Hi Brenda,
I posted a similar questions about sales reps and loose color
several months ago. One person responded. You may want to post this
question on Polygon, or I can post for you.
My experience, as a sales rep, is the jewelers are relying more on
the trade shows and established accounts. If your business name is
not something recognized in the trade, few jewelers (30% or much
less) have any time for a sales rep. Most reps today are carrying
several lines. A sales rep with established accounts may help you
the most. However, I can imagine with the extra risk, they will be
costly.
I feel during trade shows the jeweler is on the offense (vs. defense
toward a salesman) The response is much more kind. To add a further
note, I feel the internet is a growing trend. Several large media
firms have decreased spending toward TV and radio, and the revenues
for online sales are steadily increasing.
In fact, I’ve grossed many times more revenue using my website than
I ever grossed in the years on the road. With a larger amount going
overseas to countries such as Japan, HK, and Europe.
Sincerely,
Ed Cleveland
303-882-8855
www.kashmirblue.com