One of the strongest recommendations I received in the beginning of my journey was to explore opportunities to become involved in weddings. I didn't follow this line for some time as I wasn't certain of how to do it. I mean, yes, candles are burned frequently at weddings, but doesn't every one just go somewhere to buy them in bulk?
While familiar, I've become increasingly knowledgeable about high-end customization for weddings, parties, and other functions. So, I've been thinking about how to approach clients on how to include my candles on their special day.
I've decided to approach first wedding planners. I've already established my prospect list and am planning to send sample products, such as Vanilla, Jasmine, etc. that would work for weddings, showers and other parties. I've also worked to update my Etsy site with samples of party favors:
I will add my tea light sampler when it is ready, hopefully soon. But frankly, I'm stumbling a bit with information to mail for a cold call letter.
Have any of you in the blogosphere worked with wedding or event planners? What recommendations do you have for entering into this line of business?
Sounds like a great adventure! Good luck and hope you get some great advice!
ReplyDeletehmm I feel like http://web.blogads.com/ offers something specifically targeted at weddings and what not, but I'm not sure...
ReplyDeleteI wasn't able to pull anything up, but thanks for the idea!
DeleteDorene, this is a great adventure to get into! I just know your candles will do really well for weddings.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to keep adding favors to your store, add as many as you can, so that potential customers can visualize different products. (I need to take my own advice here) I make custom soap favors for weddings/bridal showers now. Most of my business stems from etsy relevancy search (making sure your products are tagged appropriately to get noticed high in the search rankings on etsy). So #1, work on adding various product #2 work on tagging/search rankings. Outside of etsy, my biggest thing is word of mouth. If you can give any types of small samples (maybe tea lights) to friends that know a friend that is getting married, etc, etc. Then a chain reaction begins...and more people get interested in your products. Also, I have never worked directly with an event planner, just the bride-to-be or the family of the bride or groom.
I wish i could help on the cold call letter, but I hope some of the advice I've given to you helps. All the best, xxoo, Angel
Angel, thanks so much for your thoughts! I also plan to post sample candle tins in gold and silver, and because of your advice may post different molded tarts. It would probably also be a good idea to post some bulk item listings in addition to the samples (1-50 items, $xxxxx; 50-100 items, $yyyyy). And I've already noticed my items being searched.
DeleteThanks so much for your advice. You are an Angel!
Wow Angel great advice!
ReplyDeleteCan`t help you much on that, but best of luck! looking good!
Good luck, and I am sure you will be very successful!
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DeleteBest of luck with your new venture into wedding favors! Do you have photos with a label for the "bride & groom 2012" for the glass container candles for weddings or cute tags to add to the tarts?
ReplyDeleteAmy
Angel and Amy both have great ideas!! Best of luck in this new venture... I know it will do very well!
ReplyDeleteNow, I'll put my comment in the right place. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteDorene, Looks like you have put a great deal of thought into this and you're on your way up!! Good luck!
uniquecozytreasures- Those candles surely smell divine.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could offer some advice, sorry! I hope you get some helpful ideas on how to venture forth doing so. It's a great idea putting wedding items on etsy, I'm sure there are buyers out there! I think a lot of people would rather have something personal then bulk store bought.
ReplyDeleteKrystal - http://bellystickers.blogspot.com/
Following from promotional frenzy
Angel is completely right. Now is the time when spring and summer brides are looking for favors. Go get 'em, Dorene!!
ReplyDeleteOh weddings! They are so costly these days and people are definitely willing to spend the money so you might as well delve into the market. Good Luck :)
ReplyDeleteDorene, it sounds like a solid plan... as for cold calling try putting a small sample into your intro letters.. and be sure to say what benefit you offer to them and what makes you different...it's important to them to impress their client and setting yourself apart from the crowd should get their attention.... Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWow sounds like you are moving forward in the right direction. Alas I know nothing about weddings or planning so can't help you there, but I wish you the best moving forward, and who knows, maybe one day when I'm ready... ;)
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