Comments on: Guns for Hire…

By: Diamond Prices

Diamond Prices — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:14:31 +0000

First off, great post. I understand the value of both shopping online and shopping at a brick and mortar store depending on the type of purchase. I think it would make more sense buying an engagement ring at my local jewelery store while I would prefer shopping online for loose diamonds to be mounted as say, earrings for an anniversary gift. The ring would be worn daily and would require regular service, whereas the earrings would get taken out a few times a year and not really worth the included service/convenience a local store could offer. Just my 2 cents.

By: Andy Koehn

Andy Koehn — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:25:48 +0000

My pleasure, Naleli. Wow…what a beautiful name you have! I write this stuff because I’m know you’ll come back in the future…so…THANK YOU!

By: Naleli

Naleli — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:22:49 +0000

Very well put, thank you!

By: Michael A. Han

Michael A. Han — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:20:25 +0000

Thanks Andy-
Keep up the awesome work on your site!
Mike

By: Andy Koehn

Andy Koehn — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:56:54 +0000

Yeah…it’s amazing how buying a ring is different from buying a TV. Independent’s DO offer so much more than just the physical product. There is REAL value to the thing they/we do. Thankfully there are people who realize it. Isn’t it interesting how thankful they are when it comes time to have things checked…fixed…resized…all that and it doesn’t cost them anything?

Thanks for the comment, Michael. (BTW: Michael owns The Wedding Ring Shop and they are an incredible example of what it means to run a good…valuable business. I recommend them all the way.)

By: Michael A. Han

Michael A. Han — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:21:23 +0000

RIGHT ON, RIGHT ON, RIGHT ON!

90% of all women wearing diamonds don’t realize that a $20K flawless, ideal cut, 2ct. diamond solitaire after wearing for six months can look like a pawnshop ‘super deal’ from 47th street unless she has found a jeweler that will service that ring. A bricks and mortar jeweler adds immeasurable value through the service they provide during the LIFETIME of that customer.

By: Andy Koehn

Andy Koehn — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:31:35 +0000

I don’t know. I tend to disagree with that advice. I know it’s a popular sentiment to “get a better deal,” but it ignores the fact that bricks and mortar stores have an incredible amount of overhead that isn’t just window dressing. You know those people on the other side of the counter that jump through hoops for you? Yeah…that’s how they make their living. The good ones invest time and money to learn about the things they sell…so you (the customer) don’t have to.

The store owner invests money in training the people…and $100′s of thousands of dollars in physical inventory so you(the customer) can see and touch and try on before you buy. That’s just 2 variables…but to me it sucks when someone takes notes…then compares it to online outlets who provide NOTHING but a picture and pages of copy that you have to sift through for information that may or may not be clear.

No…that’s why people should start looking at professional jewelry sales people as hired guns…and pay them. Nobody has “people” for free. (If you do…well…you get exactly what you pay for.)

Thanks for the comment.

By: Gemstone Engagment Rings

Gemstone Engagment Rings — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:26:55 +0000

All great advice. Also, it can be helpful to write down all the information about the ring or rings you are interested in and then compare that to some online prices. Even if you don’t want to buy your ring online, you can possibly use the internet pricing to leverage a better deal.

By: Real Men Make the Call… : Buy Like a Guy…

Real Men Make the Call… : Buy Like a Guy… — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:17:02 +0000

[...] that says what’s in your heart but has trouble making it to your mouth. (See my post titled Guns for Hire for more on this. The “ease factor” is directly related to your professional posse. [...]