Business Guide for Jewelry Makers: Starting a Jewelry Business with Small Start Up Fees

Running a jewelry business from home is a creative and lucrative way to earn money from home. Making unique necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and pins is also a useful way to help others add to their wardrobe accessories. While some businesses do require some type of start up fee's or extra costs, a jewelry business can be set up with low set up fees.

When you begin purchasing your supplies, buy the at retailers that offer them at low cost or find wholesale beads on auction websites like eBay. Retailers that sell beads and supplies are Wal-mart and Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby often has repeat sales that allow you to purchase a variety of their beads at half of the cost. Beading supplies at Wal-mart can often be purchased for under $5.00. Other ways to obtain pieces to create your jewelry is to explore the items in your home. Search for old buttons or even jewelry that can be taken apart. Browse garage sales and buy old necklaces or bracelets for $1.00 or less and use the beads from them. Handmade jewelry can be created from a variety of accessories-the more unique-the better the end piece often turns out.

If you need business cards, create your own from home with greeting card software or use programs like WORD. At the VistaPrint website, often you can purchase the first 250 cards for free and pay only shipping fees if you are a new customer. You may also contact your local printing office and question them on printing fees. A nearby local printer may be able to give you a deal for local businesses.

Once you have created enough pieces and have the name of your business decided, you then can begin creating a website. There are several online websites that offer free webhosting and free domains. Office Live allows you to build a free website with their business tools that create professional looking websites. If you would like your own domain name instead of a free one, check out websites such as GoDaddy for low cost domains that you may purchase annually. Other websites that offer free hosting are Bravenet, 000webhost and webs.com. If you still have trouble designing a website, find a friend or family member who would be willing to help you design a website. You could barter with them by creating a jewelry set in trade for a simple website.

To store your jewelry items, simply use small sandwich bags to place each piece in. Use the back of business cards to attach bracelets and earrings on. Hang the tops of the necklaces from the business cards or tie them on with a pretty bow. All jewelry items do not have to be placed in expensive gift boxes or bags. It definitely can be something to think about once your business is off of the ground and there is funds, but when you are beginning-small plastic storage bags will work just fine.

Should you decide to show your jewelry at craft shows or festivals, you can ask your local church, school or family member if you can borrow a table for the weekend. This often isn't a problem if you bring everything back in the same shape it was in. Again, you can always ask to make a piece of jewelry in return or offer discounts.

Advertising for your jewelry business can also be free or low cost. Create fliers to hang in your hometown area at nearby businesses. Speak with local beauty shops if you could place a flier or even a few of your jewelry creations. Hang flyers on bulletin boards at banks, libraries, and grocery stores. Offer fund raisers at your local school too. Offer to sell jewelry at the school and give a percentage of the profits for any special needs that they may have. Be sure to let all of your family and friends know that you sell jewelry as well. Word of mouth can be some of the best advertisement.

So if you are looking to turn a favorite hobby into a part or full time career, there doesn't have to be a lot of start up costs involved. Many supplies can be purchased at low price or often found at home. Advertising can be free or very low cost too. Creating jewelry can be relaxing, update your wardrobe and perhaps make best pals with your friends-you may be providing jewelry for many occasions!

Warning!: Purchasing beads can be very addicting! Do set a price or limit on how much you will spend on beads. Always try to purchase what you need to create your products-or you could end up with an abundance of beads!...

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