Selecting the right jewelry store equipment is a specialized process that can be costly. Naturally, the logistics of opening a brick-and-mortar location differ from launching an online business or seasonal pop-up shop. In each scenario, however, there is one essential element for opening day success: a comprehensive checklist to launch your business.
What do you need to open a jewelry store?
A strong, defined brand
While not exactly an item of jewelry store equipment, a defined brand will help your business generate interest and stand out from the competition. Your brand is reinforced on everything from sales receipts to the signage in front, so be sure to allocate time and effort to create one that is personally relevant to your vision.
Inventory management tools
What if your best-selling birthstone bracelet isn’t available for purchase? You may have loyal customers, but you don’t want to risk losing their business. Clover delivers POS solutions that help you manage inventory, order and track jewelry store supplies easily and efficiently. To learn more about the different ways small businesses can track inventory, check out this helpful post.
Insurance and security
Every retail business needs some form of insurance in order to operate. For a retail jewelry store, there are additional considerations related to the value of items sold. You’ll want to thoroughly research your insurance options–particularly if the business is focused on gems and fine jewelry such as wedding and engagement rings. Investing in a robust security system can help with the cost of insurance and provide greater peace of mind when you’re off-site. As a retailer, you’re likely concerned about identity and other types of theft, so be sure to read Clover’s tips on how to detect in-store credit card fraud.
Jewelry store displays
Most customers want to try on jewelry before making a purchase. Invest in a variety of mirrors (wall-mounted, countertop, and even handheld) for preening purposes. In addition, retail jewelry displays are available in a myriad of styles, from minimalist earring stands and acrylic watch holders to antique glass-fronted cases and velvet jewelry counter displays. Showcase your wares with jewelry display fixtures that complement the items for sale and reinforce your brand.
Standard jewelry store supplies
You take pride in your business and are eager to respond to customers’ requests. You may be asked to appraise or repair an item, and it’s best to have standard jewelry store supplies at the ready. These include loupes, pliers and cutters, gold testers, ring sizers, screwdrivers, and polishing materials. If your business offers jewelry-making classes, you’ll need multiples of each tool plus an abundance of findings and wires.
Personalization tools
Trendier than ever, personalized jewelry is highly desirable and may require the purchase of additional jewelry store equipment. Before investing, look into leasing engraving equipment or other high-ticket items that can strain your budget. Personalization can take many forms, and you might experiment with adding colored birthstones or relevant charms as a cost-effective way to add unique flair to your offerings.
Wrap it up!
Whether your customers are buying a gift for themselves or others, providing appropriate packaging is a must! Jewelry boxes, drawstring bags, or specialized pouches–each option can make a statement about your business and enhance its brand identity. Choose carefully, scouting out packaging that harmonizes with your retail jewelry displays and purchased items. Unwrapping (and wrapping) a piece of jewelry can be a thoughtful process, one that produces a deep and lasting emotional response.
A brilliant POS system
Designed with the needs of jewelry store owners in mind, Clover’s POS system makes sure your business shines. Manage operations, employees, inventory, and even customers with this powerful solution, considered the gold standard for jewelry store POS systems.
Make it picture perfect
Even a brick-and-mortar jewelry store will benefit from quality photographs of items for sale. High-quality jewelry photos represent your unique brand and style. You’ll find uses for photographs in brochures, online sales, and ads or sales promotions. According to Etsy’s buyer surveys, 90 percent of shoppers said the quality of product photos was “extremely important” or “very important” to a purchase decision. In fact, product photo quality influenced online buyers more than shipping costs, customer reviews, or purchase prices!
READ: 7 Tips for how to photograph jewelry
Promote yourself and your business
If your social media experience is minimal, it’s time to brush up those skills. Instagram, Facebook, and other social media are essential tools for promoting your jewelry store business, announcing special events, and developing customer relationships. You might also find email and text marketing can help boost business. Read more about the important role of customer relationship management (CRM) tools and strategies
READ: How to create effective social media marketing content
Payments on the go
Planning to sell your jewelry at a farmers market? For pop-up shops or seasonal markets, you’ll need sturdy yet lightweight retail jewelry displays and storage cases that assemble and break down easily for transport. Be sure to let customers know you can easily accept all payment types with a mobile device like Clover Go or Clover Flex. Clover POS systems and mobile devices provide convenience and flexibility without sacrificing transactional speed or security. Naturally, they work just as efficiently in your brick-and-mortar jewelry store, too!
Clover has developed POS systems specifically for jewelry store owners like you. We’ve guided merchants with powerful solutions and expert insights through the challenges of launching a new business. Read their success stories in our Meet the Merchants series. Don’t miss this popular post on what retailers wish they knew before opening day!
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