loader image
Connect with us

By Invitation

Professional Guidelines for Training Jewellery Retail Sales Staff

By Shivaram A, Founder – Retail Gurukul

Published

on

1,666 views

Selling jewellery requires a distinct approach from other retail sectors. Customers in this environment anticipate a higher level of service and expertise than they might expect at a grocery or clothing store. To achieve success, staff must possess specialized skills tailored to jewellery sales. The following guide outlines key training principles for jewellery sales associates, complemented by practical examples for each area.

1. Appearance

• All employees should maintain impeccable grooming and attire.

Example: Associates arrive in pressed shirts and polished shoes daily.

• Where possible, provide uniforms; otherwise, ensure personal clothing is clean, ironed, and understated.

Example: Staff without uniforms wear plain, well-ironed garments, avoiding prominent logos.

• Hair must be neatly styled and footwear kept clean for all staff members.

Example: Management conducts pre-shift checks to confirm proper grooming standards.

• Dress codes apply universally, including to security personnel.

Example: Security staff participate in regular dress code reviews and grooming inspections.

2. Attitude

• Encourage staff to display consistent friendliness and positivity throughout the workday.

Example: Every customer is welcomed with a genuine smile and warm greeting.

• Staff should maintain courteous engagement, even if customers do not reciprocate.

Example: In cases where a customer appears upset, the associate still offers a friendly introduction and assistance.

• Staff are expected to compartmentalize personal issues during shifts, remaining constructive and solution-oriented.

Example: Employees adopt a focused mindset before starting their shift to prioritise exemplary customer service.

3. Communication

• Employees must uphold polite, respectful dialogue at all times.

Example: Use courteous phrases such as “May I assist you, Sir?” or “Thank you, Madam” consistently.

• Appropriate titles or respectful terms in local languages should be used when addressing clientele.

Example: “Good afternoon, Sir. Is there something special you are searching for today?”

• Professional etiquette should permeate every interaction.

Example: Regularly incorporating “please” and “thank you” in conversations.

• Indifference must be strictly avoided.

Example: If an employee is occupied, they acknowledge waiting customers with assurances of prompt attention.

• Multilingual abilities are advantageous in serving a diverse customer base.

Example: Staff transition to Hindi when necessary to make customers feel comfortable.

• Demonstrate extra patience and care with elderly patrons.

Example: Spend time clearly outlining details for older customers who may require additional support.

• Engage children hospitably so adults can shop undistracted.

Example: Offer small toys or converse briefly with children while adults browse.

• Ensure equal treatment for all visitors, irrespective of appearance or attire.

Example: Give consistent attention to both casually and formally dressed customers.

4. Hospitality

• Begin interactions by welcoming guests and offering seating.

Example: “Please have a seat while I present our newest collection.”

• Provide complimentary refreshments as a hospitality gesture.

Example: Serve water or tea to customers as they view products.

• All team members should be prepared to assist customers, regardless of primary responsibilities.

Example: If the primary salesperson is occupied, another employee steps in seamlessly.

• Owners should occasionally interact directly with clients to lead by example.

Example: The owner personally thanks loyal customers for their continued patronage.

• Always offer proactive and attentive service.

Example: Assist customers with carrying purchases or parking arrangements when needed.

5. Product Knowledge

• Deliver thorough training to ensure staff are knowledgeable about inventory.

Example: Monthly training sessions update employees on new designs and materials.

• Define clear guidelines regarding which product details and certifications to share.

Example: Staff are informed about certifications relevant to gold purity inquiries.

• Team members should confidently describe product features, fabrication methods, and distinctive qualities.

Example: Discuss differences between handcrafted pieces and machine-made jewellery.

• Educating customers is integral to the sales role.

Example: Clearly explain gemstone properties or style benefits to interested shoppers.

• Counter personnel must answer queries knowledgeably or direct customers to appropriate experts.

Example: Junior associates promptly consult senior colleagues when complex questions arise.

• New hires should discreetly seek supervisory guidance rather than stating uncertainty.• Example: “Let me verify that information with my manager to provide you with an accurate response.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement JewelBuzz Banner
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

By Invitation

Natural diamonds have to rediscover their relevance to a jaded consumer that wants to separate themselves from the past

By Edahn Golan

Published

on

1,802 views

Martyn Charles Marriott, drawing on 45 years in the diamond industry, in a blog  titled Co-Operation between African Diamond Producers on the IDMA website, advocates for a new era of co-operation among African diamond producers, seeing the current debate around De Beers’ future as an opportunity. He proposes forming a diamond “OPEC,” reminiscent of the stability once maintained by the Oppenheimers’ Central Selling Organization (CSO). The CSO, through a stockpile, quota system, and vast generic advertising  historically benefited the entire industry. Marriott believes a collective entity involving nations like Botswana and Angola would be more stable and bankable than a single-country approach.

image

JewelBuzz spoke to noted diamond industry analyst Edahn Golanon his take on Marriott’s view and how practical and feasible this “ nostalgic yearning” was. This is what Edahn Golan has to say:

I don’t think that resurrecting a monopoly is possible, much less legal. I understand the nostalgic yearning for the ‘good old days,’ but that is not where the solution will be found. On the contrary, the industry at large – and De Beers in particular – needs to evolve and adapt. They both need to reinvent themselves. 

image

Natural diamonds have to rediscover their relevance to a jaded consumer that wants to separate themselves from the past, a consumer market that wants luxury that doesn’t shout bling. Most importantly, diamonds should stand for values that are relevant to today’s cultural norms. 

That is where diamonds will find their future, not by reimposing tight control on the pipeline.

I also read Chaim Even-Zohar’s column. I worked with him for many years and hold deep respect for both him and his approach to the industry. 

That said, I believe Botswana does not need to go all in on owning De Beers.The country already receives more than 75% of the diamond revenue generated locally, along with a portion of the revenue De Beers earns from its operations in Namibia, Canada, and South Africa. Expanding that share or seeking a larger cut from other countries would only deepen Botswana’s dependency on diamonds.

Instead, Botswana should diversify its income sources and invest more internally, a process it should have initiated more than a decade ago. 

For example, if it channels investment into its international airport and succeeds in expanding tourism, the country would generate greater income, reduce its reliance on luxury sales, improve foreign currency inflows, and, in the process, expose more of the world to its diamonds.

Continue Reading

Trending

JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.

We would like to hear from you...

GET WHATSAPP NEWS ALERTS

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x