| Jewelry Parties can be an absolute blast, and | | | | all the other jewelry artists in the market. You need to |
| successful ones are very rewarding. Having a | | | | make them feel that they are being taken care of, as |
| successful party, and getting referrals because of it | | | | well as being cared for. No one is going to want to buy |
| builds self-confidence and really is assuring to the artist | | | | a green bracelet if it doesn't compliment them in some |
| that they are doing a wonderful job making jewelry | | | | sort of way. I love presenting jewelry to customers |
| and building trust with customers. So how do you | | | | and noticing a trait about them they will make the |
| present a party that is both memorable and | | | | jewelry stand out on them. For example, "Turquoise is |
| successful? By remembering those manners from | | | | a great stone for you to wear, it really compliments |
| grade school, being unique, and making sure there is no | | | | your blue eyes." Have fun, make some friends, and |
| stress for the hostess. So how do you do that? | | | | really it's all about helping someone find that perfect |
| 1. No Stress equals Referrals. People avoid throwing | | | | piece to wear. |
| jewelry parties for an artist because they don't want | | | | 3. Nothing Is More Important Then Being Unique. I have |
| to do any extra work that could cause them more | | | | always loved going to parties that are different, like |
| stress then they feel the party should be. I agree. I | | | | MaryKay parties. Marykay parties are really about |
| have had friends approach me about hosting a party | | | | having fun, finding a product that fits you, and spending |
| for them, and it always seems like I am putting in a lot | | | | great one on one time with the people you care about. |
| of work to host it. Make it simple for your hostess. | | | | What's more fun than shopping with your closest |
| Often times I even provide the refreshments. All I tell | | | | friends? That is how a jewelry party should be, having |
| the hostess is I need an area that I can work with - | | | | fun with your friends and enjoying shopping with each |
| and they are more then happy to oblige. Just let her | | | | other. So how can you make yourself unique. Here are |
| know refreshments are more then enough, there is no | | | | several ideas. Throw around, and try a few. See what |
| need for additional food and you don't want food prints | | | | works for you. Not everything will. I know from |
| on your jewelry anyways!) Make your display easy to | | | | experience. |
| setup and easy to breakdown that way the hostess | | | | 1. Offer Customer Jewelry. Bring in your best beads |
| does not feel you have out-did your welcome. The | | | | and sort them out by color. Have guest find beads |
| guest will arrive and see her relaxed, see how simple it | | | | they like and custom make them a piece. It's important |
| is, and see her having a great time and they will want | | | | to figure your costs before hand (such as price per |
| to earn free jewelry themselves by hosting one for | | | | bead, materials, labor, and flat rates) so you aren't |
| you. | | | | losing any money. Give them a realistic time-frame on |
| 2. Customer Service Goes A Long Way. I have been | | | | when to expect their piece, and always make sure |
| to parties where the artist seemed like all she care | | | | you get payment upfront. |
| about was making money, and watching her pressure | | | | 2. Offer freebies or punch cards for frequent |
| sale made me just want to leave without her noticing I | | | | shoppers. Figure out what won't make you lose a ton |
| was booking for the door. Most of the time those | | | | of money. |
| artists are not friendly and have an "ego" about them. | | | | 3. Have a door prize for highest amount spent, a |
| That is not the way to present yourself, it's a turn-off | | | | drawing for all individuals who book a party, or even a |
| in so many ways. Hosting a party should be about, yes | | | | free pair of earrings for everyone who brings a friend. |
| making money, but also about building trust, building | | | | Play with your margins, and figure out what will work |
| relationships, and showing how you are different then | | | | out for you. |