Gene the Jeweler

Gene the Jeweler Wants to Help Others — But at What Cost?

He runs a gold-buying service, sort of.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

GIA Presents: Understanding Ruby Treatment

He Doubled His Sales Goals with Wilkerson

Inclusive Industry Education

Published

7 years ago

October 2, 2017

Jimmy DeGroot

BY NOW, YOU PROBABLY KNOW that Gene the Jeweler’s watch-battery replacement service is not exactly profitable.

You know what else isn’t profitable? His gold-buying operation.

It’s not really even a gold-buying service, per se. People bring in collections of jewelry that they have acquired from who-knows-where — inheritances, in some cases.

Gene and his staff sort through it and tell them what’s real gold and what’s not, and how much it might all be worth. (Not much, usually.)

In most cases, there’s not much payoff for Gene. The owner of the jeweler usually takes the jewelry and leaves, perhaps selling it elsewhere.

Gene hopes the people he helps will remember his store and perhaps come in and buy something — someday.

He calls his gold-evaluation effort a “community service.” But to us, it sounds more like a time suck.

What do you think?

Jimmy DeGroot

Jimmy DeGroot is a jewelry store manager who has been in the business for over 20 years. Now he spends his time training teams around the world at jewelrystoretraining.com and sharing marketing advice through his blog site at jewelrymarketingguy.com. Sign up for training videos here.

click to Comment(Comment)

Up Next

Gene the Jeweler Finds Himself in Deep ‘Stuff’ — Literally

Don't Miss

This Jeweler Deals With a Disgusting Problem Every Day — and It Just Doesn’t Seem Worth It

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”