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Readers Share Their Thoughts on Salespeople, Lab-Grown Diamonds, CAD Design and More

Plus, one reader ran into another at a trade show and recognized her from an INSTORE article.

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2023

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2023 Issue

Our store, as a whole, loved the May lead story. It reiterated messages some of our salespeople weren’t “getting” and even our most seasoned salesperson (30-plus years) could take new information and put it into practice. — Beth Greene, Conti Jewelers, Binghamton, NY
The May lead story was excellent. Our main issue is personnel. Finding a work force is a struggle. — Gene, John and Krista Poole, Hudson-Poole Jewelers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Among my favorite things that jewelry salespeople should know, my top favorite is “to stop talking.” Too often salespeople talk past the sale. — Tracy Gibson, Studio D Jewelers, Woodstock, IL
I loved this story. I pulled it out and have it posted in our staff room. Thank goodness we are doing most of these already. Very self-affirming that we are on the right path. — Karen Hollis, K. Hollis Jewelers, Batavia, IL
Just a great article. It’s been saved and printed out for continued future reference around here! — Mark Clodius, Clodius & Co. Jewelers, Rockford, IL
Salespeople are also therapists. We have to learn to listen to the customers’ long-winded personal stories and show empathy to their situations to further gain trust and loyalty. Even if it means crying with them and offering positive affirmations while discussing how to repurpose their wedding rings. — Rebecca Larson, Barry Peterson Jewelers, Ketchum, ID
Never judge someone by how they dress. I had someone in last month that looked like they were homeless and spent $10,000 cash on jewelry. — William Nordstrom, William Nordstrom Jewelers, Menomonee Falls, WI
I recently had an interesting comment from a client who was considering the purchase of a lab-grown diamond. He found it fascinating (and maybe ironic) that the lab growers are striving toward being totally carbon neutral in their production while at the same time that production is to grow carbon. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Torrance, CA
So glad to see education modules from Natural Diamond Council, GIA, and other sources. It makes for a great training session and not having to listen to the boss! — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
I read the story in a previous issue about a store owner in Montana [Babs Noelle] having a “Divorce Sale” and her marketing on it. Then I actually met her in Vegas at Couture while visiting with a mutual vendor. I recognized her store from the story and said, “You’re the divorce sale lady!” She thought it was great. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX

Share your thoughts with INSTORE. Email us at editor@instoremag.com

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."