Why Won't Jewelers Share?
November 16, 2006
Why are some jewelers so unwilling to share industry related information? Is this entire industry full of arrogant people? I don’t believe any educated businessperson would act like a know-it-all but I do think many jewelers are afraid of competition and that’s why they won’t share tips.
I also own a store and I’ve always thought discussing different ideas was a way to get my own brain churning. Every time I’ve exchanged ideas amongst colleagues, I’ve ended up going back to the business with something better and more efficient. Sometimes others are doing it better and their wisdom might help to better your own store.
My own feeling about this industry is that it is stagnant. I think half the reason for this is that there aren't enough people in this industry that like to disclose information.
I never said start handing out numbers of your sales last month. For instance, I once wanted to know turnaround on a line that my friend was carrying in a different state. I found out I was marketing to the wrong age group and never realized it because my Reps were advising me on their product as a whole and not by state or city. Staff issues are another great thing to share. For example, how companies base commission structure for their staff or how to solve a problem between two staff members who are always fighting about my customer your customer.
Anyways here is what happened. We are expanding our business and of course being a second generation jeweler I realized we needed a web site. I proceeded to call some other independents that have good web sites and are showcasing designer and brand name merchandise.
All I asked was about the photography. I’ve been researching everything from cameras with better macro capabilities to types of light boxes made by MK Digital and Ortery. I've even been talking with professional photographers. Maybe they know of a company that sells light boxes that they prefer or maybe it's not the light box but instead the camera I need to worry about. I want pictures that give off less yellow lighting and show crisp images of the diamonds. Perhaps information about an online store where I might be able to get a camera for a good price such as Keh. All I wanted was some advice.
I still don't understand…why won't jewelers share?
Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on November 16, 2006 |
Comments (21)
December 6, 2008
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?independent jeweler commented:
Go to www.polygon.net no better collection of sharing bight capable
1st 2nd and 3rd generation jewelers, gemologists, benchies, in the
world. Cheap at twice the price,,
March 9, 2008
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Why Won't Jewelers Share?wow power leveling commented:
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February 17, 2008
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Andy commented:
I happen to know a great deal about jewelry photography. I spent
$7000 on cameras, software, books, and classes. Not to mention that
I spent hours at the camera figuring the right scenarios for
perfect photos. This knowledge didn't come cheap or easy, you
shouldn't expect someone to give you their craft for free unless
you're willing to offer something in return. If you simply want
free information from every experienced jeweler that you come in
contact with, you're probably asking for to much. What do you offer
in return? How many years have you been in the jewelry business?
Are you a newbie or are you an industry veteran?
December 11, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?gemstar commented:
You will find jewellers openly sharing all sorts of technical
information at www.ganoksin.com , a free portal for people to share
information and discuss trade issues.
November 17, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Shanu S. Guliani commented:
Umesh--a consultant for gems, jewellery chemicals and engineering.
That sounds very interesting. I'd love if you'd email me--I have
some questions maybe you can answer. shanu@gulianis.com
November 17, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Umesh. Chavan commented:
Hello Shanu, I would think it is the fear of loss which would stop
a person from sharing. I am from Mumbai, India & we see this in
our country.I would belive knowledge is univeral.I am a consultant
in India for gems & jewellery, Chemicals, & engineering.
October 31, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?ImagingPrep.com commented:
I agree! Thats why I just launched a JEWELRY PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY
educational website. It is www.imagingprep.com We will be featuring
weekly webcasts covering new projects as well as our current
library of how-to videos. We sell NO PRODUCTS, only information.
Take a look, get out of the dark, and ENJOY! Aryeh ImagingPrep.com
October 30, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Patrick P commented:
As another jewelry photographer of many years I can't stress enough
how difficult it is to photograph jewelry and how much happier
you'll be with a professional result versus trying to do it
yourself. I see so much bad photography out there and I'm starting
to realize all those flat images are the result of do it yourself
kits. Yes, you may render the image to where you can see it, but is
that good enough to generate sales and interest? Look at the
professional jewelers who employ us for their ads and catalogs and
you'll see a marked difference to those shots and the ones in the
trades.
October 23, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Shanu S. Guliani commented:
To Taylor's Jewelry--I'd love to be able to have more friends that
are jewelry store owners even in the same town or city. I totally
understand.
October 19, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Taylor's Jewelry commented:
My husband and I have been in business for 15 years and still wish
we could find the answer to this question. How is it that all the
dentists in town can go have lunch together while all the jewelers
are backstabbing each other? I know it's a competitive age, but it
would be nice to get some help once in a while. As far as taking
pictures - we purchased a camera for web pictures and brochures.
You need to look for macro capability and do a lot of playing with
them. We purchased a Canon for about $500 is all and it takes good
pictures. Lighting and background is also a big deal. Good luck!
September 3, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Jim Lee commented:
Although this thread is pretty old, I only stumbled upon it today.
I must say that I find the perception of sharing among competitors
an interesting one, regardless of the industry. Where my interest
here is based upon my two years at Sterling where I conducted
competitive intelligence and benchmarking activities, and my
continuing work in those areas as a consultant today. A natural
reaction to knowledge sharing among competitors is to share less,
not more. That’s understandable. However, ethical
benchmarking provides mechanisms for even competitors to share
useful knowledge (to both parties) without divulging competition
damaging information. The firm I am with today, APQC (www.apqc.org)
is one of the pioneers in benchmarking, and in fact, created a
benchmarking code of conduct that is widely recognized as an
ethical standard for knowledge sharing. I encourage anyone
interested in knowledge sharing to review the APQC website for more
information.
June 1, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?AJF commented:
I'm a jewelry photographer and have been shooting nothing but
jewelry for over 25 years. It never ceases to amaze me, especially
now in the digital age, how people think it's only a matter of
buying the right equipment. Jewelry is probably THE most difficult
product to shoot. I'd say it took a good 8-10 years before I became
good at it. For the amount of time and money that you'll spend
trying to do it yourself, you could hire a professional, AND get
much better results.
May 16, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Jonathan Simons commented:
Competition darling! Knowledge is hard won in this game. It does
get shared in intimate relationships or when it's in our best
interest for something in return. Sounds mercenary doesn't it. I'm
just being straight up with you. I've learned from everyone I've
had the honor to sit beside. My price for that knowledge was hard
work and productivity. They would not have shared their skills with
me if I wasn't going to give them my skills in return. They made
plenty of money from my skills and in return they gave me new
skills. This was a trade I was prepared to make. If you want
something from another jeweler, offer them something in return.
That brings dignity to the sweat of their brow gaining their
wisdom.
March 14, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Uncle Marty, www.JewelHouseAuctions.com commented:
Where did you get your premise that jewelers do not share ? You are
flat out WRONG and almost insulting by your statement. I refer you
to www.Polygon.net A website that was created for jewelers/pawn
brokers to share information. There are many state jewelry
organizations too. Uncle Marty
February 16, 2007
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Ari Mahller commented:
Hi Shanu, Regargding photography, there are many systems out there
to choose from, some better than others. After a few years of
experience with jewelry photography I've concluded that 90% of a
jewelry photo is the photographer, not the equipment. We have
worked with different people for years, sometimes sending out
important pieces, and other times shooting in house. It takes quite
a bit of skill to find the perfect angle, and time to clean up an
image as well. You can find people out there willing to do it for
you for anywhere from $20-$50, depending on volume. I'd also
recommend asking your vendors to provide web ready images when you
purchase products from them, they should have no problem taking
shots, if they don't have them already. Having one less thing to
worry about means more time to focus on your store and sales. Our
website is www.kobelli.com, feedback is definitely appreciated!
ari@kobelli.com
November 22, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Mike Atman commented:
Hi Shanu, My name is Mike Atman and I work for Ortery Technologies.
It is my pleasure to offer a respone to your blog. We find that
people in the jewelry industry will share information when they
find something very helpful. Many of our new customers come from
referalls. Photography, especially jewelry photography, can become
complicated. There are many variables involved in taking a good
product shot for website or catalog. Our PC-controlled photogrpahy
studios consist of a controlled lighting enviroment, digital camera
and software that ties the system together to simplify and automate
image capture and image processing workflows. By controlling the
variables, our Photosimile Studios are capeable of generating
shadow-free, professional results with little or no photography
experience required. Photosimile products guide the user through
the complete image capture process and then assist them in
annotating, editing, and publishing the images for business
communication purposes. To learn more about the efficiencies of
Photosimile products you can view our flash demo at
www.ortery.com/ebox/flash/flashlink.html. I hope this helps your
readers better understand the technologies available in the jewelry
industry.
November 22, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?David Keeling commented:
You will find jewellers openly sharing all sorts of technical
information at www.ganoksin.com , a free portal for people to share
information and discuss trade issues.
November 20, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Shanu commented:
Karen, If you ever find out how to get in touch with these "skull
groups," please let me know. Sounds creepy and exciting! I must
know! My email addess is shanu@gulianis.com.
November 20, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Karen Filbert commented:
Hi Shanu, I am the senior account manager for Rembrandt Charms and
have plenty of contact w/ jewelers through out the country. Many
belong to "skull" groups. The main purpose of these groups are to
share ideas and information. The members are from all over and meet
a few times a year. Perhaps some one who belongs to one of these
groups could contact Shanu and give her more information?
November 17, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?Jaime Nacach commented:
Hello Shanu, I work for MK Digital Direct, the manufacturer of the
Photography lighting systems, and I wanted to give you some tips in
regards to your question. The photography light boxes that we
manufacture will provide you the correct light and illumination for
jewelry, by providing you photos with no glares, shadows or
reflections. Our systems feature fluorescent, halogen and LED
Natural Daylight lights. The lighting makes up 98% of your
photographs, therefore the lighting is very important. Yet, the
camera that you use, will be a very important factor in determining
the quality of your photos, as it is your camera the one that
actually takes the pictures. Therefore, knowing how to use your
camera is the key to high quality, crisp photos. In order to get
high-quality photos, you'll need to correctly adjust your camera.
Here's what our company recommeds you to do with your camera: 1.
Choose the manual mode in your camera. 2. Adjust the white balance
in your camera's setting to adjust to the lighting in the light box
(or any other photography set-up) where you will shoot your
pictures 3. Use Automatic Focus 4. Attach a Macro Lens (when
shooting in close distance to the jewelry items) in order to get a
good focus. 3. Simply adjust the shutter speed in order to get a
lighter or darker picture, and choose which you like best (while
maintaining the F-stop, the camera's apperture, without change).
Hope it helps, Jaime Nacach, Marketing Department MK Digital Direct
If you have any other specific questions that I can help you with
at jnacach@mkdigialdirect.com
November 17, 2006
In response to:
Why Won't Jewelers Share?test commented:
Test for comment functionality
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