Being an indie jewelry designer is quite a challenge at times. At any given street fair here in California you may come across a dozen or more other jewelry designers. Although we all make one-of-a-kind pieces and may have different jewelry styles and designs, there’s that chance that a potential customer may see something else better. I could brush it off and say, “Oh, well, maybe it wasn’t meant to be...” But I have to admit that it was frustrating at times. 
However, suffice it to say that patience is a virtue. As cliche as it may sound, it’s true. I’ve attended street fairs, art shows, holiday fairs, etc for the past four years and it’s just now really starting to pay off. Now I have the challenge of trying to keep up with the demand!
How did I do it? Allow me to share....
1) Create a database of customers who buy from you. Whenever I’m showing at an event I always have a “Guestbook”. I ask customers if they would like to be added to my email list so I can let them know of any special discounts and other events I may be at in the future.
2) Offer to “tailor” the jewelry to a customer’s size. Generally I make necklaces 16-17 inches long and bracelets are 7 inches. Some pieces are adjustable, but for those that are not, I let the customer know that I could adjust the piece to fit them. This has been a good deal maker for me.
3) Be a “jewelry doctor” to your customers. If a customer calls me up asking if I could fix a piece, I usually go to their house and fix it for them - free of charge. I back up my products and make sure my customers are 100% satisfied.
4) Keep in touch with your customers on a regular basis. If you’re techno-inclined, start a blog so that people can be on the up and up about what you’re doing and making. Keep them informed on the jewelry trends or jewelry information. It’s important to remind them of your business, otherwise, they may forget about you! Keeping in touch with them also includes sending them Thank You or Happy Birthday cards. When you make an effort to think about them, they’ll remember you ;)
These are all fairly simple things to do.... Do all four and you’ll always have clients who will come back to buy more and refer you to others!
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