealth of knowledge.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-30 09:23:50 EST)
09-28-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Excellent Resource for this small business
Reviewer Permalink
I was curious to know some of the obstacles that I might hit if I started a jewelry making business,and I was able to find them in this book. Some of the things that I wouldn't have thought of, for example taking into consideration the time spent on finding beads for a project, when pricing an item was a real eye opener. There have been times that I've spent hours looking for the color that was "just right" for the project but didn't take that into consideration when pricing my item.
Ms. Lareau shares her experience generously to help someone who might be thinking of starting this business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-11-26 08:37:09 EST)
09-11-08 1 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry
Reviewer Permalink
if you are a beginner and have absolutely no clue of what you want to do with you jewelry then this book will be helpful....is a great intro guide...if you have some eyars doing jewelry and of course have thought of selling it and have seen other jewelry and how they are market then this will do nothing for you.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-29 08:19:17 EST)
06-09-08 4 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Some good information.
Reviewer Permalink
This is a good book if your just starting out. A lot of it is common sense but there are some good pointers. I would recommend it. Easy read. Also has some good resources.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-09-11 08:03:57 EST)
04-11-08 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Awesome Seller
Reviewer Permalink
I received this book really quickly and very pleased with it. I love the book and I couldn't wait to get it. The transaction was effortless.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-06-10 08:17:17 EST)
01-29-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Worth not only the money, but the time
Reviewer Permalink
I have purchased other similar books in the past that I skim, but never really take time to read. This book was not only worth the money, it was worth the time. Concisely written, clearly categorized, useful information. I only wish I had read it seven years ago when I first started selling my jewelry, as some of the lessons I have learned a much harder way!
My little company is currently turning into something much bigger and I am so glad I have the insight from this book to help me in negotiating and decision making.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-04-12 06:46:16 EST)
01-07-08 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Good for Beginners
Reviewer Permalink
If you're just getting started in the hand-made jewelry selling business, this is a straightforward, well written, and practical guide for the basics of setting up your business. The author provides tips on pricing your work, which are especially helpful. Overall, I found the tone warm and helpful, and it's a quick, easy read.

From the author of A Line Between Friends and owner of Dream Life Designs jewelry.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-29 08:47:38 EST)
12-18-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Good advice for aspiring jewelrymakers
Reviewer Permalink
Viki Lareau's book Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry is a well-written, experience-based guide for the novice. With the exception of a couple of small number of typos or misspellings, the book is a delight. I found that I wanted to read it straight through and almost succeeded in doing so before being interrupted. The photos complement the text, and it helps that the reader comes to like the person writing the book (at least I did).
(Review Data Last Updated: 2008-01-08 08:47:30 EST)
11-05-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  Straightforward and Practical
Reviewer Permalink
This book offered ideas appropriate for the industry. I am a marketing professional (in another field) and originally felt that this book would not tell me anything I did not already know. I was Wrong! The ideas and suggestions presented here gave me an insight into the peculiarities of this industry. I learned and applied a lot of the information to my newly formed jewelry business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-12-18 09:07:25 EST)
10-17-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  A must read!!
Reviewer Permalink
This book is an extremely factual account of what we all go through when deciding when and if it is time to turn your passion into a business. I related with many of the same issues that this writer did and found that knowing others go through the same things to be extemely helpful. I found myself sharing this book with others who are in similar situations. I related with the writer and recommend this book to anyone who loves to make jewelry; one who loves to share their gift to others where profit is secondary to the creativity. This book gives you guidelines about what you may encounter along the way.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-11-06 08:28:08 EST)
10-05-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Selling Handmade jewelry.
Reviewer Permalink
This was an easy read....I enjoyed the suggestions on marketing and creating your own "uniform" look w/ tags, packaging materials, mailers ...etc. I was hoping for a more detailed section that covered internet sales and ideas for successful e commerce.

This book covered more ideas for successful customer relations and general business ettiquete.

Vikki shared some helpful information. This is a good place to start..if you are just starting you jewelry business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-18 08:44:34 EST)
08-06-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  Great book. Excellent ideas
Reviewer Permalink
This is a gem of a book. It has a lot of great ideas on how to build up your company and get things moving. Being a graphic designer by training I know all about branding and creating an image. So that was the one of the first things that I did. But most of the other ideas were new to me and very useful. I have a large room in which my workshop is situated, but I hadn't really considered turning a portion of it into a gallery. But it's a great idea and I am now in the process of doing just that. The advice on getting into boutiques is also very good. I would say this little book is well worth the price and I recommend it highly to any aspiring jeweler. I would also say that the advice is probably good for other crafters and artisans.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-10-06 08:44:50 EST)
07-21-07 4 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  Informative
Reviewer Permalink
This book was incredibly informative! Aside from Viki Laureau's firt-hand experience, the examples of other artists' portfolios, ideas, etc are very helpful. She did a great job of writing this book for the layman who might not have a strong background in business/economics. It's a nice step-by-step guide to get you on you feet.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-08-07 09:04:10 EST)
04-24-07 5 3\5
(Hide Review...)  Really useful
Reviewer Permalink
This book has heaps of useful information. I found the information very helpful when I was setting up my jewelry site and planning for my marketing strategy. Inspiring and well worth the money.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-21 21:50:37 EST)
04-12-07 5 3\4
(Hide Review...)  Marketing and selling your handmade jewelry...
Reviewer Permalink
The book answered all my questions of pricing and how to get started on a small or large scale. Compact, informative, and quick reading.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 08:47:06 EST)
04-12-07 5 3\4
(Hide Review...)  Fantastic book!
Reviewer Permalink
Easy read...very inspiring!! I read the book in less than 2 hours and now I feel like I know what I need to do to start selling. Great resources at the end, too!

(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 08:47:06 EST)
04-02-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  You NEED to read this book if you are selling,,,,,
Reviewer Permalink
I sell my jewelry and my orders are increasing faster than I imagined.

My sales have increased to a high enough level for me to seek out advice on this subject.
I wanted some sound and valuable business advice.

This book CLEARLY spells exactly how to pursue this unique type of business, and what do expect~ if ,,,,you are in fact,, stepping out on your own~
Lots of designers WANT to do this,, but never follow through,, or don't have the patience to handle the books / re ordering, etc~

Many designers would rather design ,( OK,,most of us would,,) but that is NOT all there is to a business !!
The best thing you can do is become a true professional and handle your business accordingly.
(You are in this to make money doing what you love aren't you??)

Recently, I was finishing up an order,, only to realize that I had run out of some very critical pieces I SHOULD have had on hand,, and ordered a MONTH ago ~
This will NOT happen again,, because after that episode,,I decided to keep extremely accurate records of these things on my computer.
I will now know when something is running low~ There are programs that can help you with this but I set one up on my own~
When you run out of something,, and an order needs to get sent out,,you buy retail, pay extra gas cost, and you loose valuable time,,,, and,,,it all adds up!
Need I mention that a local retail shop may NOT have what you need to finish your order??
When its YOUR NAME on YOUR finished piece, everything counts!

Very few follow through on their dream, but it CAN become a reality IF you are willing to take yourself seriously.
Sure,,,designing is fun,~ (that's why we do it,),,,, but business is *REAL* ,, and money to fund it is necessary!!

At first I started out because people asked for jewelry I designed~ ,well,, it just snowballed from that point on.
The most difficult task I had was to figure out a way to price correctly because it seemed I kept shortchanging myself.( which, as I read,, I most certainly have been!)

There are many alternatives to simply doing juried shows, or having your jewelry in a shop on consignment.
Frankly I do very little of that anymore.
Her advice on shows is critical but something I did already.

The author encourages you to research your market, find a niche and fill it.
I specialize in weddings.

This information is so straightforward , some may even find it discouraging.( Truth can do that~)
ANYONE can be successful, but you clearly have to make the effort to do so.
Some people are content to sell here and there, this is for the person that is SERIOUS about selling their designs and profiting from it whether it be part time or full time, You set the tone of your business.

One negative in the book is that I think there should have been much more information available with regards to returns,, or pieces damaged by the buyer~

This book is HIGHLY recommended if you are truly serious about your business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-12 09:44:48 EST)
04-02-07 5 1\1
(Hide Review...)  You NEED to read this book if you are selling,,,,,
Reviewer Permalink
I sell my jewelry amd my orders are increasing faster than I imagined.
My sales have increased to a high enough level for me to seek out advice on this subject.
I wanted some sound and valuable business advice.

This book CLEARLY spells out just exactly how to pursue this, and what do expect if you are stepping out on your own~

At first I started out because people asked for my things,,,,well it snowballed from there.
I had to figure out a way to price correctly because it seemed I kept shortchanging myself.( which I have been!)

There are many alternatives to simply doing juried shows, or having your jewelry in a shop on consignment.
Her advice on shows is critical but something I did already.
It encourages you to research your market, find a niche and fill it.
I specialize in weddings.

This information is so straightforward , some may even find it discouraging.( Truth can do that!)
ANYONE can be successful, but you clearly have to make the effort to do so.
Some people are content to sell here and there, this is for the person that is SERIOUS about selling their designs and profiting from it.

One negative in the book is that I would have liked to have had more information on returns,, or pieces damaged by the buyer~
This book is HIGHLY recommended if you are truly serious about your business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-04 09:57:31 EST)
04-02-07 5 (NA)
(Hide Review...)  You NEED to read this book if you are selling,,,,,
Reviewer Permalink
I sell my jewelry part time, but am getting a lot more orders as time progresses
My orders have increased to a high enough level for me to seek out advice on this subject.
I wanted some sound and valuable business advice.

This book CLEARLY spells out just exactly how to pursue this, and what do expect if you are stepping out on your own~

At first I started out because people asked for my things,,,,
I had to figure out a way to price , but I kept shortchanging myself.

There are many alternatives to simply doing juried shows, or having your jewelry in a shop on consignment.
Her advice on shows is critical but something I did already.
It encourages you to research your market, find a niche and fill it.
I specialize in weddings.

This informations is so straightforward , some may find it discouraging.
ANYONE can be successful, but you clearly have to make the effort to do so.
Some people are content to sell here and there, this is for the person that is SERIOUS about selling their designs and profiting from it.
I would have liked to read more information on returns,, or pieces damaged by the buyer~
This book is HIGHLY recommended if you are truly serious about business.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-03 09:49:31 EST)
03-10-07 4 1\5
(Hide Review...)  Great book for newbie
Reviewer Permalink
I learned a lot from this book. It has so much of details tips. A good start for beginner who just started to sell handmade jewelry.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-06-30 07:49:46 EST)
03-09-07 4 0\2
(Hide Review...)  Great book for newbie
Reviewer Permalink
I learned a lot from this book. It has so much of details tips. A good start for beginner who just started to sell handmade jewelry.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-04-03 09:45:24 EST)
03-08-07 5 2\6
(Hide Review...)  Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry
Reviewer Permalink
Really good information -- I am sure it will help get my business going.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 08:47:06 EST)
02-28-07 5 2\4
(Hide Review...)  Jewelry for Profit, Who wouldn't want that???
Reviewer Permalink
Excellent Book. Great overview of how tooo Sell and Market your product.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-07-06 08:47:06 EST)
02-21-07 5 0\1
(Hide Review...)  Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit
Reviewer Permalink
Excellent Resource. Covers all the basics in very clear language.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-20 09:59:30 EST)
02-01-07 5 4\5
(Hide Review...)  A Gold Mine of Information!!
Reviewer Permalink
If you are interested in knowing step by step how to get started in the handmade jewelry business - this has to be the best book out there!

It's written by a woman who knows what she is talking about and has logically layed out the much needed details on how to do it. The book is full of information and tips, however it's also concise and easy to read. Viki has generously shared her experience and knowledge and I feel the book contains the necessary answers to questions that anyone interested in getting started will find of ENORMOUS value.

I have been to her bead store in Tacoma and attended one of her classes, and I have always been impressed by how professional her business is run - and that was before I read her book! Every small detail from tying your purchase with gold ribbon around the top of the bag, to well trained and friendly sales people - she definitely walks the talk!!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-20 09:59:30 EST)
01-18-07 5 8\8
(Hide Review...)  Concise, realistic, inspiring advice on the business of handmade jewerly
Reviewer Permalink
Viki Lareau packs a lot of sound advice into this no-nonsense, easy to read text. Short and concise, the seven chapters walk you through the basics of entering into the business of marketing and selling your jewelry successfully. Lareau presents a realistic view of the business while at the same time offering up creative and inspiring suggestions in the form of full color photos, personal anecdotes, and real-life success stories of fellow jewelry artists. She tells you things you may not have thought of as well as things you know but don't want to admit you need to deal with to be in business for yourself! all in all, I found it very helpful. If you are seriously thinking about going into business for yourself, I'd suggest combining this text with "Business Plan in a Day" to really get started on the right path.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-03-20 09:59:30 EST)
01-11-07 5 2\2
(Hide Review...)  A must have for anyone trying to build their jewelry business
Reviewer Permalink
This book, although fairly short, somehow finds a way to cover everything! She covers pricing (not just one specific formula either), packaging, purchasing, creating your own style, different selling venues etc. I highly recommend it!
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-28 09:21:09 EST)
11-10-06 5 18\18
(Hide Review...)  Short, to the point, and extremely helpful
Reviewer Permalink
This is a small book, but it has a large amount of information, presented in an order different than I expected. She focuses on four major areas to consider for marketing and selling, and has a no-nonsense realistic approach.
I really liked her point about finding out WHAT sells by experimenting first, that what you think is your best may not be what your buyers think. She discusses researching at shows, finding your niche, and then creating a look to your marketing materials to match. I would have thought that would come after establishing sales, but her reasoning is solid.

The fact that she has experience in the business helps a great deal, you aren't just getting "theoretical advice" or general business advice. Keep in mind, there are no jewelry instructions in this book, it's purely looking at the business end (which was good in my opinion).

The only thing I thought could have been more in depth is to suggest readers work on creating highest quality products, establishing high standards and not looking like everyone else's projects. That and a bit more proof-reading would have been good (several typos in the last chapters were distracting and very obvious). And I would have liked a bit more information on dealing with returns, and goods damaged by the buyer.

All in all I really liked this book and will refer to it often. The illustrations are also really helpful.
(Review Data Last Updated: 2007-01-17 09:44:28 EST)
  
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