True Tales: Not-So-Hot Property

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

Strange stories from the front lines

?We buy jewelry and scrap gold off the street. Recently, two women came into the store with a couple of gold chains and a tennis bracelet (with the retail tag still attached!) to sell me. I could tell immediately that the chains were counterfeit even though they were stamped 14K. And a quick look through a loupe told me that the tennis bracelet was no good as well. I overheard a short discussion between the two women which indicated that they had purchased the items from a man on the street, and they thought they had gotten a good deal because it it was stolen merchandise. Never occurred to them that a man who told them he was a thief might also be a liar. Talk about instant karma!?

LEN O.,
IRWIN, PA

?In the summer of 2004, we raised our prices for watch batteries from $5 to $6. One customer got upset when I insisted that he pay the extra dollar. He claimed that as a ?good customer?, he shouldn’t have to ? even though all he had ever purchased from me was batteries for watches he had bought elsewhere. Finally, he stormed out of the store, blasting the door open with enough force to crack a $900 window. He hasn’t been back since.?

ALADAR S.,
CLEVELAND, OH

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.”