We do not know how to obtain a Rep. This sounds like the best
option for us. Can you give me advice as to how to obtain a rep?
Dear Donna and Tom (and anyone else out there who wanted to
know), One of the best ways is to go to a few stores where you
think your jewelry would do well and ask to speak to the owner or
buyer (usually the same person in small stores). Ask for their
help. Tell them you are looking for a rep and who do they like
doing business with. If the storeowner likes a rep, chances are
others will too and your rep will be invited in everytime he/she
calls. Store owners are always looking for helpful reps who have
products that help the store make money. That’s the person you
want as a rep. Some reps have more experience than others. Some
reps have their hands full already. Once you have a few names,
call them and interview them. You are going to be giving hundreds
of dollars of merchandise to this person and you need to be able
to trust them. The pay is usually 15% of wholesale. So, if a
necklace will sell at $100, you charge the store $50. Out of
that $50 is your materials, labor, marketing, profit and $7.50 to
the rep. The store owner can also charge whatever they think the
market will bear. If stores are consistantly charging $150 for
your $50 pieces(wholesale) and the stuff is SELLING for $150,
then you have wiggle room to charge more - up to $75. Another way
to find a rep is to hit one of the jewelry shows that they have
- wholesale or retail. If you are in Reno (or maybe it’s Vegas)
they have a couple of really good Craft shows there. Try to find
a quiet time during the show to ask the sellers if they have a rep
and if they would give you a name and address. Don’t do this when
they are setting up, or have a customer anywhere near their
booth. Just remember that it’s great to sit at home and work 24
hours a day and not have to go on the road. The 15% will hurt
each month, but you have to remember that without your rep, you
don’t have any sales.
Good Luck,
kathi parker
www.angelfire.com/biz/moonscapedesigns