Selling at local shops a good idea?

[GeoFormDesignsCo]

Hey guys! so i live in Moscow, Idaho and there are a lot of opportunities for me to sell my jewelry at local shops, the drawback is that they would take 30% commission for each sale, is it really worth it? or should i stick with online only sales? what would you guys do? thanks!!!! :)

[Former_Member]

I would raise the prices on the articles I put in the shops to help cover commission fees

[EchoesoftheUrchins]

wow! 30% is awesome! In my neck of the woods it's usually around 50/50 these days. I think if you can get into a real shop it is a great opportunity because you will get more exposure. People buy more from me at a brick and mortar shop. I think it's because people can actually pick up my item and see what it is; for some reason I don't sell much online.......

[Former_Member]

Moscow has a wonderful farmer's market in the summer! I do believe it's $15/day to sell, and it happens every Saturday from May to Septemberish. A lot of the local artists and growers sell there, and it's really good for community advertising. I've talked with a couple shop owners who do farmer's market, and there are varied results depending on what's being sold. You have a very nice selection of items, and I know for a fact that no one else who does FM is selling what you are.

I'm kind of wondering about this, myself (I'm in Pullman), and I've always been told that even if you put out a couple items here or there, it's great advertising. Since Moscow and Pullman are university towns, just getting your Etsy site out there is good!

None of this is what you asked about. I'm sorry.

[FlowerThyme]

I haven't sold products with any local stores (yet!), but I think local shops (and Etsy for that matter) are useful for different types of products. I get the sense that jewelry does better in shops, at craft fairs, farmers markets, etc. since its usually a tactile experience.

If you're concerned about a lack of net income then experiment with raising your prices -- at least locally.

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

Usually what I do when I sell in local shops is put about 6-10 different pieces in for a "trial period" and see what sells the most, or if they sell at all after a couple months, and go from there.

[Former_Member]

I am selling in two shops here in Florida. What I did was tell the proprietors, this is what I want for my product. What you sell it for makes no difference for me. I gave them a certain price for each of the items I put in the shop. I felt better that way being as I was still getting a bit over cost and the proprietor has a better idea of what the shop will support. It works for me, maybe it will give you an idea of how you want to deal with yours.

[PepiDesigns]

30% is a great deal. usually consignment is about 50-60%, so I'd say it's definitely worth it. But the most important part is that you price your items well! Make sure you cover at least wholesale prices or higher!

[Former_Member]

I would go for it! I sell some at some of our local shops and I make out pretty good.

Good luck whatever you decide!

[Former_Member]

30% is a good deal. Do you want your products seen? Do you want exposure in a shop? It's a good deal because someone else is doing the selling for you. Plus it's great getting a check in the mail every month.

[Former_Member]

When I've asked around in my neighborhood it's been 50% as well. I'm just not sure if I'm willing to increase my prices that much. The reason I started making jewelry years ago is because I couldn't afford the markup... and I started this shop with a kind of "Gemstones for the people" attitude, so they could afford to have something special and save by buying directly from me. It's hard to completely miss out on that opportunity, but I feel like street fairs and shows might be better for me. I just know that with my prices where they are, I couldn't afford to take the hit.

I also considered doing a couture line just for the local boutiques so I could keep my etsy prices low. It's a lot to think about : )

[Former_Member]

i sell my dolls in local shops and i also get 40-50%

but you can mark your price higher than what you have on Etsy. (that's what I do)

[Former_Member]

and by the way, even my price is higher than on Etsy, most people still prefer to buy it from the shop..

[Former_Member]

I'd jump at a chance to get items selling locally! Go for it!

[SinceSass]

I've had great experiences selling at local shops! I say do it. 30% is a really great deal and you are putting more of your stuff out there.

[Former_Member]

As it happens I got a check this afternoon from the one shop I consign with. Not a huge check, but it's better to have some items sell there (at a 50/50 split) than to have them gather dust in my studio. Or here... :)

[GeoFormDesignsCo]

Thanks guys!! i think i will do it, i work at the gallery so maybe my boss will even a discount! i wasnt sure if it was too much of a commission but i guess 30% is way better than 50%, i will let you guys know how it goes :)