BECOMING ACCESSORIES QUEENS

Dear Jellybean,

OK, my problem is this, my friends and i like to make things like denim purses and jewlery headbands etc. anyway we were wondering if u could tell us how to sell them. cause we don't want to do a lemonde aid stand but we don't want to have a store were only 13. Can u give us any tips on how we could sell are stuff? thanks
-GRLS

Dear GRLS,

First, do some research to find stores in your area that sell the type of goods you are producing. Accessories stores, crafts stores and shoe/clothing stores that also stock purses and jewelry at the front counter are all good bets. Then package up a few of your very best samples in a nice box, dress in your best "making a good impression" outfits and take the samples to the shops. Ask if you can speak to the manager, then ask him/her if the store would be willing to sell your goods "on a consignment basis." Consignment means that the store doesn't have to pay you any money unless they sell your stuff. If they do sell something of yours, they give you money - but they keep a percentage of the sale price, which they have earned by providing space for the stuff at their store and letting it be seen by potential customers. You should work out the consignment percentage - the amount of the sale price the store would keep as its payment - ahead of time. Usually a consigment percentage is ten to fifteen percent of the final sale price. A consignment agreement also means that if your goods don't sell, the store can return them to you without owing you anything. Becuase stores have customers trouping in and out all day who could see your stuff, this is an excellent way to sell your stuff - and you'll quickly find out if you're making stuff that people want to buy.