The JA Report: holiday sales tips, jewelry trends & webinars

October 2011 - Issue 14

November Webinar: Sales Training from NY Times Bestseller
North Carolina Jewelers Association is hosting a one-hour sales training webinar for NCJA and JA members just in time for the holidays, on Wednesday, November 16, from 8:30-9:30AM EST. "Becoming a Closer" is convenient for you and your sales team -- participate at home or your store -- and registration is just $10!

Get the secrets to closing sales from TrainOne, New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Gitomer's training organization.

(Members Only)

Video: Purchasing Scrap Metals 101
Selling and purchasing scrap metals creates various insurance, regulatory and security issues for your business. Watch this video from Jewelers Mutual (JM) to get strategies to protect your business.

Plus, read JM's article to ensure you are documenting all scrap metal purchases properly.

2011 Cost of Doing Business Report Now Available
Jewelers of America has released the 2011 Cost of Doing Business Report, representing the most complete and historical comparative financial information available to retail jewelers in the U.S. The annual Report is crucial to your understanding of how best to manage your business. Order your copy today!

Get Payment Processing Discounts Before Holiday Sales Rush
If you haven't yet switched to TRU®, JA's payment processing partner, you could miss out on enormous savings in November and December. JA members receive the guaranteed lowest rates on credit/debit card processing.

(Members Only)

Sales Tax Fairness Heats Up
Sales tax fairness is gaining momentum in Congress with the House introduction of the Marketplace Equity Act on October 13. The bill follows in the steps of the Main Street Fairness Act, introduced in July. The newer bill would allow states to structure how they collect taxes owed and includes a small business exemption. Visit JA's Legislative Action Center to support sales tax fairness.

IN THIS ISSUE

Webinar: Closing Holiday Sales

Video: Scrap Metal Best Practices

2011 Cost of Doing Business Report

Discount on Payment Processing

Sales Tax Fairness Heats Up

CASE Awards: 8 Categories to Enter

Tip: Holiday Marketing Mistakes

Ultimate Proposal Contest in February

Jewelry Trends: Opals

Kimberley Process Plenary

Cracking the Code Excerpt

Promote Best Practices @ Holiday

2012 GEM Awards

RETAILERS

Cedar Park Jewelry

Classic Jewlery & Pawn

David's Fine Jewelry

Douglas Diamonds Corporation

Fine Jewelry & Gifts by Sherrie

Jerrick's Fine Jewlery

Jewels Unlimited

Karat 22 Jewelers

Main St. Jeweler

Olde Gold Estate Jewelry

Pearlman's

Persona LLC

Shelter Wade Jewelers

T-Bird Jewels

Trinity Diamonds

SUPPLIERS

China UnionPay (USA) LLC

JA CASE Awards: Categories for Every Jeweler
The 2012 CASE Awards, our national retailer design competition, features two new categories -- Entry Platinum and Palladium Jewelry. Read on for details about all eight design category options -- each an opportunity for JA-member jewelry to be recognized on a national platform.

Tip: Marketing Mistakes That Can Ruin Holiday Sales
With the holiday sales period accounting for about 30% of specialty jewelers' annual sales, avoid unknowingly making holiday marketing blunders with this list of the worst "Mistakes That Could Ruin Holiday Sales," from Joanna L. Krotz of Microsoft Business Strategies. Read them (and avoid them!) to ensure you do everything right to draw jewelry customers in this holiday season.

JIC's Ultimate Proposal Contest To Launch in February
While JIC's Sparkling Snapshots Contest is in full swing, it's not too early to save space on your marketing calendar for JIC's annual Ultimate Proposal Contest, which will launch February 2012. JA members will have free access to high-quality print, digital and social media marketing materials that will generate buzz for your store after the busy holiday and Valentine's Day sales season.
Stay tuned for details!

Jewelry Trends: Opals
Opals are loved for their beautiful play of color and light, like the K. Brunini "Skipping Stone" earrings pictured here. Opal variations are numerous: there are black, white and crystal opals; Boulder, Matrix and Yowah Nuts from Queensland; Mexican and Fire opal. Click for JIC's coverage of one of this season's hottest jewelry trends.

Kimberley Process Plenary Ahead
Jewelers of America will keep a close eye on the upcoming Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary meeting, October 31 to November 3 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). JA supports reforms that will strengthen the KP and help resolve the ongoing impasse over goods from Zimbabwe's Marange region. JA continues to advise members not to trade in these goods. Following the Plenary, JA will update member guidance as needed. Read our current member guidance here. (Members Only)

Cracking the Code: Strategize Store Communications
One way you and your staff can prepare for the holiday season is by reviewing "Cracking the Code: A Guide to Jewelers of America's Code of Professional Practices." This comprehensive online guide offers strategies that help you effectively communicate your strong commitment to high ethical standards, reinforcing consumer confidence in the products you sell. This month's excerpt details strategies to identify your target audience and the issues that matter most to them. . .

Want an in-depth preview? Watch a short video overview of "Cracking the Code"

Brush Up on Best Practices for the Holiday Season
'Tis the season for holiday cheer, but with the gift-giving season comes increased scrutiny of the jewelry industry from media and your customers. Prepare for questions you may receive using JA's recently updated member guidance on consumer confidence issues.

JIC GEM Awards Tickets On Sale!
The Tenth Annual Gem Awards will be celebrating a decade of excellence on January 6, 2012, at Cipriani 42nd Street, in New York City. Be a part of the industry's premier accolade gala: tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now.