You are the only method you have right now to exhibit your work to buyers. So what if they buy it off of your body, have a spare to put on when that one is gone. Wear matching sets for better sales, necklace, bracelet and ear rings. Bring three or four sets to work and change at each coffee break and lunch. You will have more exposure to your work then. Make sure they will go with your outfit though.

Is that how you're making some of your sales? People see it and want it? What's the problem? Clean it throughly and sell it. I just went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. The vendors there offer to let you try on jewelry and then clean it for the next customer if you don't buy it. What's the difference in what you would be doing?

I've had this same issue. I like to show off the pieces but then feel they have been "used". I do wear pieces from my inventory occasionally but not that often. it was a great thing I wore one of my pieces because I found out it was terribly uncomfortable so I was unable to sell it. I know a lot of people do wear their stuff to model it.

If that's your only way of showing your jewelry I say go for it.  If someone asks you about the piece you are wearing, tell them you made it and give a short discription of the components.  Then tell them all of your jewelry is for sale.  If they are OK with purchasing it right there I don't see a problem at all.  If they hesitate, let them know you can clean it up and bring it to them the next day. 

You might think about, at the very least, uploading your jewelry on something like flickr so you can hand inquisitive people a business card with a link to your flickr site.  You can make your own business cards with card stock made specifically for this. 

I also feel that many of my pieces I have to wear to give them a "test drive": what if the clasp is too awkward? Or something doesn't feel right?

It's just I once made a ring, and a friend of mine who had known about it and had seen it, was surprised when she saw me wearing it. Although I have to admit: wearing a ring is a different story: there is a lot more wear and tear than on a necklace or earrings. What can I say - I just couldn't resist: the ring came out beautifully!!!

Tatiana

Also: I do have a website (www.bebelledesign.com), and people know about it, but they don't check it too often and miss lots of updated pieces.

Why don't you arrange a regular exhibitions at your home or anywhere you are comfortable. This exhibitions could be like a small tea party also.... where you invite your friends to show them your work and not to forget telling them to bring their friends also.

Tell me if you liked the idea.

 

 I struggle with the same thing.  I generally feel OK about selling it if I've only worn it briefly and it's still in "new" condition. I have  a couple of pieces that were "near misses" I wear regularly -- those have been good from a "test drive" aspect.

I have pieces I've made for myself to advertise my jewelry. I don't make more than one exactly alike but the pieces I wear show what I can do.

Beadme makes a good point, I do the same as she does. I have tons pieces of my own which showcase what I do. that way I can show people yet not wear the stuff that is for sale. like I said, I will do it once in a while but it's pretty rare. I would not want to buy something that someone else wore a bunch.

 Wearing a few signature eye catching pieces is definetely key. Its what generates the majority of my sales. However I also work in a "warm market", part time in a pizzeria, in a town I've worked in since I was 14. So that has its advantages.

 Especially if you are in the process of learning a new skill, or you take a new direction make it a point to wear at least one or two pieces out and about. Its important for your long term and repeat customers to see you continually producing new designs, as it will continually renew their interest. I've also paired up some of my more intricate or evening styled pieces with blue jeans and a tank top while food shopping. Its a great place to "showcase" something when you know few other people will be dressed up.

 Also carry a business card, or keep a small notebook where you can take down order information or names of people who wish to be sent products or details. Business cards tend to be overrated but it helps if your card doubles as say a discount on a future purchase online, because then by literally having your card they've gained something.

 I have been to plenty of bead shows where I have witnessed a shopper buy something right off the neck of another shopper. It happens fairly often. I don't think there is anything wrong with selling something you are wearing, especially if it is the only way you are really able to promote what you create. If you have any reservations about selling your stuff after you have worn it - perhaps you could just let a potential buyer know before hand that it has been been worn.

 Good luck with your sales! Try hitting some bead shows with your designs. Give out contact information and network. There are lots of friendly people at shows.

 

I've actually had a few pieces sell right off me. I work full-time and am I asked daily what pieces I'm wearing and if I've made them (sometimes I don't wear my own creations) it seems that people are very anxious see what new pieces I've designed.

I also have a friend that has been selling her jewelry for awhile and she aways wears her pieces to art shows and craft shows and will sell them right off her neck. 

It really is the best form of advertising and quite frankly, I've found flaws in some of my pieces but only after I've worn them. Even some of the rings I've made. I think most people that are buying handmade jewelry expects that the pieces have been at least tried on by others. After all, jewelry has to be seen on to know whether or not its the right match for you.

I've even had a few people ask if I would do a home party for them so they could get their family and friends to see my creations.

Good Luck!

 

I would just suggest switching our say your pendants 3 or so times a week and only ware your best. By doing this people will ask you about them, and then you can just keep others in your bag, and say I got something kinda like this, but its one of a kind. This might at least get the ball rolling.

I often times make an item that can be made over and over again, so making one for myself and taking pictures of it for a listing isn't a problem if you do it this way. I do however, wear one of a kind items out at times. I don't find it to be unethical, because of the circumstances in which I do it. I only put the item on right after I have showered, and without any perfums or lotions on the area in which it is worn. Also, I wear it to short events in which I won't be exerting myself physically, and take it off and put it in my purse as soon as I'm in the car. It is really good promotion to wear items to parties. I have had a lot of custom orders this way.