Tough question for retailers:

[strmrdr]

I dont expect an answer because of fear of retaliation.

Margins are getting smaller at the same time more training of employees and more time is required per sale than before.
It doesnt help any that any time there is a possiblity of charging more that the parties up the chain raise prices to snag any possible added profit.
Why do the retailers tolerate it?

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 6/3/2005 9:56:54 AM
Author:strmrdr
I dont expect an answer because of fear of retaliation.

Margins are getting smaller at the same time more training of employees and more time is required per sale than before.
It doesnt help any that any time there is a possiblity of charging more that the parties up the chain raise prices to snag any possible added profit.
Why do the retailers tolerate it?

I suspect it''s because retailers -- be they online or traditional -- recognize that those factors are out of their control. Trying to control that which isn''t in your control is a wasted exercise in futility.

What they *can* control.....as well illustrated by MM in the that article....is how you build value in what you offer. Return policies, inspections, wide array of gems for one''s needs, and a relationship are all things that have value.

Keep in mind that a vast majority of consumers don''t relaly want to become diamond experts--they just want to avoid getting completely gouged. That requies only a bit of study to accomplish, so not all retailer employees will have to be educated to the level of a Brian Gavin or John Q. or Jonathan.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

For some - it would help them if they put the same effort into training staff about diamonds... rather than their finance packages...

but then those kinds of companies dont make their money on the selling of the carbon... but on the package''s interest.