For what it`s worth--
You can never have too many mirrors.
I use a laptop to display a catalog slide show. I set it on one of the tables and guests are free to look at it whenever they want.
Offering free gift wrapping seems to boost my sales. I remind potential buyers to keep a nice bracelet or necklace on hand for the in-law birthday they almost forgot.
I also place quotes about jewelry on cards along with a "Don`t forget the ..." reminders --babysitter, niece, bus driver, teacher, hair stylist etc. to remind buyers they might want to purchase as a gift for someone if they don`t want to buy something for themselves (or in addition to their own.)
I`ve passed out pens printed with my web address but can`t tell if it was worth the investment. This year I`m trying a small laminated card with a few jewelry-care tips. Hopefully buyers will keep it in their jewelry box and it will serve as a constant reminder if where to find my jewelry
I set up a few picture frames that contain lists ( printed on elegant scrapbook paper) of things such as birthstones and anniversary stones. They definitely help with sales. Someone will look at one and remember a friend`s birthday is in January or friends are celebrating their X year anniversary and pick up a piece for the occasion.
And for the men who reluctantly tag along with their wives - I enlist them to give honest opinions in response to the Does-this-look-good-on-me? questions. If they are actively engaged, they are less likely to be glancing at their watches or tallying their partner`s order total. I also pull them aside and offer to reserve anything they think would make a perfect gift for their wife/girlfriend. Sometime before the party ends, I slip them a sales slip and collect payment. (Don`t forget those magic words --mother-in-law, as in "This might make a perfect Christmas gift for . . .)
I didn`t mean to write a novel here, so I`ll just share one more thing--I keep a few mass-produced necklaces purchased from area stores like Wal-mart or Kohls, and invite guests to compare the quality of mine to the purchased ones. Point out the fact you search for unique beads or blemish-free stones, that you carefully craft your jewelry, hand sort the materials, whatever else you can think of that sets yours above. I bead on professional strength wire so have someone stretch a mass-produced piece to breaking point (relatively easy) and then try one of mine--most often mine can`t be broken. (I use leftover beads to string a simple necklace or bracelet for this purpose.) If you can show better quality, people won`t think twice about the price.
|