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Smooth Seller: Elaine Pieper

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Clarkson Jewelers,St. Louis, MO

 

Smooth Seller: Elaine Pieper

When Elaine Pieper was about to turn 50, she started checking off items on her “bucket list” and got a new lease on life. Her energy has filtered into the workplace, as well. She hit $1 million in sales by September, and is on track to making 2010 her best year ever. Pieper got her start as a bench jeweler and designer, but in 1991, she came to Clarkson’s and found a new niche in sales. — Eileen McClelland

INTERVIEW

ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Have fun and make each customer’s experience memorable. That’s what makes the job special.

BE GENTLE: I don’t push things on people. I listen to them and try to help them find something that’s going to make their gift special.

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SECRET TO SUCCESS: I don’t go to work every day saying, I’m going to sell a $40,000 watch today. I learned over time how to build a customer base, learned to listen, and it has just slowly evolved.

HELP THE GUYS: If it’s an engagement ring or an anniversary gift, I give them a suggestion on how to present it: Put it on her pillow and when she wakes up she’s going to have this wonderful surprise and your whole day is going to be wonderful.

SET THE MOOD: One of my first jobs was at Steak ’N Shake. An older gentleman came in every day for breakfast, and he said, “Let me just tell you one thing: The way you talk to your customers sets the mood.” So I try to greet customers and say hello, and use their name if I know it or get a feel for what their day is like. I can have a conversation before it even gets around to what brought them into the store.

MAKE IT FUN: A fun shopping experience is about trying things on and being interactive.

GIVE IT YOUR ALL: I worry about what happens in the store when I’m not there. If I have a customer who needs to get something done, I go into work on my day off or go into work early. Sometimes you have to give more than 100 percent.

This story is from the December 2010 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.”

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Smooth Sellers

Smooth Seller: Elaine Pieper

Published

on

Clarkson Jewelers,St. Louis, MO

 

Smooth Seller: Elaine Pieper

When Elaine Pieper was about to turn 50, she started checking off items on her “bucket list” and got a new lease on life. Her energy has filtered into the workplace, as well. She hit $1 million in sales by September, and is on track to making 2010 her best year ever. Pieper got her start as a bench jeweler and designer, but in 1991, she came to Clarkson’s and found a new niche in sales. — Eileen McClelland

INTERVIEW

ADVICE FOR NEWBIES: Have fun and make each customer’s experience memorable. That’s what makes the job special.

Advertisement

BE GENTLE: I don’t push things on people. I listen to them and try to help them find something that’s going to make their gift special.

SECRET TO SUCCESS: I don’t go to work every day saying, I’m going to sell a $40,000 watch today. I learned over time how to build a customer base, learned to listen, and it has just slowly evolved.

HELP THE GUYS: If it’s an engagement ring or an anniversary gift, I give them a suggestion on how to present it: Put it on her pillow and when she wakes up she’s going to have this wonderful surprise and your whole day is going to be wonderful.

SET THE MOOD: One of my first jobs was at Steak ’N Shake. An older gentleman came in every day for breakfast, and he said, “Let me just tell you one thing: The way you talk to your customers sets the mood.” So I try to greet customers and say hello, and use their name if I know it or get a feel for what their day is like. I can have a conversation before it even gets around to what brought them into the store.

MAKE IT FUN: A fun shopping experience is about trying things on and being interactive.

GIVE IT YOUR ALL: I worry about what happens in the store when I’m not there. If I have a customer who needs to get something done, I go into work on my day off or go into work early. Sometimes you have to give more than 100 percent.

Advertisement

This story is from the December 2010 edition of INSTORE

Advertisement

SPONSORED VIDEO

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.”

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