Regarding the “Can’t get a Stullar account” question and some of the
comments surrounding that issue. First let me say, I understand
Stullars position and I can live with it.
I am however reacting to some of the comments regarding at
home/garage jewelers or those that havn’t made a “true committment”.
I think there are plenty of “at home” jewelers who are legitimately
in business and are paying their taxes. Many of these folks actually
depend on their work to feed their families and have made
considerable investment in tools, equipment, training and
uncompensated time making others look good. Often these individuals
helped build other businesses by providing quality wholesale bench
work. Many of them have grown tired of nagging retailers and
uncertain futures and are trying to “move to the next level” as
someone recently stated. The fact that they do not have a traditional
brick and mortar retail space ( yet) doesn’t mean they are not in
business, or that they don’t have overhead. There are many fine
craftsmen who have gone over to the (dark side) and set up internet
based retail stores. There are also those that do the various craft
shows and art fairs. These people are just as involved in their
trade and many work harder, for less money, than do some of the rest
of us. As most of you know the traditional ways of doing business are
changing. Furthermore,there is often a trade off in not having a
storefront that some don’t seem to realize and that is, it is harder
to get enough customers to trust someone working from a home based
business. This is especially so for a jewelry business. While the
small time craftsman can often compete on price it doesn’t mean that
he is making a killing or even affecting other retailers that much.
Another point often overlooked is that many a small timer often
graduates to a traditional storefront after he has worked years and
saved up enough to get started. While there are some examples of
"fly by night jewelers" out there, I don’t think its fair to put home
based business people in the same catagory. I’m sure some of you
didn’t have a silver spoon in your mouth when you were born and many
had to struggle for years to get started. I know there are alot of
you out there that by hard work and sacrifice and in spite of various
setbacks or other life issues have managed to carve out a niche for
yourselves in the industry. Don’t think for a second however that
you’ve managed this all on your own. Give the little guy a break we
have all been there at least once.
As far as Stullar in concerned they are doing what they feel is
correct and thats their business. Either work with their criteria for
purchasing or find someone else to buy from.
There, now I 've had my rant! Hopefully it causes some of you to see
things from another point of view. Its tough out there and we are all
trying to make a living. -charles