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April 28, 2004
Amazon Jewelry
I can't think of anyone who considers haggling over the price of some piece of jewelry to be a pleasant experience who isn't a jeweler himself. So I would like all of my readers who find themselves on the side of the small businessman instead of Wal-Mart to reaquaint us with the romantic values of storefront merchants, jewelers in particular.
When I was a young impressionable kid, we always used to speak about somebody getting 'jewed' out of their money. Although I hadn't much experience myself, I had assumed the origin of the term was in the jewelry trade with only the merest suggestion of the religion of the Jews normally found in that business. Be that as it may, lots of people get ripped off and everybody knows it. The moment you walk into a jewelry store, you're a mark. You may as well be in a casino or a strip joint. They will sell you stuff you don't need and make you think you're having a good time. That may be coming to an end with the announcement from Amazon.com that they are jumping into the jewelry business.
I predict that this is going to kill a lot of mall jewelry stores. I'm not particularly sentimental about it, but I am interested to see if people react in the same way to the passing of this type of vendor.
Posted by mbowen at April 28, 2004 08:57 AM
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Comments
The moment you walk into a jewelry store, you're a mark. You may as well be in a casino or a strip joint. They will sell you stuff you don't need and make you think you're having a good time.
Huh? The only thing jewelry shops sell is .. jewelry. If you didn't need it, why did you in? ;)
And let's be honest, is it any different to going to buy a used car, or a new computer? If you know your onions, you can a get bargain. If you don't, you get ripped off. Businesses that don't realise the importance of customer loyalty - or believe that "there's one born every minute" - have always operated like this, and always will until people wise up. Have you read The Cluetrain Manifesto?
Posted by: Steve D at April 28, 2004 12:44 PM
Did I read it? I'm a signer, and unlike half the other suckers, the company I worked for at the time is still in business.
Why in? Pretty lights, cute girls behind the counters. Plus I have a watch fetish.
Posted by: Cobb at April 28, 2004 12:58 PM
Jewelry stores are good for a browse. Unlike you, I am never tempted...never have any money either :)
Posted by: JohnD at April 28, 2004 10:54 PM