When will bead sales pick up again?

I seem to have fewer sales around the holidays, but they haven't been great this year all round. I've got a full time job now and just think of my beading business as occasional money. Not encouraging I know, but that's what it seems like to me.

Cheryl --of course it is typical for this time of year, and makes perfect sense to me, at least. People who make jewelry are making it to sell as finished jewelry -- which sells at this time of year. So they don't need more beads right now. People who buy beads are buying for themselves (and we don't buy as much for ourselves this time of year, as many are too caught up buying for others) or as gifts to other beaders (less prevalent).

A lot of those who sell finished products, especially the small home-based businesses, have to work all year just to have enough stock to sell at Christmas. LOL. I talked to one retailer who had a kiosk at a mall -- said he made his entire income for the year at Christmas and spent the rest of the year making the products to sell once a year. Cool, eh?

And the moral of the story is -- go buy yourself something!!!!!

credit card bills from the month before show up. Traditionally on eBay and Justbeads, at least from my own sales, January is a bust. Don't count on it. Any sales you make for the rest of this month and next month are a blessing.

Much love -- Becki

And one more thing -- use this information to your advantage, for next year. From August to October, sell like crazy and plan to make your biggest sales during that time. Geer them to Christmas and be very clear about that in your ads -- say that this piece would make that perfect Christmas gift and they have plenty of time to make it up. Also sell sets, kits or large lots at that time.

And Cheryl -- if you need money now, be creative about it. Put up a few large lots at a slightly discounted price and suggest that people start stocking up now for next Christmas. If you need the money, it is OK to say so (here). We tend to buy when we know it is needed, now instead of later. That is very much in the spirit of Christmas giving.

And most important of all -- give them a reason to buy it. Such as selling in a lot (discounted prices for the buyer and you get a larger amount of money, quicker) or stocking up for next Christmas, or as gift-giving for another beader on their list. If you have any pieces that would be perfect for the next holiday (Valentines day, a big jewelry sales occasion) then target that now. Those that make a living selling jewelry appreciate the change to plan ahead. If you have pieces that have been sitting around for a while not selling, raise the price, lower the price or turn it into a kit -- get creative with what you have. All the energy you put into your auctions will come back to you in one form or other -- you will either increase sales or get very inspired to do something different, and that will increase sales.

Many blessings -- Becki

Wow, thanks Becki, you've given some great advice! I finally had to break down and get a "day job" but I actually don't mind it. It's a retail job so I get to talk to people and it gets me out of the house! And since it's only part time I still have time to do my beads.

Thanks for reminding me that I can advertise here to sell stuff if I am in need of money. I'm in one of those places right now. I didn't get the job in time to make enough money to cover the rent so I am really scrambling at the moment.

Thanks again!

Cheryl

Beckibead wrote:

Well I actually think the part-time job is a real fine idea -- that way you don't worry so much about the bead income.

Becki

I actually have sold more since I got a FT job than when I was trying to make it on a PT job and bead income. Go figure...