Jewelry findings, castings, and precious metals manufacturer W.R. Cobb, Providence, R.I., says it has a way to help retail jewelers compete on the Internet.  The initiative, called W.R. CobbOnline, is a service that creates online marketing Web sites for retailers that protects their customer-base and allows them to expand their market, according to the company. 

As part of the service, retail jewelers gain access to more than 30,000 pieces of jewelry and watches, including more than 20,000 certified diamonds.

“Today, many jewelers are losing market share to Internet companies.  They are at a competitive disadvantage.  They can’t compete on price, margin or inventory,” says Roderick Lichtenfels, of W.R. Cobb, chief executive officer. “The solution we have developed allows them the best of both worlds – continue to be a vibrant local or regional retailer and augment and support their sales with a true Internet sales presence with an inventory that rivals any online retailer,”

W.R. CobbOnline provides retailers with what it calls, “three levels of opportunities”:

Level I – Provides retailers with e-commerce Web site, constructed by W.R. Cobb constructs – a the retailer’s branded name and logo. It includes:
• Use of Cobb’s inventory of 25,000-plus certified diamonds
• More than 3,000 bridal products – engagement, wedding bands and pearl collection
• Access to more than 30,000 products and hundreds of thousands of different options
The initial fee for this service is $2,900 and a $299 monthly fee for a 48-month commitment.

Level II – Allows retailers to make design changes to the site. It includes:
• Send a monthly email offer
• Track every visitor to the site
The cost for this service is $3,900 and a $399 monthly fee.

Level III – Allows retailers to “compete with anyone on the Web,” according to company literature. It includes:
• Monthly updates to home page
• Additional emails
• Full Web optimization – with the retailer’s own geography.

JCK