How to Start an Accessory Business

Co-authored by Pete Canalichio

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 References

If you are interested in selling accessories (jewellery, bags, hats etc.) then follow these few steps that should get you up and running.

Steps

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1
Think of a name.^{[1]
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- When thinking of a brand name, it's usually best to get a notepad ready for a list that will help you remember all the name and make the process of elimination easier. Try to think of something that emphasises your persona or brand message.^{[2]
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  Pete Canalichio
  Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert
  
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2
Practice makes perfect.
- Go on the Internet to try to find some accessory-making courses/classes. This will help make your brand more original, creative and will also make your days a bit easier.^{[3]
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3
Choose your brand's theme.^{[4]
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- Consider how you want to represent yourself and your brand. If you're a happy person, opt for light colours and fun designs. If you're a serious, practical person, design the whole brand to how it suits you! This is one of the most important parts.^{[5]
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4
Get inspired.^{[6]
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- Before you actually start making anything or finalising your brand, go to craft fairs and look at some of the homemade jewelry they have created. Take a note down of the properties and design features of the ones that you like so you can mix them up and add to yours when you do start making!
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6
Make the jewelry! If you couldn't find much inspiration, go on YouTube and see how they make the jewelry in different ways to give effect.^{[8]
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Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert

Expert Interview}
7
Tell and show people.
- After making all your fabulous pieces, it's time to spread the word and put on a jewelry party! Get a few friends to come round, have a few drinks, mingle but most importantly, ask for feedback and try to sell the bracelets! Obviously, you shouldn't have high prices as they are not part of a big brand yet, but hopefully soon will be!
8
Advertise your products.^{[9]
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- Put flyers up around town and posting business cards on bulletin boards really help improve business. Also, setting up your own website is another really helpful way to get people to buy your jewelry and try to get 'founded' by shops and big accessory brands.^{[10]
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9
Meet the managers.
- If the jewelry is selling, it's time to talk to some high street store managers that could maybe give you a brand funded by that shop. Making an appointment with a lower end fashion store is a good way to start.^{[11]
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  Pete Canalichio
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  Expert Interview} Keep on trying until you finally get accepted.
10
Help out.
- As you went to craft fairs earlier on, do the same and sell some of your accessories there, maybe to help someone in the same position as you were! Make multiple of the same design just in case some are more popular than others.
11
Have a grand opening.^{[12]
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- if you think you have enough money, and the accessories will do well enough, maybe it's time to open up your own shop! Look around town and the high street to see if there are any places to let, or set up your own stall in the middle of a shopping centre. You could maybe think about getting a ground floor apartment close to where you live and use that as the shop, with the landlord's permission.
12
Get some staff and your own shop! As the job market is rapidly getting lower, you could help a non-working friend out by giving them a job.^{[13]
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Pete Canalichio
Brand Strategist & Licensing Expert

Expert Interview} Even though you have your own business, it never hurts to carry the store on and try to set up a brand in another shop.^{[14]
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- Choose an employee of the month.^{[15]
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13
Never give up.^{[16]
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- If the business isn't going so well, ask your friends to recommend you and advertise more on the radio or tv.^{[17]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Where do I get the accessories for the business?

Community Answer

I would recommend looking for a wholesale market around you. (Every major city has a wholesale market somewhere.)

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What are the things I need to start an accessory store?

Community Answer

Money to invest, as well as time, effort, motivation, and then of course the materials to make the accessories to sell for money.

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Question

Does it matter if my product prices are way less than my competitors, even though I make a profit?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes. There is a lot of psychology involved in pricing. If an average price for a product is $25, but you sell the same product at $10, then a lot of people will think, "It can't be this cheap, it must be stolen or crappy quality." And honestly, it usually is. If you have a genuinely good quality product that you can sell for far less, then you will quickly have a lot of new competitors selling at your price; everyone wants a piece of the pie. This can kill the market.

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Tips

Ask a lot of stores if they wouldn't mind using your designs for their store. Don't just use only one and keep persisting.

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Only open a store if your positive the accessories are doing well. Otherwise stick to the Internet or open a stall.

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If you have a 3+ story house, why not consider using the ground floor as your store? It's cheaper and it won't be that far to travel to.

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