Reader Letters on Artificial Intelligence, Tariffs and Trade Shows

• I use AI every day, and every day it gets better and better. I now use it for stories and ideas for clients, not just as a way to communicate. Once AI is trained well in your business, it can be a better way to communicate than if you do it all on your own. There are a lot of AI programs now to implement SOPs and design jewelry that we are using in our business. — Cindi H., Foxboro, MA
• My feeling about AI is like copying someone’s homework and hoping it is right. The answer may be right, but if it isn’t, who will pay the price? — Edwin M., Brainerd, MN
• We have yet to utilize AI in our communication with customers, video production, etc., but we do utilize it within our website generating descriptions of product. I know the opportunities are endless. — Michael R., Hamden, CT
• AI has become an integral part of our operations, streamlining communication and enhancing the customer experience. We use AI as an auto attendant for both our phone and text systems, allowing customers to get quick answers. It’s also integrated with our inventory management system in The Edge, enabling it to respond to inquiries about in stock items, product availability, website listings, and even store hours. The real advantage is that AI learns and adapts — it understands how we communicate and the messages we want to convey, then delivers that information consistently. It’s taken pressure off the team, improved responsiveness, and helped us deliver a more professional, around-the-clock experience for our customers. — Eric S., West Springfield, MA
• About AI, hallucinations are very real and sometimes subtle — beware! Natural diamonds are starting their comeback as the diamond of choice. — Mark & Monika C., Rockford, IL
• I want to express my appreciation for the recent INSTORE/Plumb Club panel webinar. Trace did an excellent job moderating, and the panelists — Lawrence Hess, Roger Forman and Paola DeLuca — were all spot on. As someone working with a De Beers Sight Holder, I found the discussion particularly relevant to the industry, especially given the current landscape of disruption and change. I’m looking forward to the next one! — Debra D., Boca Raton, FL
• We all read your magazine each month. It sits on our breakroom table for everyone to read! We get ideas for vendors to consider for our store, along with other ideas from your valuable publication! — Cheryl K., Lincoln, NE

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