Bread and Butter Items

Sandy Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler

Everyone who does shows should have a bread and butter item - something that will sell in bulk regardless of location.  The perfect bread and butter item is relatively inexpensive, quick to make, and has a high profit margin.  It appeals to a large range of customers. 

I have one specific bracelet design that sells regardless of craft show venue.  I typically sell 30-40 of these per show.  Yes, I get tired of making them.  But I know they will cover my table costs.  They also draw customers to my table where they often buy my more expensive, one of a kind pieces.  One of my girl friends has mastered the art of making simple Swarovski earrings.  Another does well with David Christensen beads on bangles.  All of these items make quite a statement when displayed together on a table.

Even one-of-a-kind, high end designers would do well to sell bread and butter items.  I know a  ampworker who churns out glass disks that sell well below the cost of her more elaborate pieces.  A craftsperson who makes beautiful sterling silver with gemstone jewelry puts a bowl of sterling lined Pandora style beads on her table. 

It's a lot of fun to make one of a kind pieces.  It's great to ring up that big sale.  We all strive for what is known as the 'slow quarter'.  But hedging your bets with 'fast nickel' items makes a lot of business sense.

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