Forwarned is forearmed is what I say. This article is written from a male perspective because, well, Im male. Like many others Ive had the not so unique experience of combing through store front after store front for a particular item. Well, make that item SET. You see, Im looking for an engagement ring and wedding band.
Jewelry Retailers Still Ignorant On Conflict Diamonds::
to the retail display -- would ensure to the eventual consumer that they committed itself to informing its staff and salespeople about both conflict
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1018-04.htmHOME |
Yep, on that path to matrimony.
So, whereas I was once a newbie in dealing with aggressive diamond jewelry salespeople, I am now the battle hardened shopper who knows what questions to ask and HOW to ask them. Realize this: no matter what YOU say or do in front of the sales person, they will want you to do something at the end of the meeting, even if you are just looking.
Step 1: Go Alone!
Chances are you wont be able to avoid going by yourself at first, so roll with it. Take her out one or two times looking at rings so that you can get a feel for what she wants. Now, that wont mean you cant afford it, but get a good idea as to shape and color, and how she likes the band to sit on her finger. Thats very important, trust me. Some girls like big, gaudy, clunky old fashioned rings, and others like small dimunitive, barely noticeable but its definately there rings. Get a good feel for what she likes and doesnt like and then go do your own thing. Sometimes it may seem like youre placating her by nodding your head and looking dreamingly into the 45k ring on the table, but dont give in and make a purchase on something you probably cant afford. And those sales people know it, trust me. BUT, theyll use your lady as a bargainning tool in getting you to buy it right there. Small head nods between your woman and the sales person and comments tossed your way about oh how shes worth it and well, we can do payments, well discuss that later do NOT help your cause. This is why you must go alone and bargain alone. All your lady wants to do is pick out her ring, blind to the factors that go into purchasing it.
JA New York::
India to strike deal with DRC. March 12, 2008 | National Jeweler Network with Jewelers of America, the largest and most respected jewelry retailer
http://www.ja-newyork.com/janewyork/pavilion.jspHOME |
Step 2: Be Firm!
Wishy-washy does not exist in a jewelry shop. Chances are even greater that you can bargain down prices, but do your research. You cannot go into a retail jewelry story and not know whats going on. Go to a jewelry forum like www.jewelryforums.org to get the low down on pricing and what to expect when you purchase. So when you get pressured into a certain price set or even pressured to purchase on the spot- BE FIRM! and state your own mind. In the end, theyll do anything for your business except go below their bottom end.
Step 3: Be Careful About Financing!
Another tip not to go blind into a retail jewelry situation. Theyll treat you like a king and tell you how wonderful you are purchasing that wedding band set for your girlfriend, but what theyre NOT telling you in detail are the financing costs over time. Do your research on those as well. If youre using your credit card, make sure you have the best apr as possible. No need to get stuck with paying for a 5k ring over time that ends up costing you 12k! Trust me. Go into a wedding ring/band buying-researching situation knowing what you can afford and stick to it. Sure shes worth it, but so is buying food and paying for rent or your mortgage too!
I hope these tips were of use to you in your research about buying a diamond ring or wedding band for your soon to be wife. As always, do your research and youll always come out ahead!
 I Am a Sinner – What About You?
 Global Sourcing and Supplier Online by Dylan
|
How to Deal With Retail Jewelry Salespeople