Shoppers why did you buy from who you did. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

>>Why should a consumer buy on-line?
1. Price (well maybe, some jewelers will compete nicely with web pricing)
2. You think you got the deal of a lifetime (price)
3. You were sold with all the toys and gadgets the online jewelers use to dazzle you (but you didn't compare several diamonds with your own eyes).
4. This list can get longer too.........

Okay, yes I have sold my share of diamonds online, but that is not my main business and never will be. I actually enjoy sitting down and talking face to face, offer an education, and a selection of merchandise. I also cherish the friendships I have made over the years of talking with people who visit my store. I also make it a point to shop and do business with people that shop with me.

My 2 cents, and can't wait to read other opinions.

#16-1000 I have a few stories to share too

I have intended the HCA to assist people narrow down web selections to the point they are sent off to an appraiser for an opinion. What is difficult to expalin to a consumer is the difference between a BIC with a bigger spread and a great look in office and daylit environ's - and FIC's that look fantastic (and some people think better) in spot lights and sutle sexy lighting. It is so easy to show people a few stones in the real store world.

The problem with this thread from a consumers point of view is they will get this service at your store and Jonathons and winks etc, but at 90% of other stores they have not a hope of any real understanding of anything but Carat, Color and maybe Clarity. Poor old cut!

After crusading* relentlessly for 2 years there are probably less than 100 people in the world (outside 15 in my own 2 stores)who really understand this commonsense and simple principal. The chance of a consumer actually talking to anyone in a selling situation with this type of new knowledge is really quite remote.

What is amazing is 'we' have probably educated 100 times more consumers via this site and others like it, than the total number of trinket floggers with any real idea about cut.

a few rambling thoughts from the car park cafe on a pre work Sat morning
Garry Holloway

Very good points. I can only speak for my own local, but condidering most mall stores a no no (which I agree), our local independents do a very good job. We have a couple that aren't up to speed, but out of about 30 independents I would only shy away from about 5 knowing what I know.

The consumer still needs to find a *good* independent, but you haven't an idea about who and what your dealing with online. It all boils down to typed words, reports, photos, and promises.

The net is here to stay, but the prices seem to slowly be trending up, and it still only accounts for a *very small* amount of the diamonds being sold today.

To give you an idea, we just ended a three day sale that we *only do once a year*. We had over 350 pieces move out in less than 24 hours of being open. The large majority was not diamond engagement rings, but over 50 diamond pieces were sold which averages just over two an hour. Each of these customers will receive the same quality service for years to come, its just the way we do things.

A sale isn't a sale if its a year long sale. Wow, double talk from the South!

We are very straight forward, its the price on the ticket for everyone that walks in. We price things *very fairly* and you may have a *very small* discount for cash or check, but its *the same for everyone*.

When we run a sale, its a real sale, no gimmicks or tricks.

Thinking about this
<<<<< , but you haven't an idea about who and what your dealing with online. It all boils down to typed words, reports, photos, and promises.>>>>

I did a search on the name of a baddy - the diamond guy Fred Cuellar - and this is what I found
4. Diamond deception - 1998-06-08 - Houston Business Journal
sponsored by: sponsored by: Home Contents Search/Archives Extra Edge Solutions & Services Contact Us bizjournals.com bCentral.com Subscribe to the Business Journal Buy a Book of Lists Get Hot Leads! Go to other Business Journals Home : Houston : Arc www.bizjournals.com www.houston.bcentral.com/houston/stories/1998/06/08/story3.html

What other ways can people check the bonafides of web dealers?

quote:

---

Originally posted by Cut Nut:
OK Steve knowing what we know what would be a good rule or way for a consumer to find the best local independant?
1. A web prescence?
2. Call a few from phone book???
3. Ask freinds
4.
5.

---

In my opinion:
First get a little education, this could be from the web or your local library.

Second, visit several stores, listen to the pitchs and leave when you encounter BS or answers that don't make sense and they can't explain in detail.

Third, look for lab reports and I do prefer GIA or AGS.

Forth, call your BBB to see what problems they have had (if any), and find out how long they have been in business.

Fifth, deal with the owner if possible.

Six, ask friends, but don't count on their advice as all truths, they may not reallyt know what they bought.

Seven, you can shop price on the net if you wish. This will let you at least have a general idea of where you need to be. Be Sure To Understand that the local jeweler should be a little higher, but also provide you services and selection. Use the web just to keep them in line with pricing.

Okay, this are a few thoughts this morning and I may have some to add later.

Garry, what are your thoughts?

What is a BBB?

An additional thought - I notice a difference between street clients and web enquiries. The later are far more informed and ask tough / good questions. Even my best people (eg my guy Sean who buys a million dollars worth of diamonds) sometimes get stuck and they ask me (hehe - as you say Steve - the owner) for some help.