Recently I had a chat with a stall-holder at a market. Also in the jewellery business (but more costume, affordable, fun jewellery), he made some suggestions to me regarding my market displays. As I was putting away my jewellery, which is displayed on lovely wooden “trees” I had made specifically for the purpose, he said I would be able to pack up more quickly if all the jewellery were displayed in boxes. I thanked him very kindly for his suggestion, but went about my business of placing each pair of earrings and each pendant in its own plastic grip-seal bag (besides keeping my pieces separate, it also keeps them from tarnishing). The reason I display and package my jewellery as I do is because of one very important aspect of how I see my jewellery. It is important to me that my customers see the play of light on my pieces, that they be able to touch them, that they feel welcomed to do so. When I see a table of jewellery, all in their own little boxes, it gives me the sense that what I see is what I get. I don’t feel that I’m being invited to touch or handle the jewellery. No, it may be easier to pack up if everything is in a box, but I’d rather give my customers the advantage of experiencing my jewellery through as many of their senses as possible. The markets aren’t about how easy it is for me to display or pack up, it’s about providing people with the opportunity to buy my creations. A table that invites people to touch and even hold pieces up to their ears or necks – that’s what buying jewellery should be all about.

I was also given the name of another supplier as a possible source for my sterling silver. I was informed that I may find it to be less expensive. That’s fine, but will it be of as high quality as the sterling silver I buy? Would the company allow me to sell back my scrap sterling for credit? Again, I smiled politely and repeated the name of the supplier, but I would never switch from the supplier I have. I have been with them for three years and I’ve never found their prices to be higher than anyone else and often they are lower. This stall-holder was amazed and gave a slight roll of the eyes when I said that I had only four suppliers for the actual products of my business (two for gemstones, one for the sterling silver and one for the copper wire). Yes, just four, but four I know and four that have excellent reputations and are UK based.

I think this exchange made me realise that I may be in this for all the wrong reasons – at least the wrong reasons as would be perceived by others. I am not out to make as much money as possible, I am not out to undercut reputable suppliers because I can get something more cheaply elsewhere. I do my business with my customer’s benefit, not mine, in the forefront of my mind. For me, the sheer joy of creating my jewellery is compensation enough. Yes, I need to make a little profit just to pay for my wire, gemstones, findings, website hosting, my business cards, inks for printing, papers for my stationery, etc. But, as long as my sales cover those costs, I am happy. I am happy because, for me, the bottom line is about integrity, quality and reputation.

This Week's Web Business Recommendations

The two websites I want to recommend this week are:  Skyelight Candles and Incense Man. I have the pleasure of being a long-time customer of both businesses.

Skyelight Candles is owned by Kevin Topping and was founded in 2001. Kevin and his partner Ian make each and every beautiful candle by hand. Their offerings reflect their enviable position living on the north tip of Skye in the village of Staffin with stunning views of the Red Cuillins, the Quiraing and Staffin Bay. They have candles of every shape and size and candles that have been infused with delightful scents, including their very own heather scent. I own many candles from Skyelight Candles and some lovely candle stands that can be found in the shop and online. We always make sure we visit when we are on Skye and have done for the past six years. I can personally recommend Skyelight Candles without reservation.

Incense Man is a wonderful online shop that has more incense than you would hope to burn in a lifetime. Even when I spent some time in the States, I continued to order from Adrian (I am trying to imagine the customs officials’ reaction when we ordered a case of incense with the scent name of Opium). His prices and monthly specials are fantastic. He also carries a large array of holders, aromatic oils, burners, crystals, t-shirts and other gifts. If you love the smell of incense, this is the place. His incense is ethically sourced and he even has a page that tells you about the history and uses of incense.