Ready or Not …

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

The holidays are coming and it’s time to sell

BREATHE DEEP, everybody. It’s November, and your sleepy little business is about to wake up, screaming.

Anyway, when you’re this busy, all you want is help. And that’s what we’ve got for you with this issue’s lead story ? ?Stages of the Sale?. In this feature, we break down the sales process into the six most commonly-accepted steps, tell you what each stage means, point out potential trouble areas, and offer ideas that can help you get better results every step of the way.

Of course, all you store owners, sales managers, and ?smooth sellers? reading will find plenty of new knowledge here. But we think it will be even more valuable for the less-experienced people on your staff. In fact, we suggest making photocopies for all your junior associates to take home, read, and remember as though it were printed on the inside of their eyeballs. During the upcoming holiday craziness, we’re pretty sure such a ?cheat sheet? will come in handy. Enjoy it. Use it!

In other news, we’re now launching advertising sales for 2006 … and making plans for expanded editorial coverage starting in January. So how can you help? Well, we know we’ve already got the most active readership in the industry ? the manufacturers we meet are constantly telling us how much you rave about Instore. So, all we can say is … keep up the great work, gang! And be sure to keep telling everyone who visits your store about your favorite magazine!

Wishing you the very best business …

David Squires
Executive Editor And Associate Publisher
(Click here)

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.”