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Want Steady Traffic? Don’t Think of Yourself As a Jeweler

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Want Steady Traffic? Don’t Think of Yourself As a Jeweler

When I first opened my jewelry store nearly a quarter of a century ago, I labored under the delusion that “if I build it, they will come!” When I opened my doors, I thought I had a pretty good following since I’d been in the area for a long time working in another jewelry operation. Some of those folks did follow me, but gee whiz, was I in for a rude awakening!

After the first few months, I noticed things slowing down and buying traffic coming to a trickle instead of a steady stream. Why was this happening, I wondered? I stubbornly plowed ahead for a few years and made ends meet but nothing more. I clung to the belief that because I was a good goldsmith, watch repairman, gem cutter and appraiser (yes, I did all these things back then) that people would want to flood my doors and do business with me. Boy was I wrong!

You see friends, it really doesn’t matter how good you are as a jewelry salesman, goldsmith, watch repairman or designer. That is a tough thing to swallow, I know! But with the help of some friends in the business and a great business coach, I found the great secret of success in the jewelry biz.

Here it is: I changed my way of thinking about the jewelry store I owned. Instead of being a “jeweler” per se, I became a “marketer of jewelry and jewelry-related services.” Do you see the subtle shift here?

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It doesn’t matter if you’re the best jeweler in town with the coolest jewelry lines around if nobody knows about you. Take the time just like I did to hone your marketing skills. Instead of just skimming the pages of this magazine, devour the articles and take the time to become your area’s Marketer of Jewelry and Jewelry Related Services. Like me, you’ll discover that this little shift in your thinking will start paying big dividends in the future.

By the way, I have a gift for you! Sign up at hudsongoldmine.com/billsreport for a free report on “Three Ways To Bring Buying Traffic Into Your Jewelry Store.”

Bill Warren owns a successful jewelry store in the mountains of western NC. He speaks at industry events and trade shows on marketing and optimizing independent jewelry store operations.  Email him at goldman86@bellsouth.net


This article originally appeared in the July 2018 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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Want Steady Traffic? Don’t Think of Yourself As a Jeweler

mm

Published

on

Want Steady Traffic? Don’t Think of Yourself As a Jeweler

When I first opened my jewelry store nearly a quarter of a century ago, I labored under the delusion that “if I build it, they will come!” When I opened my doors, I thought I had a pretty good following since I’d been in the area for a long time working in another jewelry operation. Some of those folks did follow me, but gee whiz, was I in for a rude awakening!

After the first few months, I noticed things slowing down and buying traffic coming to a trickle instead of a steady stream. Why was this happening, I wondered? I stubbornly plowed ahead for a few years and made ends meet but nothing more. I clung to the belief that because I was a good goldsmith, watch repairman, gem cutter and appraiser (yes, I did all these things back then) that people would want to flood my doors and do business with me. Boy was I wrong!

You see friends, it really doesn’t matter how good you are as a jewelry salesman, goldsmith, watch repairman or designer. That is a tough thing to swallow, I know! But with the help of some friends in the business and a great business coach, I found the great secret of success in the jewelry biz.

Here it is: I changed my way of thinking about the jewelry store I owned. Instead of being a “jeweler” per se, I became a “marketer of jewelry and jewelry-related services.” Do you see the subtle shift here?

Advertisement

It doesn’t matter if you’re the best jeweler in town with the coolest jewelry lines around if nobody knows about you. Take the time just like I did to hone your marketing skills. Instead of just skimming the pages of this magazine, devour the articles and take the time to become your area’s Marketer of Jewelry and Jewelry Related Services. Like me, you’ll discover that this little shift in your thinking will start paying big dividends in the future.

By the way, I have a gift for you! Sign up at hudsongoldmine.com/billsreport for a free report on “Three Ways To Bring Buying Traffic Into Your Jewelry Store.”

Bill Warren owns a successful jewelry store in the mountains of western NC. He speaks at industry events and trade shows on marketing and optimizing independent jewelry store operations.  Email him at goldman86@bellsouth.net


This article originally appeared in the July 2018 edition of INSTORE.     

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

Most Popular