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03-05-2017 08:45 AM
Oh well. Retirement from my jewelry business may have been short lived. Several galleries have contacted me in the last 2 weeks that they are receiving requests for special orders (since my jewelry is no longer in their cases).
I assume with Mother's Day, bridal season and graduation, people are thinking about jewelry gifts. I mentioned in my SHANUS LIVE FROM THE MALL post, that I may be going to a gem show next month. That is in preparation for my decision to go back in business.
I suppose I could do "special order" only which would mean not working full time to fill the galleries' cases, drive around to check their inventory, replenish items sold, etc.
I could also set a time frame of now through June 1st, taking orders which would be completed and delivered by June 15th. I'm definitely no longer interested in doing shows or selling inventory from my studio. There's a separate entrance & stairs up to my studio so customers do not wander through the house. That would interrupt my work, even by appointment only, and I'd be back to full time jewelry design and production.
One thing to keep in mind is I have no crafts' people working with/for me. Each piece is one of a kind. I design it, make it, file/finish/polish each piece and then set the stones.
Although I love the work and never stopped making jewelry as gifts to friends, family and myself, it's an entirely different thing to be back on a scheduled day with deadlines. It's quite flattering to be asked & the income is great.
Those are the facts. What should I do?
03-05-2017 08:50 AM
Maybe put the word out that you will be doing "special requests only" - like weddings, birthdays, etc. It is very flattering when they request a reorder - that's a tough decision.
03-05-2017 08:52 AM
How would any of us know the answer to your question?
Obviously you retired for a reason.
@Shanus wrote:Oh well. Retirement from my jewelry business may have been short lived. Several galleries have contacted me in the last 2 weeks that they are receiving requests for special orders (since my jewelry is no longer in their cases).
I assume with Mother's Day, bridal season and graduation, people are thinking about jewelry gifts. I mentioned in my SHANUS LIVE FROM THE MALL post, that I may be going to a gem show next month. That is in preparation for my decision to go back in business.
I suppose I could do "special order" only which would mean not working full time to fill the galleries' cases, drive around to check their inventory, replenish items sold, etc.
I could also set a time frame of now through June 1st, taking orders which would be completed and delivered by June 15th. I'm definitely no longer interested in doing shows or selling inventory from my studio. There's a separate entrance & stairs up to my studio so customers do not wander through the house. That would interrupt my work, even by appointment only, and I'd be back to full time jewelry design and production.
One thing to keep in mind is I have no crafts' people working with/for me. Each piece is one of a kind. I design it, make it, file/finish/polish each piece and then set the stones.
Although I love the work and never stopped making jewelry as gifts to friends, family and myself, it's an entirely different thing to be back on a scheduled day with deadlines. It's quite flattering to be asked & the income is great.
Those are the facts. What should I do?
03-05-2017 08:53 AM
Do what your heart and head tell you to do. You are in control now. Only you can decide what is right for you. Either way, Good Luck!
03-05-2017 08:56 AM - edited 03-05-2017 09:00 AM
Do whatever you feel would make you the happiest. I do think its very cool you have a following, so you must be very good
I'm editing to add, maybe it would be good do to go the special order route. I don't think I would go back full time. Unless you are bored with retirement.
Since your son and his family will be coming to stay with you for a while, I don't think I would want to back to full time work, but thats just me.
03-05-2017 09:15 AM
You are now in a position to do what you want and when you want, set your own deadlines and take on the designs you want. You are in the drivers seat so to speak.
03-05-2017 09:22 AM
The best way to find out is to just do it. If it feels wrong, stop.
Incidentally, how do you put a retirement date on artistic expression/talent?
03-05-2017 09:27 AM
IMO, You have to ask yourself if you're really ready to retire.
Just because you are really good at what you do and people enjoy your work does not mean you have to come out of retirement to oblige them.
You're either in or out.
If you do want to retire and YOU feel the need to make a few pieces here and there, then do it on YOUR own terms. Taking special orders will only put you back to work full time.
If and when you do decide to make something special because you want to, put it aside until you have a few pieces, then sell them outright to a customer directly or to a gallery or studio.
This will make your new pieces scarce and the demand higher and you will be able to sell at a higher price. Less work for more money and no obligation for you to meet deadlines, etc. Just work if and when you feel like it.
If you are not ready to retire, then it will be business as usual.
Only you can decide what to do.
03-05-2017 09:57 AM
03-05-2017 10:39 AM
What about setting up a website? You could make pieces at will, on your own time, and post them on the site. Many ecommerce sites allow you to set up"groups", so you can post pictures with info, but different pricing (1 for retail, 1 for wholesale) You can also choose whether or not to require a wholesale signin and/or minimum order.
It would require a fair bit of time to set up, but once it's there and you get a system going, it basically runs itself.
Etsy is one option, and they now have a wholesale site too.
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