We just got Stuller’s new stone catalogs and noticed they’ve raised
their diamond mellee prices to the point where they are nowhere close
to competitive. Also, they’ve cut their selection of colored stones
dramatically. We had usually found that for one or two mellee, it
was worth it to order from Stuller as we usually had other stuff on
the order and the savings from another supplier would have been eaten
up with shipping. The most recent problem was that their size
consistency went out the window and we could no longer expect diamond
mellee to come in at sizes we required. We had always appreciated
their extensive selection. Without competitive pricing and selection,
what’s the incentive to buy from them? What’s going on? This really
throws a monkey wrench in things. What are you folks thinking about
this?
I always look at their website to get correct pricing. I do not know,
but maybe they are expecting an increase in pricing or trying to
eliminate problems from prices varying from reality. It is always
easier to give a good price at point of sale, but harder to go up
substantially from the list price. I have not noticed a decrease of
available stones on the website, but I only order limited amounts,
so maybe I am not catching the change. I have not received a new
catalog, yet, but I am curious to look and compare.
I’ve noticed Stuller’s melee prices are adjusted regularly, usually
adjusted up. I imagine due to market prices. But more than that,
Stuller has gotten so big that they are able to take, “Profit
Opportunities”, where others are reluctant to. They have a
remarkable business and their model has made it so easy to order
everything you need in one order that many are willing to pay a
little more for the convenience. That said, Stuller is not always
more expensive. For instance, six packs of Busch burs were less from
Stuller than Gesswein last time I checked. I guess we all know that
in the long run it does pay to shop around, it’s just hard to find
the time. When in a pinch or when I just need melee for a job or two,
I will look to Stuller. If ordering melee for inventory, I will
normally look for a lower price.
I consider loyalty an important part of daily business. Of course I
expect loyalty to be a two way street. We’ve had the opportunity to
attend Stuller’s workshops, and having done so, we’ve seen first hand
how hard the staff work to be the best at what they do. Whether we’re
discussing Stuller or any other trusted supplier, getting exactly
what we need depends first and foremost on good communications. If
specifics aren’t addressed, then the possibility of a problem order
will exist.
We’ve spent time with many of the Stuller crew, had lunch, talked
about our side of the business, etc, and they’re always empathetic to
our position. I just can’t imagine anyone at Stuller not getting a
customer exactly what they want - if that need were clearly
expressed. What would be the point? They take returns…it’s not like
they’re going to sneak one past us. I’ve seen the facility first
hand, the whole Louisiana operation is geared to making us look good.
If I need a single diamond, a matched pair, or a slew of melee all
sized to match, I’ll get on the phone and speak to someone who will
understand that need. Heck, you can talk to the people in each
department and tell them directly. It’s not hard, I’ve done it. Do
they make mistakes…well of course, who doesn’t. But look at the
bigger picture. They are in the same market that we are. Are they
"adjusting" to that market? Geeze, I hope so, I don’t want to pick
up the phone someday only to find their number has been disconnected.
Look at the parameters of the stone sizes, then tell 'em exactly what
you want - at that point the onus is on them. My money is riding on
Stuller getting it right. If they don’t, please drop me a note, cuz
I’ll be surprised, and I’d bet Matt would be too. Keep their number
in your Rolodex, along with other good and trustworthy suppliers.
They deserve our loyalty, just as we deserve theirs.
I have to agree with Ski and Cathy. I have been dealing with Stuller
for roughly 30 years now and in all that time, only once was my
order not what I needed…but that was because I did not make it
clear what was needed!! Oh, now and then they might not have what I
want and I go to another supplier but that rarely happens. Quick,
dependable and helpful is how I would describe them. I actually save
money by dealing with this trusted supplier rather than spending my
time searching for a product on which I might save pennies. Also, I
don’t have to worry about the quality which is always high.
So, I say, save yourself some time, effort and potential headaches
and go with the best. (No affiliation other than being a very happy
customer). Cheers from Don in SOFL.
Thank you all for taking the time to express your thoughts regarding
Stuller’s Diamond and Gemstone business and the latest edition of our
"Essentials for the Bench" price list. I would like to take the
liberty of addressing your concerns:
We have been putting considerable effort into our Diamond & Gemstone
Fulfillment Department; retraining our associates so that they are
able to fill your orders to the highest degree of precision. We have
the highest level of confidence in our ability to keep our promise to
you. And if you have specific size requirements within our already
defined parameters let us know; that way we are best able to deliver
exactly what you want. We are now bringing our fulfillment to an even
higher level by delivering matched sets in special display boxes
which clearly highlight the precision to which your order has been
matched.
And this month, just in time for the season, we have launched our
newest assortment, Stuller Precision Melee, in G+ VS clarity. Stuller
Precision Melee is cut to some of the highest standards in the world,
is consistently assorted, is sold in within very tight tolerances and
is competitively priced. And coming soon will be Stuller Precision
Melee in SI clarity!!
Lastly, as with previous editions of the "Essentials for the Bench"
price list, this is not meant to be a substitute for our extensive
Diamonds and Gemstones Catalog. The next issue of that catalog,
featuring our complete offering of Diamonds and Gemstones will be
released in 2011.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to your concerns and
please do not hesitate to contact me, or my colleague Joe Orlando,
with any other questions or concerns.
Stanley Zale
Vice President - Diamonds
Stuller Inc
We have been putting considerable effort into our Diamond &
Gemstone Fulfillment Department; retraining our associates so that
they are able to fill your orders to the highest degree of
precision. We have the highest level of confidence in our ability
to keep our promise to you. And if you have specific size
requirements within our already defined parameters let us know;
that way we are best able to deliver exactly what you want. We are
now bringing our fulfillment to an even higher level by delivering
matched sets in special display boxes which clearly highlight the
precision to which your order has been matched.
Mr. Zale, all you need to to is to acquire a set of diamond sieves. I
paid for mine less than 40 bucks. They are a bit more now, but you
should be able to afford it. It take very little time and skill to
sort diamonds within 0.1mm with these. My son has been doing it since
he was 9 years old, and all it took is 10 minutes of explaining.
Quick, dependable and helpful is how I would describe them. I
actually save money by dealing with this trusted supplier rather
than spending my time searching for a product on which I might save
pennies.
We have a long-term relationship with Otto Frei also, and I must
give them a plug as being a great company also - I say that because
there are places where Frei and Stuller overlap in their products.
We use either and both, as suits the need.
With that said, I have to echo some praise for Stuller (both of
above, really) as being a fine company and your basic well-oiled
machine. Service is exemplary, quality is very high to better than
that, depending. They are what they are - largely a bread-and-butter
line of things, but a person can do pretty well on bread and butter,
too. You want real diamonds at real prices, go to a diamond
supplier, silly. Stuller does a good job and offers convenience at
the same time, and one stop shopping for those who want it. But low,
sell high - what does it matter what the cost is, unless it’s
outrageous?
Been creating an expensive line of “one-of-a-kinds”. This morning, I
have been over-estimating the cost of buying my local diamonds. why?
In case due to some unforeseen increase of $$ needs, I don’t want to
left in a lurch and start scrounging to save a few dollars.
My MO is to price these at $75.00 to $100.00 a carat more. Just like
gold, ‘we’ must emphasize that nothing remains the same for cost of
supplies. What was charged last year for some items will never be met
again. The only fee that remains constant is the labour, this is a
pity!..