FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Consider a few things when looking for a jewelry repair estimate. First, understand that no Jeweler can evaluate your jewelry’s sentimental value and quite often a repair charge will exceed the monetary value of the jewelry. This can sometimes be an uncomfortable conversation between the jeweler and the customer because the jeweler doesn’t know or understand your jewelry’s sentimental value. Also more often than not, the customer thinks that their jewelry is worth much more than it truly is because of inflated insurance replacement values posted on appraisals. Every piece of jewelry has approximately six different values to it. They can be categorized accordingly. 1) “I need quick cash” value. Generally 10% of retail value. (meaning, if you paid $200, you might get $20) 2) pawnshop value. Generally 20% of wholesale value. 3) wholesale value. Generally 30% of retail value 4) retail value. (it is what it is:) 5) Insurance replacement value. Generally 50%-70% over retail value. This cost considers sourcing or remaking and replacing the jewelry at current market rate. 6) sentimental value... That being said, a qualified, well trained and experienced Jeweler is typically expecting $20-$40 an hour. Shipping jewelry both ways can cost approximately $25. Thumbtack pros are charged between $8 to $12 to quote you on a repair. Generally they will quote for a minimum of one hour, much like a mechanic would. So here is the math. Labor average $35 Shipping average $25 Quote Absorbing $10 Total minimum =$65 This being said, if you’re jewelry is worth less than approximately $65 you should consider replacing it with something that will have more opportunity to provide extended appreciation. ( I can help you with that too...Carter Dye is my name:-)
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Some people are well enough accustomed to e-commerce transitions and they get right to the production phase in just a few communications. Others need elaborate details, designs and communications. I love it all! Get to work and stick to business or build an understanding of who, what, where and how to best accommodate the personality, purpose, lifestyle and occasion. Customers can call, email and even Facetime me for a more one on one encounter.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Graduate Jeweler/Gemologist (GJG) from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)