Every week we ask retailers how they handle client requests, questions, and conundrums. This week we asked: “How do you deal with customers who are obviously showrooming?” (Showrooming is when customers scope out a piece of merchandise, then search for it online—on their smart phones—for a better price).

“We try to [create] a connection with them so they feel comfortable buying from us, rather than from another store on the internet. We’re very honest…and we hold our reputation up next to anybody’s. We just brag on our store and our jewelry talks for itself.” —Randy Mitchum, Mitchum Jewelers, Ozark, Mo.

“Be sure to carry all unique work that can’t be compared to mass-produced stuff.” —Michael Johnson, via Facebook.

“This practice has been going on in retail for decades, before the advent of online. It just took more time because we used the actual highway to travel from store to store.” —Lori Spangler, via Facebook.

@jckmagazine remind them that usually online you are not dealing w/ an authorized dealer and therefore manufacturer warranties aren’t valid

— Here’s a Gem (@Heresagem) March 20, 2013

@jckmagazine Remind them of the benefits of shopping local…Keeping their money in their own community has innumerable benefits to them

— Atl Diamond Design(@AtDiamondDesign) March 20, 2013

JCK