What do all these multi-million-dollar corporations have in common: Tupperware; Mary Kay Cosmetics; Sarah Coventry Jewelry; Especially Lingerie? They all started out in home party sales! There are many other companies whose success is founded in home party sales, but these are the ones that first come to mind. They are proof that home jewelry parties are a fantastic business strategy for marketing and selling your hand-made jewelry!



To plan your home jewelry party, take an inventory what you have on hand. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, even a toe- or belly-button ring or two, or coordinated pieces provide a good variety of popular jewelry for a home party. Try to have several pieces of each design, especially those that are sold in sets.

Determine how many pieces you want to sell, and how long it will take you to create any additional pieces you want for your sales collection, before you schedule your first party. If you don't have enough pieces, or simply want to help out a fellow crafter, invite them to sell their work at your home party, and collect a commission on their sales. Friends, family members or co-workers are usually willing to help out by hosting your party. Posting flyers and business cards at community bulletin boards is great free advertising, and a press release in your local newspaper is sure to draw attention to your home party.

Discuss with your hostess what refreshments will be served and how they will be provided, as well as seating for the guests, on what you will set your displays and how they will be arranged. Keep your displays simple, but attractive and easily accessible for browsing. Work up short presentations for pieces or sets you want to highlight, and pass them around so guests can get a good look at them. For more expensive pieces, or for special orders, have a small catalogue of high quality photos. If you have an Internet web site, be sure the URL is on your business cards, and pass them out to the guests. Have inexpensive, but nice, door prizes for the guests to win, or better yet, have a Grab Bag or play the ?Trading Game? so no guest leaves empty-handed. Lastly, be sure to take the names and contact information of guests who would like to host a home jewelry party.

Reward your host with a lovely thank you gift! Allow him or her to choose their favorite piece from your collection, or give them a specific piece, based upon the amount of sales at the party. Something any home party host will love is the gift of a piece of jewelry designed and made especially for her or him. Get your ideas for the item by observing their favorite jewelry, colors and tastes. Seeing their host receive such a special gift may inspire guests to also host a party for you!

Don't rule out other traditional ways of selling your jewelry! Set up a booth at a flea market, craft, Celtic or Renaissance Fair, a special display in gift shops, or post your creations on e-Bay. However, having home jewelry parties draws in and familiarizes customers from your own community with your work, and establishes a solid customer base and reputation.