Hosting a Jewelry Party

[MichaelaJewelry]

Now that the holidays are quickly approaching I wouid like to offer jewelry parties to my friends at their homes.  I've never done one before and I was wondering if any of you have any experience in this area?

1.  Do you give the host a gift - a free bracelet/necklace or pair of earrings? Or if sales are a certain $ amount do I give the host (my friend) a certain amount of $ to spend on my jewelry? 

2.  Do I pay for drinks/appetizers?

3.  What other suggestions would you give somebody who has never held a jewelry party before?


Thanks
Margaret

[Larissa]

I've been to some Lia Sophia parties, and before I made soap I hosted a Body Shop party, so I can advise you based on those experiences:

The host gets gift(s) as incentives.  With the Lia Sophia parties, they get a choice of various jewelry and/or discounts on jewelry.  With Body Shop, I got a choice of free stuff plus discounts on other stuff.  It's based on how much is sold at the party, so there's a basic hostess gift for just having the party and additional gifts/discounts for more sales at the party.

The hostess also gets additional incentives if guests at the party sign up to host their own parties.  It's a good way to perpetuate the cycle.

The hostess invites the friends and provides all refreshments.

If you have small stuff, you can do a door prize as a freebie to a guest, or after you talk about your stuff, ask the guests a question about some detail you relayed, and the first person to remember and answer correctly gets a prize.

For jewelry, a nice display and lots of mirrors are key, so make sure you'll have space to set up and bring a table cover for a nice blank non-distracting background, and if there's nothing suitable, bring your own table(s).  A dining room table is good, though.

That's all I can think of right now.

[MakinTheBestOfIt]

Ditto what Larissa said plus...think about special orders and be ready to take them or are you planning on doing cash and carry only.  I hosted a home party at my house before Christmas last year and got a number of special orders that were all rushes for Christmas gifts.
Keep in mind since you are independent you are not beholden to the model of a large home party business.  You can customize your party to suite your products, yourself, and your host.  If you want to give a hostess gift and not base it on sales numbers you can because you run your business!
Home parties can bring in a lot of money because when people come, they often feel obligated to buy...I only know this because I have bought stuff that I really didn't care about because I felt like I had to buy something.
Most important, enjoy yourself and know that you have a talent and that people will appreciate your work.

[MichaelaJewelry]

Thank you ladies!! this REALLY helps.

[trusk4u]

I've had a few at my home a couple of years back and they were fun. It was my jewelry and my friends. Having nice displays is key, lots of mirrors, small baskets (I got some from the dollar store) to hold selections while shopping, good lighting and room to move. You should also be able to take credit cards. Once people know that they can use one, they likely will buy more.  I used propay which didn't cost much and you can email receipts to your customers. I set up the "check out" area in my kitchen. It was away from the main party and made it much easier for everyone. WE had finger food and drinks, but most people didn't eat or drink anything. Have fun, and I wish you lots of sales!

[MichaelaJewelry]

Thank you trusk4u.  Some great tips. Good point - I can accept credit cards - I have the Square that attaches to my iPad - so far so good. Although I've done a couple of tests with it I just haven't used it for anything more than that at this point.  Great tip about the baskets and lots of mirrors!

[Blue Highways]

Thank you trusk4u.  Some great tips. Good point - I can accept credit cards - I have the Square that attaches to my iPad - so far so good. Although I've done a couple of tests with it I just haven't used it for anything more than that at this point.  Great tip about the baskets and lots of mirrors!

Do share how Square works for you, Michaela! I just got one a week or so ago and would love to hear how it goes 

[Larissa]

Eric and I have been using the Square for Reef Botanicals and my face painting biz for quite a while now and it works great!

[trusk4u]

Let us know how the party turns out!

[Dragonclaw]

I'm also having a craft party, sharing it with a potter friend on Dec 3 & 4

[trusk4u]

I'm also having a craft party, sharing it with a potter friend on Dec 3 & 4

Be sure and let us know how it goes Matt!

[Dragonclaw]

I'm also having a craft party, sharing it with a potter friend on Dec 3 & 4

Be sure and let us know how it goes Matt!

OK I will

[Larissa]

I'm excited to hear about these.

[LisaE]

Good luck with the party.

[Dragonclaw]

Mine starts tomorrow at 10 AM