True Tales: The Truth Comes Out

Published

16 years ago

July 2, 2008

?A middle-aged couple with a young daughter, about 8, came into our store and asked for the manager. I asked them how I could help. The lady showed me a watch which she purchased at least six months before.The crystal was scratched and chipped, and the band looked very worn. She started to yell at me that we sold her this watch and it’s all chipped and scratched and looks terrible. I tried to explain to her that she purchased this watch in brand-new condition and added that she would never purchase from us a new watch with all those scratches and worn marks. As soon as I said that, her husband grabbed the watch from his wife’s hand and told me that I was calling his wife a liar, and didn’t believe her story. Just at that moment, the little girl pulled her mother’s skirt and said: ?Mommy, don’t you remember dropping this watch two days ago?’ When her father heard this, he swore and threw the watch against the marble floor, breaking it into a thousand pieces. The father grabbed his little girl by the hand and they rushed out of our store.?

SARAH BUCKNELL
via email, Ontario, Canada

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.”