In several post on different threads the product knowledge of jewelry
sale staff at all range of retailers has been called into question or
completely dismissed as nonexistent.
While the bad customer service horror stories we all could tell are
regrettable and would seem to prove that this is alarmingly true in
some cases, what are we as jewelry makers/jewelry retailers to do
about it besides complain?
I found the greatest challenge of my career in jewelry design and
retail was always the education of my co-workers, of the client, the
buyer, the sales associate, the goldsmiths at the bench and myself.
And it is a constant process. The training never ends. There is
always a new hire, a fresh newbie, eager to make sales or make
jewelry but not necessarily very knowledgeable about it so they may
say or do something wrong and be too embarassed to admit it.
I worked for decades to establish product knowledge training and
inventory identification systems for major jewelry retailers. Took
classes to become a certified rapid prototyping technician, and a
diamond grader to be able to share that
The companies I worked with needed the product knowledge training and
inventory identification systems to prevent losses and law suits, and
it made my job easier if the sales staff, buyers, and bench jewelers
could all share correct The exchange of is a
vital aspect of all our success.
Nanz Aalund
Associate Editor / Art Jewelry magazine
21027 Crossroads Circle / Waukesha WI 53187-1612
262.796.8776 ext.228