Connect with us

Tip Sheet

Tip Sheet: February 2015

mm

Published

on

Presentation is Everything

If you sell goods online, it pays to invest a few extra dollars in your packaging and boxes, says Deric Metzger, of DeMer Jewelry in Oceanside, CA. “Without the benefit of face-to-face interaction, the presentation when the box arrives really is everything,” says Metzger, who operates a “manufacturing shoppe” and deals with customers mostly through the phone or online.

A Man Thing

Another reason to get your online sales capability up to speed: Because men would really rather not come into your lovely appointed jewelry store. That’s the conclusion of Pandora, which is expanding its 2-year-old online operation. Most men “are hopeless at buying gifts,” CEO Allan Leighton told Bloomberg. To take advantage of this, Pandora is focusing on delivery times, after-service and wrapping to make it easy for men seeking to buy gifts.

Selfie Perfection

In almost no time, the ring selfie has become a staple part of the engagement process. The next time a new bride-to-be takes ownership of a ring and mentions she plans to share the news with the world, pass on this tip from Brides magazine to improve the shot. “If you raise your hand up above your head for 30 seconds, the blood will drain and your hands will be less veiny … Have your camera ready when you bring your hand down for ‘the shot.’”

Round Up

If you’re dining out, adjust your tip so the final amount is rounded to the nearest dollar. That way, if someone at the restaurant (or gas station) is illegally charging you change, you’re more likely to notice it on your bank statement. Fraudsters usually deal in smaller purchases—a modest $19.29 tank refill or a $32.95 online transaction, not an ostentatious $12,000 sofa, warns John Ulzheimer, president of consumer education at SmartCredit.com

Teach a Friend

When you’re learning something new, try teaching it to a friend. Encourage them to ask questions about how to do it best. “If you’re able to teach something well, you can be sure that you’ve understood it well,” according to a list of mental hacks on Reddit.

Bringing Design Dreams to Life

One of the more positive promotions we saw last year came from Manning Jewelers in Foley, AL, where owner Glenn Manning invited local amateur designers to submit jewelry sketches for judging. Three were short-listed, recreated via computer-generated renderings and then displayed for public vote, with the winning piece being manufactured for sale. Manning said he wanted to give local artists an opportunity to have their work made. We think such a contest would work really well for Mother’s Day. Ask your customers to submit designs with the promise you’ll create the piece for the winner’s mom come May 10.

Advertisement

A Jeweler Walks Into a Diner …

If the thought of a networking function makes you go ugh, how about joining an after-work club? The idea is that you meet with other small business owners once a week for appetizers and drinks and just sit around and talk about whatever comes to mind. You’ll make connections and friends, learn more about your community and new ways to build your business. The Buffalo News recently ran a neat story (instr.us/2151) on one such “Monday lunch crew” started by a jeweler in Buffalo, NY.

Social Edge

Want to stay one step ahead of your competitors on Facebook? Software like Trackmaven or SocialBakers will monitor your rivals’ posts and figure out the best times to get your content seen ahead theirs.

Free* Batteries

What’s an email address worth? At Robert’s Jewelers in Southold, NY, it’s the cost of a battery. The store gives free batteries to customers who fill out a card that lists their name, mailing address, phone number email and three items that they liked from its inventory. The promotion had the highest impact for the lowest cost last year, according to owner Robert Scott.

Over the years, INSTORE has won 80 international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact INSTORE's editors at editor@instoremag.com.

Advertisement

SPONSORED VIDEO

When There’s No Succession Plan, Call Wilkerson

Bob Wesley, owner of Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Ariz., was a third-generation jeweler. When it was time to enjoy life on the other side of the counter, he weighed his options. His lease was nearing renewal time and with no succession plan, he decided it was time to call Wilkerson. There was plenty of inventory to sell and at first, says Wesley, he thought he might try to manage a sale himself. But he’s glad he didn’t. “There’s no way I could have done this as well as Wilkerson,” he says. Wilkerson took responsibility for the entire event, with every detail — from advertising to accounting — done, dusted and managed by the Wilkerson team. “It’s the complete package,” he says of the Wilkerson method of helping jewelers to easily go on to the next phase of their lives. “There’s no way any retailer can duplicate what they’ve done.”

Promoted Headlines

Most Popular