Have you ever purchased at a jewelry trade show?

[coach_x+]

Have any of you had sucessess at buying jewelry at a trade show? I was wondering if that would be a great place to buy an E-ring. If so how did you do it and where did you go?

 

[oshinbreez]

I wouldn''t buy an e ring at a trade show. I went to a trade show a few weeks ago and David got me a oyster. It had a beautiful pearl. Personally I wouldn''t buy anything as important as an e-ring at a show.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

It would depend on your definition of "trade show." You must be a bona fide
member of the jewelry industry to attend a trade show. These shows require
credentials and documentation and are not open to the general public.
There are stipulations even if you are a trade member.
There are traveling gem and jewelry shows which are open to the public with
admission fees that proclaim low or wholesale prices. You can usually find these
shows to be crowded and I would think that the environment would not be a good one
for purchasing an engagement ring. Also, the vendors change frequently, so follow up
service could be a problem after the sale.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[RockDoc]

Modified is very correct about who gets into trade shows.

Even in the shows that say they are trade shows have "adjustable" pricing. Pricing for those who THINK they are buying at "wholesale" who commonly get fooled, and pricing that IS wholesale for those who show the merchants that they are in the trade.

One CLUE to this is whether you can take the goods with you. In the serious genuine trade only type shows, merchandise is SELDOM delivered at the show. Also "real" wholesalers don''t commonly sell one piece orders to buyers that ARE buying for resale. You generally need to buy a quantity of items. This is especially true for branded items.

The one good thing about gem shows where the public can get in is 1) the ability to compare lots of items. 2) be in a competitive sellers arena, because they know they only have a chance to sell you while you''re there and the show is running.

If you are looking for really find quality items, you may or may not get to see them at these shows.


Hope this helps.

Rockdoc

 

[Nicrez]

Agreed with Modified brilliant. A true trade show is something that is not easy to gain access to, even if you are a member of the industry. You have to register beforehand, and as such you are allowed a few number of "tradespeople" in under your name. Each of them has to have a businesscard printed to prove you are with the company, or a letter from the company stating you are employed with them. Trade shows are coveted events that many never even get entrance to in the field, much less lay-people.

Some antique shows and such can allow for consumers, but of course, the prices for such events are marked up to retail level and only when the seller knows you are an industry affiliate, will they give you the "tradeshow" price. Those price on tags where you do not have to be in a trade to get in, are more than likely the prices you will almost pay in a store. When I was in GIA in NY, we went to the Javitz Trade Show. Huge. We got access as student only through GIA and it was tough. I bought some items at the show, including a diamond pave ring. I got a good deal, but only because my teacher knew the vendor.

I would never recommend places like that for an average person. You are at a loss because the permanancy of the booth is not there, and if there is an issue you can not really return. If you find something you like, get a card and visit their store. Don''t be rushed into a decision! Trade shows last about 2-3 days. Fun to see, but if you are not trained to be able to make quick decisions with a gemological eye, then it''s the worst place to buy anything. Even then, dealers will consign to each other before making a deal. They are hardly ever in a rush, nor should you be!