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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

10 months 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

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.”