Every year, my local rock club puts on their annual rock and gem show. Many rock clubs have similar shows throughout the U.S. in order to raise money for their club and to help educate the local community about the lapidary arts. If you have considered selling your jewelry at arts and craft shows, then you might consider rock and gem shows also. I used to participate in many shows throughout the year, but I now only sign up for my club’s show due to time restraints. Though it is by no means a large show, this year’s show, as far as sales, was "fair." Over all, though I’m still recovering, it was a fun weekend.
My Booth
I had three tables at the show. One featured my fused glass jewelry and bowls. I also had some beautiful lampwork beads from my friend, D.D. Hess. This was the first time I had my glass at a show, so it was nice to hear comments. I sold a few cabs and a bowl, and I also meet a nice lady who wants me to teach her glass fusion.
My third table hosted my beaded jewelry. Last year at this show, I sold quiet a bit of it. This year, I sold some but not as much as last year. One bright spot was a woman who asked me to make a special order piece for her using the same design as my Yoga Necklace.
I ended up making a little more than last year’s show. Most purchases were on low-end items, with a few larger sales here and there. Last year, beads and beaded jewelry sold the best. This year, I literally sold a little of everything.
Lessons Learned
As with most shows, it’s a data collection process. You learn what customers think of your work, and you network with other vendors. I learned a few lessons at this show. As far as my work, I learned to have a lot of low-end, impulse items. However, I also learned that if someone really wants something, they’ll spend the money for it. I had a number of special pieces that felt I guilty about pricing so high. But, they had taken me a lot of time to make, so I was determined not to cheat myself. I’m glad I didn’t. I sold two of these pieces I was so worried about.
While networking, I talked to a few vendors that had a lot more tables than I had. I was amazed at how they managed since the tables were going for $63 a piece. Some had 10 tables. Many of them did the rock show circuit. When I spoke with them, they told me that they were also doing okay (nothing spectacular) but that at rock shows like these, they normally sell a little of everything. So, they try to have a large selection. Since I seemed to be selling a little of everything myself that weekend, I could see what they were talking about.
One of the nice aspects of participating in these types of shows is that you get to meet so many people that are interested in stones and jewelry making. I actually got to meet some About.com members face to face at the show also. In fact, it was funny. When we started talking, I realized many of the items on my tables were all projects from my site. If you want to find out more about shows and selling your jewelry, take a look at some of the following areas of my site.
Business/Trends - Lots of links to business and jewelry trend information
Business Articles Archives - Interviews with people in the business, tips on getting started on and off line, ideas for making money through your jewelry making skills
Jewelry Making Marketplace - A forum for those in the jewelry business or those who want to be
Organizations - Links to rock clubs and related jewelry organizations around the world
find out about new additions to this site each week.
