A friend's blog motivated me to add a new post today...it's hotter than blazes outside, the Indy 500 is over, it's not time for supper yet, so why not.
I told someone today that getting fired may have been the best thing to happen to me recently, actually back on January 13...the very next day I was an independant contractor at the same location, owned the equipment and could bill the company at will for anything and everything...I warned them years ago this day was coming.
The sales people always under charged for jewelry repairs or did not charge at all. I would tell them (and this was 15 years ago) if you want to make a profit, #1. go by the company repair charge sheet. #2. don't be afraid to charge for repairs and even show the customer the charge sheet and tell them your hands are tied, the company requires you to charge this much, you have to make a profit. #3. charge for repairs as if your jeweler (me) was an independant contractor.
Well that day did come and old habits haven't changed but it is no longer my concern, "it's not my train" as we like to say, as we submit another invoice! I held their hands for 16 years.
Anyway it's working out quite well, the bills are getting paid, a profit is being made (by me), I'm not sure if the store is making a profit or not...that's the manager's responsibility to monitor that.
Time to grill. Later.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
A New Direction...perhaps.
With all the changes in the industry and in my job situation as well, I have considered taking this neglected blog in a somewhat different direction. Not necessarily away from jewelry but pertaining more to my daily situation and how the jewelry companies are treating the jewelers in general.
I don't want it to be 'gossipy' but with all that has traspired lately it might be interesting to discuss.
My company for example has permanately laid off most of its jewelers. For some reason companies now feel it's in their best interest to use centralized shops instead of jewelers in the individual stores thus impacting customer service in a negative way.
In some stores with the company I work for the jewelers were given the option of 'taking a hike' or staying in the shop and becoming an independent contractor, which I have done. My associate and I were given the option of buying our work benches and all the tools as well as all the shop equipment...which we did, it was a good deal.
We now do the work for three company stores and bill them directly using our new vendor numbers given to us by the coporate office. So far it has worked out quite well.
More later on the paranoia that is creeping in as we consider what their motives might be in doing all of this shuffling around.
I don't want it to be 'gossipy' but with all that has traspired lately it might be interesting to discuss.
My company for example has permanately laid off most of its jewelers. For some reason companies now feel it's in their best interest to use centralized shops instead of jewelers in the individual stores thus impacting customer service in a negative way.
In some stores with the company I work for the jewelers were given the option of 'taking a hike' or staying in the shop and becoming an independent contractor, which I have done. My associate and I were given the option of buying our work benches and all the tools as well as all the shop equipment...which we did, it was a good deal.
We now do the work for three company stores and bill them directly using our new vendor numbers given to us by the coporate office. So far it has worked out quite well.
More later on the paranoia that is creeping in as we consider what their motives might be in doing all of this shuffling around.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Don't Shoot The Messanger!
What I mean by this title is that if your jeweler calls after you have dropped off a repair at his store, it is for a good reason. This happens on occasion when a salesperson or even management take in a repair and either quote charges that are too low or you have requested an estimate.
Also I will call a customer if I think the quoted charges seem too high. I don't believe in gouging the customer even if they have approved the charges while in the store. Customers are trusting the store staff to be honest with them and rely on their knowledge to give them the best price.
I always tell the staff if they feel unsure about quoting charges and they don't find them on the repair sheet they should ask me before pulling something out of the sky. By just guessing it sets up the scenario I am talking about. I have to call the customer and tell them the charges are wrong and explain why and what the correct charges should be. Generally I find myself having to quote higher rather than lower and I don't want it to seem like a "bait and switch" type of situation. The customer might feel like,"oh sure, now you have my repair and you're going to jack up the charges on me!" After conferring with the person who took in the repair I will call the customer and explain in detail the reason for my call and why the charges have to be adjusted. Usually I will give them a slight break on the price for being so understanding and also to simply build good customer relations. You know...rapport.
You can help protect yourself by asking to see the company retail repair charge sheet while you are in the store. Many times the person waiting on you might feel too rushed or too lazy to get it out while filling out your repair envelope. Just ask.
And remember if I'm calling you, it's for a good reason, please don't shoot the messanger.
Also I will call a customer if I think the quoted charges seem too high. I don't believe in gouging the customer even if they have approved the charges while in the store. Customers are trusting the store staff to be honest with them and rely on their knowledge to give them the best price.
I always tell the staff if they feel unsure about quoting charges and they don't find them on the repair sheet they should ask me before pulling something out of the sky. By just guessing it sets up the scenario I am talking about. I have to call the customer and tell them the charges are wrong and explain why and what the correct charges should be. Generally I find myself having to quote higher rather than lower and I don't want it to seem like a "bait and switch" type of situation. The customer might feel like,"oh sure, now you have my repair and you're going to jack up the charges on me!" After conferring with the person who took in the repair I will call the customer and explain in detail the reason for my call and why the charges have to be adjusted. Usually I will give them a slight break on the price for being so understanding and also to simply build good customer relations. You know...rapport.
You can help protect yourself by asking to see the company retail repair charge sheet while you are in the store. Many times the person waiting on you might feel too rushed or too lazy to get it out while filling out your repair envelope. Just ask.
And remember if I'm calling you, it's for a good reason, please don't shoot the messanger.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Mystery Inclusions
No ma'am I did not cause those inclusions in your diamond! I have heard many a customer complain that they did not notice the inclusions in their diamond when they dropped it off for cleaning or repair. Internal inclusions occur at the birth of the diamond, whenever the heck that was! Googles of years ago maybe... Anyway a savvy customer will already know or should know what the internal characteristics of their diamond are; they will know this because the jeweler who sold them the diamond should have furnished an appraisal with the inclusions plotted out on a small diagram. This also aids in insurance claims if the stone is lost.
This complaint can easily be avoided by the well trained salesperson or jeweler. By merely louping or scoping the diamond (observing it under magnification) and marking on the repair envelope the various inclusions as well as applying a diamond tester to confirm it is a diamond indeed...voila! problem solved.
Naturally customers never scrutinize their jewelry so intensely as when they pick it up after a servicing. So, consequently they think they are noticing new problems or mistakes by the jeweler.
So for your own protection and peace of mind, ask that these steps be taken to protect both parties.
This complaint can easily be avoided by the well trained salesperson or jeweler. By merely louping or scoping the diamond (observing it under magnification) and marking on the repair envelope the various inclusions as well as applying a diamond tester to confirm it is a diamond indeed...voila! problem solved.
Naturally customers never scrutinize their jewelry so intensely as when they pick it up after a servicing. So, consequently they think they are noticing new problems or mistakes by the jeweler.
So for your own protection and peace of mind, ask that these steps be taken to protect both parties.
Monday, March 23, 2009
HEY! ! Why do my rings discolor my fingers??
Short but sweet, this happens most often to women, sorry ladies. It can be a combination of things but most commonly it is caused by makeup. Also certain chemicals can cause it as well as certain body conditions, IE. chemical imbalance.
Dry makeup and some liquid makeup contain minute abrasive particles. They are only abrasive to something that is not as hard as they are, such as skin and metal such as gold.
When one applies makeup while wearing jewelery the minute particles get in between the fingers and rings. As the jewelry moves around over the makeup these small particles grind on a microscopic level against the gold. This results in particles of gold and copper being removed which are so small that they look black against the skin instead of gold or copper colored.
So don't blame your jeweler, the best remedy is to not wear jewelry while applying makeup and wash your hands to remove any residual makeup.
It's never a good idea to wear any jewelry while using hairspray, harsh chemicals (especially bleach), working in the garden, etc. Heck, think how Paula Deen's rings must look after a session of making all that dough with a pound of butta!!!
It's a harsh world out there, be careful!
Dry makeup and some liquid makeup contain minute abrasive particles. They are only abrasive to something that is not as hard as they are, such as skin and metal such as gold.
When one applies makeup while wearing jewelery the minute particles get in between the fingers and rings. As the jewelry moves around over the makeup these small particles grind on a microscopic level against the gold. This results in particles of gold and copper being removed which are so small that they look black against the skin instead of gold or copper colored.
So don't blame your jeweler, the best remedy is to not wear jewelry while applying makeup and wash your hands to remove any residual makeup.
It's never a good idea to wear any jewelry while using hairspray, harsh chemicals (especially bleach), working in the garden, etc. Heck, think how Paula Deen's rings must look after a session of making all that dough with a pound of butta!!!
It's a harsh world out there, be careful!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
What's That Gonna Cost Me??!
We've touched on some of the ins and outs of getting your jewelry repaired....how about some info on repair charges. We'll jump right in...on average to get a ring size smaller expect to pay around $25.00 give or take a couple of bucks. Platinum will be about 3 times this amount...so think before you dive into a platinum wedding set or heavy band.
Chain repair can vary also depending on the type of chain, ie. hollow, solid, heavy, etc. Expect to pay around $15 to 20 for a chain solder. Of course if you need other parts like a new lobster claw clasp, those can get you for between $20 to 100 installed, depending on the size. The little loops or 'dog ears' on the ends of chains will set you back $18 to 35 or so, dictated by the width of your chain.
If you need prongs on a diamond re tipped most places charge $15 to 25 for the first tip and a little less for each additional. Sometimes it's better to just get the entire head or crown or setting, whatever you want to call it, replaced so that you are starting out with all new 4 or 6 prongs....here again, the size of the stone dictates what a new setting will run you. Let's say you have a 1/4 (.25) carat diamond and you want to replace the head, four or six prong. Ball park charges will probably be around $75 to 95. All these charges can be and are affected by geographical locale and individual companies. Remember, if you have one or more pieces you are taking in at the same time, try to wheel and deal on the charges to get your best price...schmooze them up a bit with,"well, I'd like to keep coming here for my repairs and jewelry." or "That sounds kind of high, is that the best you can do, I have more pieces to bring in and I'd like to see if the work on this piece goes satisfactorily". No need to be mean or rude, it's business, just get the best deal you can.
Onward, what if you are in the market for a new solitaire mounting, just a simple four or six prong one stone ring. Most stores pay between $40 and 50 for a new one nowadays unless they make their own. So they will mark it up to around $120 to 150 or more....this can be negotiated as well....why not!! If you are buying a loose diamond from a store, try to get them to toss in the solitaire at no charge....some do this without asking, others will discount it...you never know.
Getting screw posts put onto a pair of pierced earrings can run around $75 dollars. If they are not diamond, sapphire or ruby the stones might have to be removed and that adds to the charges. Personally, I recommend a nice post with a heavier friction back or the more expensive "Poussette" setup. These are a double notched post with a clutch type back that locks on more securely. WHEW ! Break time.......
Chain repair can vary also depending on the type of chain, ie. hollow, solid, heavy, etc. Expect to pay around $15 to 20 for a chain solder. Of course if you need other parts like a new lobster claw clasp, those can get you for between $20 to 100 installed, depending on the size. The little loops or 'dog ears' on the ends of chains will set you back $18 to 35 or so, dictated by the width of your chain.
If you need prongs on a diamond re tipped most places charge $15 to 25 for the first tip and a little less for each additional. Sometimes it's better to just get the entire head or crown or setting, whatever you want to call it, replaced so that you are starting out with all new 4 or 6 prongs....here again, the size of the stone dictates what a new setting will run you. Let's say you have a 1/4 (.25) carat diamond and you want to replace the head, four or six prong. Ball park charges will probably be around $75 to 95. All these charges can be and are affected by geographical locale and individual companies. Remember, if you have one or more pieces you are taking in at the same time, try to wheel and deal on the charges to get your best price...schmooze them up a bit with,"well, I'd like to keep coming here for my repairs and jewelry." or "That sounds kind of high, is that the best you can do, I have more pieces to bring in and I'd like to see if the work on this piece goes satisfactorily". No need to be mean or rude, it's business, just get the best deal you can.
Onward, what if you are in the market for a new solitaire mounting, just a simple four or six prong one stone ring. Most stores pay between $40 and 50 for a new one nowadays unless they make their own. So they will mark it up to around $120 to 150 or more....this can be negotiated as well....why not!! If you are buying a loose diamond from a store, try to get them to toss in the solitaire at no charge....some do this without asking, others will discount it...you never know.
Getting screw posts put onto a pair of pierced earrings can run around $75 dollars. If they are not diamond, sapphire or ruby the stones might have to be removed and that adds to the charges. Personally, I recommend a nice post with a heavier friction back or the more expensive "Poussette" setup. These are a double notched post with a clutch type back that locks on more securely. WHEW ! Break time.......
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