INSTORE

Online Nutrition for Jewelry Businesses and More Reader Letters for July

Published

7 years ago

June 26, 2017

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2017 Issue

Online Sustenance

I really enjoy the online articles in between issues. It helps tide me over until next month! Keep it up. We love INSTORE! — Morgan Bartel, Susann’s Custom Jewelers, Corpus Christi, TX

IN THE WEEDS

The industry needs to take a proactive approach to weeding out the bad seeds. Jewelers have a reputation of ripping people off and not being fair. I hate the fact that the industry attracts shady characters because we work with items that are difficult to value from a customer’s point of view. Wholesalers should be on the front line denying jewelers without morals any product. — Christopher Sarraf, Nuha Jewelers, Plainview, NY

JUST MY IMAGINATION

My personal motto is that it is amazing how many things you have to change to keep things the same. These are challenging times, and those challenges provide us with great opportunities. I came back from JCK all wound up and excited to figure out what changes I need to make. What great opportunities are lurking out there for the imaginative operator. — Alexander Rysman, Romm Diamonds, Brockton, MA

DEATH BY SHIPPING FEE

Is anyone else having problems with suppliers charging exorbitant postage on items that the supplier puts on backorder and then ships out one or two items at a time until the backorders are all fulfilled? — James Sickinger, Sickinger’s Jewelry, Lowell, IN

JOB? WHAT JOB?

As far as engagement of my employees, I try to keep them engaged with cash bonuses, company outings and such, but this generation doesn’t seem to be all that concerned about their job. It certainly doesn’t seem to be in their top three concerns. Darned if I can figure it out. — David Phelps, Precision Platinum, Durham, NC

This article originally appeared in the July 2017 edition of INSTORE.

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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.”