How to Sell Your Handcrafted Jewelry to Local Art Galleries

If you've designed jewelry for awhile, you've probably sold your handcrafted jewelry at craft shows and local boutiques. You may have feared taking the step of approaching local art and craft galleries due to concerns that your jewelry isn't “good enough”. If you start small and approach the right galleries, there's a good chance that you can successfully sell handcrafted jewelry through local galleries in your area. Here are some tips for getting your work into galleries:

Choose the right galleries

Visit local galleries in your area and find ones that appears to be a good fit for your handcrafted jewelry. Don't approach the big name galleries initially. You're more likely to get a positive response if you focus on smaller, lesser known establishments. One way to determine how well your jewelry will fit into specific galleries is to visit their website and look at the jewelry they have listed. Is your jewelry of similar style and quality? If so, add them to your list to contact.

Prepare your jewelry

Before attempting to sell handcrafted jewelry in a gallery setting, be sure you can produce sufficient quantities to meet the demand. Don't take on more commitment than you're prepared to handle. Approach one gallery at a time and determine what volume will sell through that outlet before approaching another one. Always have price lists and hangtags on each item when you meet with a gallery owner. It's up to you to determine the wholesale price for your jewelry. Don't ask the owner what she thinks she can get as this shows a lack of professionalism. Carry your jewelry in a professional carrying case and have attractive display boards for showing your jewelry.

Always make an appointment

Although you'll want to visit galleries to see how your jewelry might fit in, don't approach the owner for an appointment the first time through. Get a business card and call to set up an appointment when you return home. Once you get the appointment, always be prompt and professional. Be ready to answer questions about turn around time and payment procedures. Generally, a gallery will buy at fifty percent off the retail price and pre-pay for the first order. If they ask for thirty day terms, get credit references before agreeing. This is for your protection. Only agree to selling on consignment if the gallery is unwilling to take your items any other way. If you agree to a consignment arrangement, always create a consignment agreement. You can find help in creating this on the internet.

If the owner says yes

If the owner agrees to sell your handcrafted jewelry, be prompt in delivering your work. Check back frequently to see if they need additional items and to update them on your new work. Don't market your jewelry to other galleries in the immediate area. Most galleries want some degree of exclusivity when they sell handcrafted jewelry. Never sell your jewelry for lower prices at craft shows than the gallery is charging. Most galleries won't tolerate being undersold by the designer.

Once you've established a relationship with the gallery owner, she can be a helpful resource if you intend to sell handcrafted jewelry to a higher end market. Foster and nurture this relationship and you may be surprised at how your handmade jewelry profits grow.