HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

This holiday was a blast!  Family, friends, and tons of dancing and laughing...and OH MY GOSH... SALES.  I have made more in sales than I have ever made in one month MANAGING a  retail store. And less stress too considering I am midway literally "attacking" a Masters' degree in Criminal Justice.

I have many friends.. both pre-Abeojewelry and post (my loyal awesome customers <3) who ask... HOW THE HECK do you send out some 30+ packages in a weekend and manage to have a life. lol.  Well, If it wasn't for error and learning from mistakes....

1.) Have an itch for crafting... start with glass bead items (They are cheaper and sparkle more!)
2.) STICK to hypoallergenic, sterling silver, and vermeil... if you don't have sensitive ears... well, think of the thousands of potential customers THAT DO!
3.) If you can afford it...BUY IN BULK. Stick to a theme every season.  (this is how I resell my supplies! I buy $1000.00 in gemstones I gain what I paid for in a period of time..and keep my price lower for my customers!)
4,) Etsy.com and artfire.com for your jewelry sales... don't ebay them away at the lowest cost.. people who go ebaying typically look for the BEST DEAL...Etsy and Artfire are strickly handcrafted and unique and if they find exactly what they want they will pay what they must for it.
5.) Don't  be afraid to ask for discounts! It only takes a message or email!
6.) Have fun, be creative, and look for something that hasn't been developed (or developed to its fullest potential!)
7.) When you start selling.. send hand written thank you cards...themed boxes..and PUSH yourself to get those orders out ASAP.  Customers love fast shipping!
8.) Patience... If you don't have it... don't try selling your jewelry online.  It takes time. TRUST ME.
9.) If you can sign your pieces (like I have bronze and silver rounds with "ABEO" or "AJ")...do it!  Your piece is a work of art..SIGN IT!
10.) Shipping: Buy bulk bubble wrap, self printed and adhesive stamps, and stamps.com (comes in handy when you zero out on actual stamps!) - this saved me SO MUCH MORE TIME when 4th quarter's hype came around in December! WHEW!

Hope this helps :)