Connect with us

It's Okay to Feel a Bit Down. But the Jewelry Business is Going to Be Fine.

opinion: Jewelers, you are not losing customers. They are just on stay-cation.

mm

Published

on

PEOPLE HAVE WORN, loved, and craved jewelry for thousands of years. Jewelers, you are not losing customers. They are just on stay-cation. Jewelers made it through Great Depression and two World Wars. We will make it through this, too. When people can’t travel, they buy jewelry.

Feeling down? I get it, but what do you gain from being negative? Zero. Being optimistic is better for your mental health and your pocket book. Let’s spread some optimism, some creative ideas, and let’s get happy together.

Here are some things retail jewelers can do.

  • Offer customers free shipping.
  • People don’t like being told what to do (i.e. stay indoors). They want retail therapy. If your current local regulations permit it, turn your store into an appointment-only showroom. Offer customers one-on-one appointments or even curbside service at your store.
  • Studies show that being able to adapt is the greatest indicator of success. Been meaning to learn how to use that new camera or start an Instagram page? Now is a great time to learn something new.
  • Updating customer appraisals can be done from home. If you charge $100 for appraisals, this is a quick money-maker you can do from home. Try messaging customers with a message like: “There’s a lot of uncertainty and this world, but gold and diamonds have always held their value. Make sure your valuables are properly insured. If you need assistance, have jewelry or gold questions, or just want to talk, message me. I am your jeweler and I am here for you.”
  • Remind your followers on Social Media that jewelry is timeless. Stay positive. Try humor with lines like “Hey you are going to be QUARANTINED with this woman for a long time. You want her happy? Buy her jewelry!”
  • Buy gold and diamonds. This could be a great opportunity to make money on the buy.
  • You finally have time to create new case ideas. Make an estate case, a luxury case, last chance case, staff pick, or $500 and less case.
  • Sell jewelry on Facebook. I see women sell a ton of $5 jewelry just by doing Facebook Live!. People love these. They are easy, engaging, ‘real’, and fun. Why not go live and sell some jewelry? It’s free so nothing to lose. Video can be scary, but the more you do it the better you become, so start today!
  • Sort break out stones. Do inventory.
  • Plan future marketing strategies.
  • Update your website so you can sell from home.
  • Buff, remount old jewelry so it looks new.
  • Take pictures and try selling on Craigslist, eBay, Etsy, Facebook.
  • Create future mailers/post cards to drive traffic.
  • Drum up repair business over text messaging. Ask customers to text you pictures of jobs that need to be done or prongs that need to be retipped. Set up future appointments to do these repairs.

It’s not easy to keep positive, but for your own financial success and mental health you must try. Keep calm and carry on.

Advertisement

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.”

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe


BULLETINS

INSTORE helps you become a better jeweler
with the biggest daily news headlines and useful tips.
(Mailed 5x per week.)

Facebook

Latest Comments

Most Popular