A Newbie’s Guide to Selling Jewelry at Craft Shows and Bazaars

Follow our tips to stand out from the crowd.

The holidays are a great time to explore opportunities to earn extra cash, and what’s better than joining flea markets and bazaars to show off and sell your crafts? People would be doing their Christmas shopping in the weeks leading up to this cherished holiday so you’ll have plenty of potential customers. Learn the best techniques so you can maximize your profit and exposure.

Do your research before joining.

Before anything else, do your research before joining a market or show. Not all craft bazaars operate the same way, so make sure you scout your picks first online or in person. Social media is a great place to look for prospects, but your local newspaper is a good source as well. You may ask for recommendations from people you know that have experience joining these markets.

Take note of the rules and guidelines before joining.

In some locations, you will be asked to provide everything like your own table, chairs, canopy, etc. Inquire ahead of time how the selling would be connected, so there are no surprises on the first day. Still, we would advise you to…

Be ready for anything.

You’ll never know what’s going to happen so you might as well be prepared, so be ready with the essentials:

• Extra merchandise (better to have overstocks than to run out of items to sell)
• A variety of jewelry display racks and boards
• Cash box with plenty of change
• Pens, markers
• Record book
• Price tags
• Extension cords
• Safety pins
• Paper bags for customers
• Trash bags
• Your phone
• Calculator
• Business cards
• Food and water (have something you can nibble on, just in case the food trucks have long lines)
• Personal items (sunscreen, bug spray, tissues, wet wipes, medicine)
• A friend or two to help you set up, sell, and watch

A smile goes a long way.

A friendly seller would definitely attract more customers than a sour one, so wear a smile and wear it proud. Have just the right amount of salesmanship, but no so much that you end up turning off potential customers. Be alert and be ready to answer questions. Share tips on how they can wear your merchandise, or if you created them, you talk about the creation process. An even better idea? You can entice more people to your booth by conducting a demonstration.

Record everything.

This will help you keep track of your inventory, belongings, and earnings. Remember also to keep track of customer and supplier contacts for your future endeavors.

Good luck!

Categories: flea markets, jewelry craft show, jewelry display, jewelry selling tips, Nile Corp

A How-To Guide for Caring and Maintaining Jewelry Displays

Essential advice for showing your merchandise in the best way possible.

A big part of running a business is to make sure you are presenting your merchandise in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible. Having a display that’s neat, clean, and attractive helps drive sales, and customers would be much more inclined to return for more. You can achieve that by knowing the proper way to care and maintain your jewelry displays and cases.

Let us help you show off your store’s wares by following our tips below.

Tailor your cleaning method to the jewelry display’s structure and material

The wide range of options in jewelry displays means you need to adjust your cleaning methods accordingly. A necklace display is different from an earring display, the same way that a wooden display and a metal display would require different cleaning strategies. A simple one-size-fits-all approach won’t do, so you better have various cleaning tools and methods in your arsenal.

Metal

Make your metal displays last longer by avoiding the soak cleaning method. You never need to soak the metal in water – simply washing in warm, soapy water is all you need to do. Dry off using a lint-free soft cloth, and you’re good to go.

Wood

Wood looks best when it’s polished and dust-free, so make sure you have beeswax polish and a cloth specially made for wood polishing in your set of cleaning tools. Beeswax polish enhances the look of wooden surfaces without altering its color. Don’t forget to dust first before polishing your wooden jewelry display.

Velvet

You may use a clothing brush or a small vacuum to remove dirt like dust or lint off the velvet surface of your displays. A lint roller or sticky tape works well at picking up dirt from your display’s velvet surface too.

Leatherette/Suede

Using cold water with a non-bleach detergent is the key to removing stains off of these surfaces. Use a cotton cloth dipped in this solution and rub using a circular motion to clean. Rinse using clean, cold water then just air-dry afterward.

Acrylic

Clear away dust by using a soft brush. For stains that are harder to remove, use a micro-fiber cloth with soapy water to clean the affected area. Blot, don’t rub, to avoid damaging the material.

Tips and tricks to cleaning your glass display cases

Cleaning your jewelry display sets won’t matter if your glass display cases are filthy! Make sure these cases that serve to protect your merchandise are neat, clear, and dust-free.

Dusting

Keep your glass display cases spotless by having regular dusting sessions. Thankfully, its slick, hard surface requires minimal effort using a feather duster or soft cloth. You may also reduce dust particles in your store by using an air filter, just make sure you keep tabs on it, so it doesn’t get clogged.

Wiping

Give your glass display cases that extra sparkle by using a glass spray cleaner, then wiping it down with a soft clean cloth or paper towel.

Categories: cleaning tips, jewelry display, jewelry tips, necklace display, Nile Corp

What You Need to Know About Metal Allergies

Essential advice to help you stay healthy on the job.

Some jobs come with obvious occupational hazards, like construction and emergency personnel jobs, but did you know that jewelers also face some risks when performing their professions?

Constant exposure to jewelry and metal makes jewelers at risk of developing skin allergies. Read on to find out what allergies may develop from working as a jeweler and learn how to spot and remedy these issues.

What are the signs you must watch out for?

“Health is wealth” as the old saying goes, so it’s important to be mindful of sudden skin changes and abnormalities so you can have a worry-free experience at work:

• Skin rashes
• Skin discoloration (some have reported seeing their skin turn to red, green, or black)
• Dry skin patches that resemble burn marks
• Blisters that may “leak” in some cases
• An itching or burning sensation

What causes these symptoms?

Our skin reacts to different substances and items in different ways. Food, cleaning aids, even dust, and pollen can cause a reaction in some folks, while others will feel nothing at all. Metal is also a common allergen, and jewelers usually develop an allergy to it due to constant exposure. An allergic reaction is a result of the immune system reacting to a substance it perceives to be harmful.

A common metal allergy is nickel allergy. Found in costume jewelry, it can cause itchy blisters and redness through skin contact. Even stray traces of nickel or silver and gold-plated nickel can still cause an allergic reaction to more sensitive folks.

Another metal that has the potential to cause an allergic reaction is copper. The pink color in rose gold is because of copper; unfortunately, the same substance that produces such a beautiful color can also deliver unbearable discomfort to allergy sufferers. Take note that copper can also be found in pesticides and common items around the home like pipes and wirings.

What can you do to prevent developing a metal allergy?

Fortunately, they are many measures you can take to avoid this skin problem:

• Wear gloves whenever you’re handling jewelry. Not only does it serve as a barrier between your skin and metal, but it’s also a way for you to ensure that you won’t leave skin imprints to your merchandise.
• Proper storage and care are essential to prevent oxidation (which can cause skin reactions). Keep them in jewelry display cases or store them in safes if needed.
• Avoid wetting your hands or skin while wearing jewelry as some metals don’t react well to water.
• See a doctor and get a proper prescription for your condition.

Categories: jeweler occupational hazards, jewelry business, jewelry display, metal allergies, Nile Corp

Basic Store Security Tips and Precautions for Jewelers

Don’t let yourself and your wares become vulnerable to crime.

Keeping the store and merchandise safe from theft should be every jeweler’s concern. While it is true that one can’t always prevent crime, there are plenty of safety measures that jewelry business owners and their staff can apply to keep themselves and their products safe.

Here are some helpful, practical tips that every jeweler must remember:

Always be on alert.

Staying alert at all times – from store opening to closing – should help you spot or be aware of everything that’s going on around you.

Upon arrival at the store, observe your surroundings and see if there are suspicious people or vehicles nearby. Do watch out also for broken windows or locks that might have been tampered the night before. It’s best to do this with one or two people so that you can all look for each other.

During store hours, greet your customers and look them in the eyes. Not only is this a good way of engaging customers, but potential robbers will know you’re keeping a close eye on them, which can serve as a deterrent.

At closing, remember to turn on your security alarms. Again, never let just one person lock up the premises.

Show your merchandise one at a time.

While some customers may want to compare two or three pieces of jewelry, for your safety it’s best to show them one at a time. It is fairly easy for thieves to simply grab and go when presented with multiple items. Again, stay focused and give your full attention to one customer at a time.

Make sure you also have all your tools prepared when presenting jewelry to your customers.

Use reinforced glass for your display cases and windows.

It’s not uncommon to hear of jewelry robberies that involve the use of violence. Burglars, for example, may try to smash their way to get inside and steal your merchandise. To protect your store from such incidents, why not use reinforced glass for your display cases and windows? For the truly high-value items in your store, you may stash them away in a vault, or keep them in a secluded area for presentation and viewing.

Your jewelry display showcase deserves the best care, and these measures add another layer of protection and give you peace of mind.

Keep track of delivery people that come in and out of your store.

Aside from customers and employees, other people will come in and out of your store during business hours. These may be delivery people, repairmen, and the like. Make sure to double-check their identity whenever they visit your store. Always have staff on hand to supervise their movement and take note of any suspicious behavior.

Keep close contact with local law enforcement.

IIt pays to be proactive, so do not wait until you’ve been the victim of a crime before reaching out to the local law enforcement in your area. Inform them of any concerns you may have regarding security. They may be able to help you in checking whether your security system in place is right or needs to be beefed up.

Categories: earring display security tips, jewelry display, Nile Corp, Security tips for jewelers

How to Choose the Right Earrings for Children

The first time they get their ears pierced is a special milestone for kids.

Being a jeweler means being part of and guiding people during milestones in their lives. Aside from helping their clients pick out engagement and wedding rings, jewelers are also part of one of the most memorable life stages for little girls.

The very first ear piercing is a cherished childhood tradition that many kids and their parents look forward to. Choosing the right piercer is important, but choosing the right jewelry for this occasion is crucial too.

Make that experience a safe and happy experience for the parents and the child by learning how to choose the right earrings for young, first-time wearers.

Go for hypoallergenic options.

For the delicate skin of babies and children, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Avoid possible allergic reactions by choosing hypoallergenic options, particularly those that don’t contain nickel, which may cause irritation. Sterling silver, 14K or 18 K yellow gold, and white gold are skin-safe choices for children or first-time wearers of any age for that matter. Earrings with medical-grade titanium and plastic are great too – the latter is especially a preferred option for babies as they are gentle and won’t dig into their skin even while sleeping.

Make sure to have these options in your earring display cases to give your customers a wide range of choices.

Say “no” to dangling and hoop earrings for now.

To avoid the possibility of getting their ears hooked during playtime or even at rest, it’s best to steer clear of dangling or hoop earrings for now. Post or stud earrings are the safest bets for babies and children until they are old enough to be mindful of their movements and surroundings. Make sure also that the earrings’ posts are much shorter than those made for adult earrings to avoid the possibility of their earrings puncturing or rubbing against their skin.
Additionally, simple non-flashy designs are good bets to avoid unwanted attention.

Look for secure and skin-safe earring backs.

Even if they go behind the ears, choosing the right earring backs is just as important when buying a pair of earrings for children. Again, make sure the material doesn’t contain nickel to avoid possible allergic reactions. You also have to make sure the earring backs are sturdy and can properly secure the jewelry to the child’s ears.

The best options are the specially designed screw-type earring backs that are embedded in high-grade silicone. Screw-type earring backs are much more secure than push backs, while the silicone material ensures the child’s skin is kept healthy and allergy-free. Plus, they are also lightweight and comfortable, which makes it the perfect choice even for babies.

Other earring back options like the french wire and lever back are best suited for older kids and teens.

Feel free to experiment with colors and designs.

While some parents may prefer simple designs, others leave the design choice to their children, and we all know children love colorful and bright things. Some hypoallergenic earring options come in pretty and dainty designs such as flowers and hearts. They can also be adorned by Swarovski crystals that come in different colors. You can be sure that your customers would appreciate you having these diverse design options in your earring display cases and showcases.

Categories: earring display, earrings, jewelry display, jewelry for kids, Nile Corp

Helpful Tips and Techniques to Selling Engagement Rings

Engagement ring shopping can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Jewelers are every future grooms’ (or in some cases, brides’) best friend. Known for their expertise on jewelry, they must know everything there is to know about helping their customers make the perfect choice for such a momentous occasion.

If you’re new to the business and would like to learn the tricks of the trade, read on to learn more.

Make sure the displays are well-presented.

Remember to make your jewelry display look as enticing as possible to make a sale, so make sure you present them in the best way possible. Keep things elegant, neat, and well-maintained. Avoid clutter as much as possible. Make sure your merchandise is kept tidy by steam cleaning.

Lend a helping hand to the customer.

Engagements are joyous occasions, but the steps leading up to it can be pretty stressful. Particularly for the nervous, first-time future groom (or bride), the experience can be overwhelming. Be there to give gentle support during this milestone. Ask about their preferences and do your best to fulfill their wishes.

Be prepared to deal with different customers.

Some customers may already have a design in mind, while others may have zero expectations or preferences when they come into your store. In such situations, it’s important to be flexible and open to these two different types of customers. Always be ready to come up with suggestions when asked for your opinion about the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Ask questions if needed.

Thread the money talk carefully.

It’s better to ask about a price range instead of an exact amount to give yourself a bit of flexibility when the time comes for you to make your recommendations. However, avoid asking the buyer if he/she is on a budget.

Go the extra mile.

Giving top-notch customer service should be your goal each time, but giving extra perks like offering to clean the jewelry they’re wearing or refreshments wouldn’t hurt. It shows you value their time and effort for visiting your store.

Categories: earring display, engagement rings, jewelry display, Nile Corp, Tips

Holiday Jewelry Store Display Ideas

Check out these few easy tips on how to prepare your jewelry shop for the coming Christmas season.

The shopping madness doesn't stop after Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday as we still have Christmas to prepare for, the last one of the year. As with the previous holidays, Christmas is also a busy time for jewelry shops. And one way to make sure that you have a steady flow of customers coming to your shop is to make it festive, warm, and welcoming.

If you've used up all your creativity these past holidays and all you can think of is put up generic Christmas decors, don't you worry. Today, we are sharing a few easy tips on how to prepare your jewelry shop for the coming holiday to help boost your sales.

Use jewelry displays in festive colors.

Get rid of those dark-colored displays you used in the previous holidays and replace them with ones in Christmas colors -- red, green, gold, and white. A red jewelry display surely catches anyone's eye and matches most Christmas decors as well. If you want to go minimalist without losing that festive vibe, you can go with an all-white display. Finish off with simple glittery decorations like lit-up snowballs and fairy lights.

Showcase Christmas-inspired jewelry.

It's time to take out your seasonal pieces! Showcase them with your festive jewelry displays, and it's also best that you place them by the window. Seasonal pieces can be tough to sell, especially once Christmas is over, so promote them as much as you can. One example is creating Christmas bundles to further pique the customers' interest.

Make your shop smell like Christmas.

Fill in your customers' senses with all the Christmas sensations. A surefire way to do this is to make your shop smell like Christmas. Get an essential oil diffuser and choose scents that remind you of the season. Go for peppermint, roast chestnuts, fresh pine, cinnamon, or chocolate. Tickling your customers' senses will definitely make them stay longer. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as a strong scent can give people headaches.

Tone down lighting.

Lighting is a crucial aspect of any jewelry display. However, having such a bright interior can do more harm than good. To achieve a festive feel, tone down the general lighting in your shop. Choose warmer colors, rather than the uber bright ones. As for your spotlights, they need to stay as bright. Otherwise, they won't be able to showcase your jewelry items effectively.

Play traditional Christmas music.

Last but not least, play Christmas music that can make your customers feel all warm and fuzzy. Go with the traditional ones, as these songs can immediately make happy childhood memories come back and provoke warm emotions. Make sure not to turn the music up too high, though, as it can be pretty annoying or distracting for your customers.

Categories: christmas display, Christmas jewelry, jewelry business tips, jewelry display, Nile Corp

Benefits of Using Mannequin Jewelry Displays

Do not be turned off by their traditional vibe. Learn why these displays are worth showcasing your jewelry.

One of the best types of the necklace display is the mannequin. Mannequin busts help customers visualize how a piece of certain jewelry would look on them or on an actual person. And that is why many local jewelry shops still use them. However, some may consider them as traditional and are worried that they won't match their modern shop displays. We beg to differ. These jewelry displays actually come in different designs, colors, materials, and styles. Give them a chance; here are the benefits of mannequin jewelry displays for your shop.

No clutter

The main benefit of mannequin necklace busts is that they prevent clutter in your shop, especially in your window display. You can showcase necklaces separately without having to worry about tangled ornaments. Some styles come with hooks, and these allow you to separate pieces without them getting all messed-up.

Gives life to the piece

As mentioned earlier, mannequin jewelry displays help people visualize how a jewelry piece looks like on an actual person. They bring the illusion of life, provoking something in them -- the desire to touch and wear the jewelry. Somehow, mannequin displays allow people to connect with the item they are checking out. These displays help customers understand what piece would look good on them or not, therefore influencing their purchase behavior and buying decision.

Sets shop's atmosphere and tone

Mannequin jewelry holders can set the tone of your entire shop. Unlike jewelry items displayed in boxes or trays, pieces showcased in mannequin busts seem more approachable and friendly. This gives an intriguing vibe, encouraging passers-by to check out your store. So the more unique the design of the mannequin, the more it will catch the customer's interest. These displays also help boost sales because of their strong, imposing appeal, as well as providing customers a better all-around shopping experience.

Ease of getting and returning the piece

Those with multiple hooks allow you and your customers the ease of getting a particular item from the display, as well as the ease of returning it. With necklaces in a box or tray, you'd still have the trouble of removing clips that secure them in it. Mannequin necklace displays, on the other hand, do not need these clips, making it more convenient for customers to try on the necklace they want.

Affordability

Mannequin necklace displays are actually quite affordable. Some can even hold multiple pieces at once, so there is no need to shell out cash for a lot of jewelry displays. They also save space, are practical, come in many designs, and can match any type of necklace or bracelet for smaller ones, for that matter.

Categories: jewelry display, mannequins jewelry displays, necklace bust, necklace display, Nile Corp

Jewelry Display No-Nos

Here are things to avoid in your jewelry shop display.

Jewelry displays are the first thing your customers see when they pass by your store or once they enter your establishment. That is why you should make sure that they look as presentable as possible. However, some jewelry shop owners still make mistakes and are actually not aware of them. Don't be one of them, here's a list of some of the jewelry display no-nos to avoid.

1. Making the window display look cluttered

No one wants an eyesore of a window display! Not only is it painful to look at, but customers will also lose interest in checking your items out further. By cluttered, we mean displaying too many pieces in one jewelry holder. For example, if you want to showcase a new necklace design, place it solo in one necklace display. You can add one or two more of a different color but never put more than three. Remember that you want to make passers-by curious enough to make them go inside your shop. So limit the pieces that you display by the window.

2. Not enough space

Space is definitely a significant factor in displays. Even out the items evenly; otherwise, customers will have a tough time checking out each piece. This would be quite inconvenient for customers, especially if there are other people interested in the same item. Some solutions for this is to use rotating displays or place the display table in the middle area, not against a wall.

3. Using too many colors

Your displays should look consistent; if you are opting for a minimalist style, go for monochrome displays. On the other hand, if you want a colorful display, pick a particular palette with just two to three colors to avoid going overboard. You should avoid the clash of colors because your display can become an eyesore. The same goes for the jewelry items you are planning to showcase. If a particular piece has multiple colors, it's best to use a jewelry stand with just one color.

4. Insufficient lighting

Light is one of the most important factors in displays. Without proper lighting, potential customers won't be able to see all the details of the jewelry pieces. That said, you would need enough spotlights to light up your items for sale. Make sure that it is also installed in a way in which it does not cast any shadows.

5. Excessive lighting

If some displays have insufficient lighting, some can go quite overboard. Too much light can also ruin a beautiful display. Your goal is to perfectly showcase your jewelry and impress customers, not give them a headache with really bright lights. Some people cannot stand such lighting, specifically those with eye problems or migraines. One solution for this is to use different temperature ranges or colors of light bulbs instead of just bulbs from one bright temperature range.

---

Have you made the same mistakes with your display? Share your stories in the comments below and feel free to give suggestions!

Categories: jewelry business tips, jewelry display, necklace display, Nile Corp, window display

Best Ways to Use a 4-Tier Jewelry Display

Here are some tips for using your wooden tiered display.

One of the most space-saving types of jewelry display available in the market today is one that has many tiers. This is because it can be a necklace display and a bracelet holder in one and can hold multiple pieces without looking too cluttered. Today, we will be highlighting one of our new arrivals -- the Wooden 4-Tier Jewelry Display.

Here are the best uses for a four-tier jewelry stand:

1. Display bracelets of alternating colors.

To make your display even more eye-catching, try showcasing bracelets or bangles of the same color on one-tier, then another color on the next. Creating patterns of designs is another option, especially if you are going to display entirely different styles.

2. Place necklaces on the top tiers and bangles at the bottom.

If you have necklace-and-bangle sets, you can use this four-tier display to showcase them without looking messy. Make sure that you place them in the right order of color or design, so customers can easily tell which pieces are the right match.

3. Use it at home.

Jewelry displays can be used at home too! So if you have a vast personal collection of necklaces and bracelets, the tiered display is your best bet to make your dresser look clutter-free. You can organize multiple pieces in this stand without having to worry about them getting all entangled as well.

4. Use it at craft or trade shows.

Because this jewelry display is made of wood, it has rustic qualities that make it perfect to use in trade shows. It is effortlessly eye-catching and complements basically any type of bracelet or bangle. And because show booths are not that spacious, you can largely benefit from the space-saving quality of this display.

5. Use it to display other accessories.

If you also sell (or own) other accessories like watches, scrunchies, and hair bands, you can also use this 4-tier jewelry stand for these items. You can keep your accessory display looking organized without having to worry about them getting entangled with other pieces.

Categories: display tips, jewelry display, necklace display, Nile Corp, tiered display