Happy Monday again from GCAL
The GCAL lab has now been reopened for one week. While we’re happy to say business has exceeded expectations, like many of you, we’re far from satisfied. But we are taking the advice of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who the other day insisted no one should be striving to simply get back to where we were pre-Covid. We should only be looking forward, setting new and loftier goals for ourselves and our businesses. That’s exactly what we’re all doing at GCAL, and we hope you’re all going to be able to do the same.
Reimagine… Embrace… Reward. This is the new GCAL mantra, and we’re happy to share it. It’s hard to read a newspaper or magazine, or watch the news on tv, without hearing about the “new normal.” The pundits all seem to agree there will be a new normal, but no one can be truly sure what that actually means. For our industry, does that mean different consumer buying patterns? Will tastes and budgets change? Will store traffic be a constant, or should retailers expect more purchases on your websites? What about trends in diamond jewelry purchases? Retailers and suppliers are surely curious about the issue and direction of natural vs lab grown. All of us at GCAL are curious how projected consumer expectations for transparency and accuracy will impact the gemological laboratory business. Will other lab reports follow the GCAL lead with guaranteed, accurate grading? Only time will tell.
We foresee, as do many others, a rational increase in what should be considered reasonable consumer behavior. It is only logical your customers will anticipate the products they purchase from you will be exactly as described. When your salesperson tells his or her customer the diamond being purchased is a G VS2, that’s precisely what they’ll believe they have… because they’ll demand grading accuracy. Whether you identify the diamond as natural or lab grown, be 100% sure. They’ll demand identification accuracy.
We hope you are aware by now that meeting consumer expectations for transparency is what GCAL does. We can help you REIMAGINE your diamond business. Now is also the time to EMBRACE these consumer expectations of transparency. And with the many services GCAL offers that no other lab in the world offers, this is your chance to REWARD your customers (and sales team) with important benefits to help close more sales. Just let us know how we can help
All of us at GCAL firmly believe in the expression: “for all things there comes a time.” But when it comes to accuracy, consistency and ethics… that time Is NOW! This, we feel certain, in part at least, will be the new normal.
On a personal note, how wonderful it is to see most of the boards coming down on Fifth Avenue and all around Manhattan. We expect it’s the same around the country and around the world. We will always remain united with all those standing up for justice, and we’re encouraged by the actual changes taking place within our police systems and society as a whole.
With continuing heartfelt sympathy to any of you who have lost a loved one… with hope for a speedy recovery to those who are ill… please stay safe and be well and be smart. We look forward to seeing you and working with you the instant you are ready.
Sincerely,
Don, Pam, & Angelo Palmieri, Steve Feldman, & The GCAL Team
See an example of the GCAL Certificate with Hearts & Arrows and 360 Video (Link)
See an example of the GCAL Lab Grown Certificate with Hearts & Arrows and 360 Video (Link)
|
|
YOUR BUSINESS
CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES…
Face Masks May Be The Key Determinant Of The Covid-19 Curve, Study Suggests
-Forbes
7 common questions: Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act 2020
-Ernst & Young
Apple Mobility Index – Track by Country or by City
-Apple.
Virtual B2B Selling Is Here to Stay
-Bain & Co.
Five charts that track economic recovery in the U.S.
-CNBC
|
|
|
|
THE INDUSTRY
CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES…
JCK to Hold Virtual Trade Show in August
– JCK
7 Tips for Keeping Your Online Business Rolling
– National Jeweler
Here’s How Signet Is Reopening Its Stores
– National Jeweler
Why Video Could Kill the Brick-and-Mortar Star (If You Don’t Use It)
– InStore
Consumers Seeking ‘Meaningful’ Gifts – De Beers
– Rapaport
|
|
|
|
WEBINARS
CHECK OUT THESE SEMINARS…
June 17 at 3 PM EST
How To Position Your Jewelry Business Online After Covid-19
–
JCK Magazine & GemFind Digital Solutions
Join GemFind Digital Solutions CEO, Alex Fetanat, as he reviews how crucial it is to have a strong digital presence for your jewelry business. Now more than ever, our industry knows the importance of having your store always open for business and accessible to clients. We will walk you through the key components of digital strategy whether you are just beginning or continuing to develop your business online.
June 18 at 1 pm EST
Combining Live and Virtual Sales Events
– hosted by MJSA
When the COVID-19 crisis shut down trade shows, conferences, and other large gatherings, companies used to selling and marketing at physical events had to pivot to digital. This session will show how to develop a unified strategy that uses the strengths of both physical and digital to create a powerful and unique experience. Whether you sell finished jewelry, shop supplies, or services, this session will amplify your online sales efforts.
|
|
|
|
PODCASTS
CHECK OUT THESE LISTENS…
Interview with Kate Peterson, Performance Concepts: Handling the Reopening, and Changes in Consumer Behavior
-JCK
In this edition of The Jewelry District you’ll hear JCK editor-in-chief Victoria Gomelsky and news director Rob Bates interview guest Kate Peterson, president and CEO of Performance Concepts. They’ll discuss stores reopening around the country, changes in consumer behavior, and educational resources to help your business come out of this crisis prepared..
Interview with Sally Morrison, De Beers: Time for Subtle, Discreet Brand Marketing
-Rapaport
As difficult as the Covid-19 lockdown period has been, Sally Morrison, director of public relations at De Beers’ consumer and brands division, sees opportunity for the diamond industry moving forward. In the first episode of the Rapaport Group’s “The Recovery” webinar series, Senior Analyst Avi Krawitz discussed the state of the luxury market in the coronavirus era with the marketing executive. With an eye on the fourth quarter, Morrison puts into perspective some of the lessons learned during the crisis. She provides particular insight into how brands are changing their marketing as consumers gravitate toward more discreet, understated and restrained messaging.
|
|
|
|
TRAINING
CHECK OUT OUR EDUCATION…
Selling with GCAL
-GCAL Team
Energize your staff to close more sales with the help of GCAL’s many exclusive, differentiating features. Turn prospects into buyers by skillfully answering questions and explaining the Zero Tolerance, Money-Backed Guaranteed Certs. Email us to schedule a time.
Gemprint – Protection and Profit Center
– Gemprint Team
Gemprint’s rapid and secure fingerprinting system for diamonds is used by every level of our industry to protect diamond assets. Learn how Gemprint technology can be implemented in your business to do everything from streamlining inventory control… to identifying returned diamonds… to earning discounts on jewelers block insurance… to providing a true profit center.
|
|
