Even the most creative jewelry designer would most likely run out of ideas at one point or another. Although inspiration could strike from almost anything around us, we tend to forget one of the most useful sources that we have: our customers. Yes, your customers are indeed a rich resource of ideas for jewelry design. They oftentimes have a specific thing in mind that may unfortunately not be in your collection yet. Why not try to allow them to design their jewelry, custom-made especially for them?
You can get these ideas through feedback forms that you can include in your website. You can ask your customers to give suggestions for improvement and also recommendations on future products that they want to see from you. Another more concrete thing that you can do is to have an online system where your customers can virtually create their own jewelry. Present to them a selection of beads and wire styles that are already available and they can do their own mixing and matching.
It is not difficult to set up this type of facility, assuming that you already have a website in place. Just ask the person who developed your website to add a page where your customers will make their selections and you will automatically get an email with the results. If you don’t have a website then you should consider setting up your online jewelry store. The hosting costs are minimal and the increased revenue is always welcome.
The benefit of having this type of section in your website does not end with getting ideas for a new line. It could also set you apart from other jewelry designers because your customers will love the fact that having their own custom-made jewelry is made very easy and accessible. Just make sure that the page is as user-friendly as possible. So go ahead and experiment with this. Who knows? These ideas from your customers might even be the inspiration for a whole new line.
Is your jewelry making business a hobby or a business? If you are only doing jewelry making as a hobby then you will probably not be too worried about planning and designing your own jewelry as the designs that you make will be for friends and family. Don’t forget though that if you are getting great feedback from friends about your designs, you should consider selling your jewelry items and converting these contacts into customers.
As a start you only need to let friends, family and colleges know that you are now going to start your own business. You will be surprised at the number of people that are willing to pay for quality unique jewelry designs. Another great place to start to sell your crafts is at outdoor craft shows and exhibitions. Don’t be concerned about the competition out there, there as so many customers that will buy your creations if they are really exceptional.
Once you decide that you are going to sell your jewelry or are already running a jewelry making business, apart from getting some great inspiration from your customers, you should learn how to maximize profits using jewelry software. The latest developments in jewelry software will free up so much time that you can focus more on creating those custom designs that your customers are after.
