Selling in sets, does it work?

[Voogs]

I recently started to photograph and try to sell my matching sets of necklaces and bracelets together, as in 'Up sizing' like u all Americans do, does it work, I,m still an etsy noobie and coming up to Xmas I thought I'd try it....Vicki

http://www.etsy.com/listing/85735753/dove-grey-pink-charm-bracelet-paris

[Voogs]

The photo of the set is photographed on picture 5 of this bracelet....

[Former_Member]

Lots of different views and experience. I saw a thread like this a few days ago, someone wanting to know why jewelry shops here don't sell sets.
I think it mainly depends on your target market. These days, matchy-matchy is not in style, and that seems to hold true for beaded jewelry. I do have some sets, but mostly separate pieces. I'm a newbie to Etsy, too, but when I worked in an office and sold my stuff to office workers a few years ago, probably 90% of what I sold was separates. In the thread I mentioned, many people thought it was the older generations who preferred matching sets, and the younger crowd preferring single items that they could later mix and match with other items they have. If I were you, without seeing your shop (sorry, in a hurry to go), my suggestion would have some sets, and some individual pieces. You could always offer to create a custom order for someone to add on matching pieces.
Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I have found that what Kristen says is true. When I do make pieces that match, I sell them separately but show the matching pieces in case they'd like to buy those also. Sometimes they buy and sometimes not.

[wildwomanbeads]

Just to experiment with this myself, I set up two of my bracelets with matching earrings for a slightly reduced price than if purchased separately. I also tried posting some earrings that match a bracelet in a separate listing but noted that they matched a certain bracelet or necklace.

They aren't getting any more interest than things sold separately so I'd agree with Kristen (above) that, unless your target audience is a classic-loving, traditional-looking group of women, it's better just to offer to custom make a matching earrings pair (if you have the beads) than to offer it before being asked.

At least, that's my experience. Hope you have good holiday sales!

Meredith
Wild Woman Beads

[Former_Member]

I do offer matching sets in my finished shop but I list them separately. My thinking is that if someone wants a necklace but cannot afford it, they can still purchase the earrings.

[Former_Member]

I do a little of both in my shop, I have a few sets but mostly I list the items separately and mention the matching item in the description. I haven't had many sales yet but I think it makes it easier so someone doesn't feel obliged to buy earrings or a bracelet if all they wanted was the necklace.. Just my opinion. Good luck to you all on your holiday sales!

Jennifer

[JewelleryByJora]

I've only just expanded into the world of earrings and have yet to list any. I was wondering about sets so it's nice to hear some opinions on sales. I think maybe I'll post links to matching pieces rather than market sets. I'd hate to lose a sale because someone didn't want the bracelet etc

[JanislaJewels]

That's an interesting point, Meredith. We belong to the older generation that was brought up to match things so where we have made sets we list them as such - and have only sold one! Mind you, we're having a heard time selling our beaded pieces anyway - if anyone has any ideas we'd love to hear them!

We sell a lot more necklaces at craft fairs, sometimes with matching pieces and sometimes alone (even if matching pieces are available).

In any case, as soon as I can get around to it I'll try listing the pieces separately and see if it makes any difference!

[ParadiseChicJewelry]

I just sell mainly seperate, I post a link in my description if something goes together well. I have found people like to pick and chose themselves. Some rather pick a necklace and chose a different pair of earrings versus completely matching or some just want a necklace and that's it.

[Former_Member]

I have a section called Sets and put my matching pieces there. I also have pieces priced and listed separately but will put in the description the number of the matching piece just in case that is what they want. I know that I don't much care for matching pieces but a lot of older women do. Or I will make the piece not completely match but be of similar stone or color so it can be worn as a set. I always try to think of what real customers want not just the magazine trends. Since I have only 17 sales so far....I can

[Former_Member]

I can't tell what is working and what is not. Lol!

[Former_Member]

Interesting thread. Right now I have sets and they are getting many favourites as well as the single items, etsy seller newbie so no sale yet. New goal to play around with this and see what works best. I didn't know that older women like sets and younger ones don't . In this mindset, do you think that younger woman want the option of buying one earring instead of always 2?

[Former_Member]

Some people like sets, some people don't. Try listing some as sets and some seperate. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Former_Member]

btw...I like your pieces. Simple yet classy.

[GoodnessInTheCosmos]

For me, I haven't sold a set on line, but when I do shows, that's something people want--they want it to match something...

[Former_Member]

I haven't sold yet on etsy :( , I sell bead embroidery ooak pieces so I don't sell as sets and don't have too many requests

[Former_Member]

a good majority of what's in my shop and what i sell at craft shows are sets. I also have seperate earrings and bracelets...More often than not, people will buy the sets without question. Sometimes I'm asked to break up a set and just sell one or the other, which i have gladly done.

[wildwomanbeads]

Reading this thread, I hear we're all selling better at shows than on Etsy right now. I have a few ideas for how to get more sales going (other than special discounts and coupon codes). Is anyone interested in pooling ideas on how to increase sales?

[Former_Member]

I sell jewelry individually, with links to matching pieces in the listing. I've found that selling it as a set is sometimes cost prohibitive to people.One thing I've learned is that often times the earrings from a set will sell first, now I always make at least two of the earrings so a set is still available. I learned that one the hard way after making a matching set with my hanmdade beads, selling the earrings, and then being unable to reproduce the bead! And Meredith ~ I'm always open to pooling ideas!

[Smokeylady54]

I am also wondering about this.
I sell most of my items as necklace
and earrings set. As they are really
matching. But it is something to think about.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86115533/lampwork-beads-pearls-and-agate-necklace

This is one I just listed. Should it be seperate?

[Former_Member]

Interesting. I think I very seldom buy a set - I had never thought about it that way before

[beadhappilyeverafter]

Hi :-)
There are times when I'm interested in buying a "set".
For example, if I purchase a necklace that has very unusual beads, or maybe beads in a particular color that might be hard to match with items in my wardrobe. In that case, I like to have earrings that coordinate, and then I can wear the set with any neutral shirt or jacket and still feel pulled together.

When I *make* jewelry, I mostly use vintage beads - most are unusual or artsy and they often look wonderful in a matching necklace/earrings set or a bracelet/earrings set!

Interesting discussion!

Crystal :-)

[Former_Member]

I'm just a beginner here, but for at least one necklace I'm offering earrings with it since the necklace would be hard to accessorize for some. I didn't price it much more than the necklace alone would be tho'.

[Former_Member]

Of the few sets that I have, I've only sold 1 set. In my opinion, sets don't draw attention like they used to. :)