Focus

[Sassoon]

Hi,Iv looked and can't see any other appropriate areas that would answer my question.

I'm currently in the process of setting up my one time hobby as a bussines, my question is this, my area of expertise and skills lay in many areas of Jewelley making, but I'm wondering is it better to specialise in one area such as boho or gypsy types of jewellery or offer all different types ie tension rings, wooden inlay, Celtic,ect.

Thanks for your help in advance, I might be making lots of posts and posing questions or the next few months-years lol

[Dennis]

My instinct is to offer a variety of designs and not to specialise until you see what sells for you. Even so to keep customers returning you need to offer new designs each season. Dennis.

[Sassoon]

Thank you Dennis I'll take on board you advise:ta:

[CJ57]

I would agree, unfortunately if you want to sell work you have to a certain extent try and meet the varied tastes of your customers. Having said that if you have a specific market in mind, perhaps Glastonbury, then the types of jewellery you are suggesting would probably sell well. It depends where and how you intend to sell, who your targeted market is

[Sassoon]

But isn't that like which comes first the jewellery to fit the type of target customer of the customer to fit the type of jewellery. When I look at the small independent jewellers online they tend to focus on one area.

[CJ57]

It depends how long you have been in business. You will find that small independent online jewellers have probably been doing the job for a long time and have got to the enviable stage of knowing where their niche market is, either that or sales aren't an issue and they are choosing to make what makes them happy and they don't have to worry about sales.

Most of us starting out made a cheap and cheerful range as well as some more expensive and then you move on

[LydiaNiz]

Hi there,
If you have a stock of made items, maybe just list as many as you can and see what people go for. If not, make a selection of items that you feel best show your talents, or which you love making. A facebook page and getting people to respond to what the'yd like is always useful, or at least can point you in a starting direction.

[caroleallen]

I think all of the above is good advice. When you're well established and you find a style that's unique to you and that you know sells well, you may want to focus on just that style. Although I have lots of ranges that I've been making for years and still sell well, I'd get so bored making the same stuff all the time. I like to be a bit eclectic.

[enigma]

The biggest thing when trying to sell anything is marketing so I would say identify your target audience and make what you think they would like making sure you market yourself well.
Even within a niche market though you will have customers with varying tastes.

[Sassoon]

Thank to everyone who replied, I really do appreciate it and it's certainly give me lots to think about.