Planning to set up your own online jewelry store? In the past, buyers were very wary of purchasing high-ticket items online, including jewelry. But some merchants have successfully broken that barrier of fear and have been in business for years. Trust is indeed a major issue any seller has to overcome.

Here are some simple tips you can follow to establish your credibility as a seller and start your own online jewelry retail business:

1. Start small – test your market with items that are in the lower price range. Silver and crystals (ie Swarovski jewelry) are good test items for an online jewelry store. Some first-time sellers prefer to start off in the lower-price niche markets such as body jewelry (tongue rings, belly rings, etc). Ceramic and wooden accessories are also relatively risk-free and are easier to sell to the younger market.
2. Pictures paint a thousand words – When it comes to jewelry and online sales, nothing beats the power of photos. Your customers won’t be able to see the actual products. Descriptions of how it looks just won’t cut it. The solution: post images of your product. Make sure they are clear, so adjust the lighting before taking product shots. You should also consider taking pictures from different angles. If you have pictures of the piece worn by a model, that would be a nice addition to the product’s gallery.
3. Be very detail-oriented – This applies to product descriptions. Indicate the right size and color of the piece. If it has precious stones add the cut and clarity in the product description. Special care instructions also need to be included in your product page.
4. Certifications – If the jewelry you want to sell online is made of precious stones or metals, it would be ideal to get those professionally assessed and certified. It adds to that much-coveted trust factor.
5. Be clear about your policies – Your customers need to know what they can do if they are not 100% satisfied with the purchase, so this should be reflected in your return policies. They also need to be made aware that their purchases are safe. You can communicate this through your shipping policy. Be detailed about how the item will be packaged to ensure protection. If insurance is included in the shipping, please indicate the maximum amount for coverage and if this will entail cost to the buyer.

As a parting tip, a well-presented product means nothing if you do not deliver on your promise. This applies to both the quality of the product you advertised and the actual buying experience. Fulfill the order in the terms you’ve outlined. Such that, if you say they can expect delivery of the item in 3 days, make sure you have the manpower, process and supplies to do so. Remember, this is a business that thrives on customer trust and loyalty.

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