If you are an ace at making bracelets, you might consider moving on to making a little money from them as well. However, it might seem a little daunting to launch into a bracelet sales business to begin with, especially with so many sellers of such objects already out there in the marketplace. The key to success is to differentiate yourself, to make your bracelets stand out through originality, quality and desirability. This will require some work on your behalf but that's part of the journey and, with the right mindset, a lot of the fun.
Steps
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Decide whether or not your existing bracelets are sufficiently good for selling. You may make fantastic friendship bracelets but so do many other people. It is important to make bracelets that are either hard to make/time consuming for others to make or are so unique and fascinating that they create their own niche of desire. If your bracelets already fit one or more of these requirements, then that's great. If not, you'll need to do some research and experimenting to increase the saleable nature of the bracelets you're producing. Things to consider include:
- Do you need "upskilling" of any sort? Maybe taking a course in jewelry making will take your skills to the next level needed to produce amazing works of art from your bracelets?
- How unique is your bracelet style? What about your bracelets suggests to potential wearers that they're wearing something different from the standard bracelets available out there? Check out what is happening in bracelet trends using online image searches such as Google Images or Pinterest.
- Are your bracelets durable as well as beautiful? A buyer won't be happy if their gorgeous bracelet breaks on the first wear. Do plenty of testing by wearing them yourself. Ask friends to wear some of your creations and to give you feedback on how they feel, work and last. Keep notes of the feedback so that you can make improvements where needed.
- Think of unique ways to develop the bracelet. For example, maybe you could make a bracelet that intertwines in some way with a FitBit, to make the FitBit fancier or more girly, or whatever else you can come up with. Work with what is current!
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Be budget wise. As lovely as your bracelets are, they must be affordable and you must be making a profit on them, otherwise they remain strictly within the realm of hobby fun. Do plenty of research on sourcing your materials at a cost that allows for you to sell the final bracelets at affordable prices, with a margin for profit. Draw up a budget sheet showing how you will manage this. Get help from a numbers-minded friend or family member, if needed.
- The budget should cover materials costs, workshop costs, packaging costs, marketing costs and fuel costs. Your time is free, that's just the reality of being your own boss!
- If you make high-end bracelets, be sure to develop your brand very carefully so as to indicate this from the outset. However, it would be wise to make more affordable bracelets to begin with, to build your financial base and renown for your design skills.
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Make lots of bracelets. You cannot run a business without an adequate quantity of products. For starting out, make at least 20 bracelets of each kind, in different colors or styles, as suited to your particular types of bracelets. The larger your range of styles, colors and sizes, the more customers you are likely to attract.
- If trying to persuade a store to buy or sell your bracelets, have a display case or box which showcases each type of bracelet you are making as part of your brand. You can open this display up to let potential retailers of your bracelet see the variety and quality firsthand. Arranging the bracelets on a background such as rich velvet, satin, or similar can help to enhance the impression of high quality. Many businesses in the jewelry industry are conservative, so a bit of old-school approach may be helpful.
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Develop a brand for your bracelets. This part cannot be overlooked because you are selling an item that is commonplace and available everywhere. Hence, you need to convince customers of the worth and uniqueness of your particular bracelets, so as to encourage them to want to buy yours. Consider the following when planning your brand:
- What sets your bracelets apart from other bracelets? For example, you might have sourced the beads from Fair Trade creators and their use and sales help to support a local community. Or, you might have used stones that are said to have healing properties. Or, you might have used a unique technique that others don't use. Or, you might have a fine arts degree that makes your bracelets one of a kind in design. Whatever it is, tell the story! [1] X Research source
- What name are you going to use for your brand as a whole? Keep it punchy, clever and memorable.
- Will each bracelet style have individual names?
- Do you have a cool/interesting/eye-catching logo? Get one designed if you cannot do this yourself. It is an important part of your brand.
- Will the bracelets come with anything of added value? For example, a box, a cloth bag, a certificate of authenticity, etc.?
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Develop a fancy label or tag and maybe a box to go with each bracelet. This will allow you to place your brand on each bracelet and to perhaps even add some text explaining the value of the bracelet in such terms as what it might do for the wearer, what special properties it might have and how it is the latest in fashion, etc.
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Decide whether or not you wish to go this alone. If not, you'll need to find a business partner. This person can help you make and sell your bracelets, and give great advice on what to do. They can help you speed up the process of your money-making scheme, but bear in mind that they will most likely (and rightly) want a share of the profits.
- Some business partners may be content to fund the operation but not help out. That's okay too, provided it is okay with you.
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Check all local rules and regulations with respect to sales. If you are planning on selling on a street, outside your house or in a park, for example, you must comply with the rules about setting up sales in such areas. Fines make running a business a costly endeavor. [4] X Research source
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Have a clear price list. If people have to fumble for prices or guess, they won't buy. This is especially so when shopping at market stalls. It isn't polite to hide prices; many people base their decision to buy on affordability and this means that they need to see the price, not be baited into handling the item to find the price, only to have the seller pounce on them with the hard sell. For online sales, ensure that prices include all sales tax and are absolutely easy to find.
- Ensure that all prices are understandable, and inclusive of all taxes.
- Be open to negotiation on prices when selling at stalls or by consignment. Have set prices for the viewing by the retailer but be ready to move on it slightly, as needed, during negotiations. Bulk lots usually necessitate some form of discounting.
- If using auction sites, use a buy-it-now option always. Many a buyer is lost because they couldn't buy it when they wanted it; attention spans online are very short.
- If selling by consignment, remember to include the seller's cut in your profit margin.
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Restock regularly. Once you are into a good sales mode, you'll need to keep the stock up. This means making time to make more bracelets, to ensure that there is always a decent supply of stock ready to draw on. You never know when you might be asked for a bulk order of bracelets from a store or retailer wanting your items once they've become better known and sought after.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow much would I sell rubber band bracelets for?Community AnswerI'd say about $1-2, but it depends on how intricate they are and how long it takes you to make them.
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QuestionWhere can I sell my items if my street is really quiet?Community AnswerYou can check a busier road, or try an online venue like Etsy.
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QuestionWhat is a good price to sell a paracord bracelet for?Tom De BackerTop AnswererThere is just no straight answer. Some go for $2, others for $20, so that's probably your range. Consider your purchasing price, then add any overhead costs plus a reasonable margin of profit. Don't forget income tax, or any taxes that might be levied where you are. Compare your price to other sellers near you. Price setting is no easy task, but you'll get there.
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Tips
- Use small talk and charm to convince local customers into buying more, but don't be too over the top. If they have clearly said no, do not force them into buying more.Thanks
- If you work with a friend on this decide if you will split money right down the middle or go less.Thanks
- When you are down to about 10 or 15 bracelets (depending on how many you started with and how quickly they are selling), raise the price. Say to customers, "These are my best bracelets."Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Beaded bracelets are easier to make, and you make get a bunch in just 10 minutes. The best string to use is elastic, so you don't have to worry about putting on clasps. Then, the bracelets will be easier to put on!
- Make sure you not losing money by making your bracelets too cheap. Raise the price a little to make some money.
- Make rubber band loom bracelets. They are great for kids and teens.
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Warnings
- Make sure that any pop-up place you have chosen to place your stall is legal, and will not hurt anyone. The easiest place is your front garden/yard.Thanks
- Theft is a part of direct sales, so be vigilant and make it harder for theft to occur by displaying items in a way that discourages five-finger discounts. Have a safe place like a box with a lock to keep the money, so it doesn't get stolen. A bum bag is often a good idea if selling at markets.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.crowdspring.com/blog/15-craft-crafting-business-tips-advice/
- ↑ https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/art/selling-crafts-online
- ↑ https://www.favecrafts.com/Craft-Business/Tips-for-Selling-at-Craft-Fairs-or-Markets
- ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/50544
- ↑ https://cutediyprojects.com/beauty-style/jewelry-making-ideas-60-diy-bracelets-classy-ladies/
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 92,494 times.
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"It helped me with my future business."
"This article helped me because I am making money."
"This was very useful because my sister and I were going to start a business selling bracelets. "
"It helped me learn what to do and how to sell the bracelets."
