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<> <> <> <> <> <> <> E-BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> <>
The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
December 2000
<> <> <> Name The Magazine Contest <> <> <> In our recent survey we received an overwhelming response to start a print magazine for bench jewelers. After speaking with several in the jewelry, and magazine industries, we believe the technology is now available to produce an affordable full-color print magazine devoted to bench jewelers. We hope this magazine will be out sometime next summer or early fall. We need your help in naming this new magazine. Send us an Send your entry to: e-bench@BWSimon.com with Contest as the subject mailto:e-bench@BWSimon.com?subject=Contest Help Us Name The Magazine. Send In Your Entry Today! (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
<> <> <> <> <> TABLE OF CONTENTS <> <> <> <> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING SIMON SEZ TRADE SECRETS ================================================= <> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU <> <> Experiment in Sleep Deprivation It’s December and Christmas is almost here. The smell of coffee is in the air as bench jewelers try to stay awake late into the night putting the finishing touches on someone’s Christmas present. While bears are well into their winter hibernation, we jewelers are in the midst of our Annual Experiment In Sleep Deprivation. At this time of year, you don’t have any time for interruptions. When they become excessive and unnecessary, or when they are not handled properly, they have a detrimental effect on the productivity in the shop. It Is Imperative To Keep Interruptions To A Minimum Often the Bench jeweler is interrupted with questions. Not because they are the best person to ask, but because they are the easiest person to ask. Since they are sitting at their bench, everybody knows where to find them. Because they are quietly working, it is assumed they are not being interrupted. However, to disturb a jeweler while working is just as much of an interruption as asking a salesperson a question while they are selling jewelry to a customer. Salespeople taking in repair work should be familiar with what can be done in the shop and with the store’s price sheet. They should be able to give price estimates on most routine jobs. Then interruptions to the jeweler can be minimized. During the day, however, there are situations where technical assistance is needed, or where the jeweler must figure price estimates. On these occasions, one should not hesitate to ask the jeweler for assistance. There are also occasions where additional work must be performed, interrupting the jeweler's schedule. This work may need to be done while the customer waits, or finished in a few hours. It Is Imperative To Handle Interruptions Properly Jewelers need to keep in mind that change is inevitable. Customer’s requests are not an interruption to their work. It IS their work. It is the responsibility of the jeweler to balance the salesperson’s pressure for priority action, and completing work already in the shop. They should then see that any additional work is executed with the minimum disruption. Practical steps can be taken to maintain efficiency. When setting a schedule for the day the jeweler should try to build in flexibility. Then change can be accomplished with little effect on productivity. Schedule more difficult work that requires concentration (such as setting emeralds or intricate fabrication) during times when the store is quieter. The chance for interruptions is diminished during these times. Plan to work on simpler jobs (such as chains or ring sizings) during times when the store may be busier (during lunch for example). Then the interruptions will have less effect on your productivity. Learn when to say NO. There are times when a request cannot be met. Saying no up front can save many problems down the road. For example, don’t except a job you know you cannot finish in time. When the promised time arrives, it must be explained to the customer why it is not finished. In addition,other customer’s work, which was delayed in an attempt to finish the new work, may not be completed when expected. Learn to discern the necessary from the unimportant. Often we do not have time to complete the necessary work because we spent too much time on trivial tasks and interruptions. Excuse yourself graciously from unnecessary chitchat when important work is waiting on you. Inform the sales staff on days that are particularly busy. Explain that you have a large amount of work to accomplish. Express your appreciation for them to keep interruptions to a minimum. Whenever possible, tend to the interruption between groups of work. It is less distracting from the work you were doing. It also serves as a break, instead of being an interruption; it becomes a welcomed change of pace from the rest of the work. A useful device used in many stores is a while-you-wait envelope. The envelope is filled out and placed on the jeweler’s bench. The jeweler has all the information needed to complete the job and exactly when the customer will return for it. They can then work the job into their schedule. This is done without disturbing the jeweler to hand them the jewelry and verbally explain what needs to be done. Interruptions will happen. They are the normal part of everyone’s workday and a necessary part of doing business. An efficient productive shop results when salespeople keep them to a minimum, and jewelers learn to handle them properly. Ok. Your break is over; now back to your sleep deprivation experiment. ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <> Impact Specialties Introducing our new form filling and repair management software We have developed this new software to be used in conjunction with our laser repair envelopes, cut sheets and cards. This software will enable jewelers to computerize their process. Impact Repairware features repair location tracking, parts and inventory database, customer database, special occasion tracking and a variety of reports. It is available in single user or multi user and features a watch repair and jewelry repair form. Impact Repairware can be used to provide estimates, appraisals and receipts. For more information or to receive a FREE trial disk, visit us at http://www.isiprint.com or call Impact at 800 – 543 – 4264 Impact – For All Your Jewelry Store Form Needs ================================================= <> <> <> <> QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <> If you don’t change today, Your tomorrows will be like your yesterdays. Anonymous +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Just make up your mind at the very outset that your work is going to stand for quality, that you are going to stamp a superior quality upon everything that goes out of your hands, that whatever you do shall bear the hallmark of excellence. Orison Sweet Marden +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The easiest way to get rid of a difficult task is to do it! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To accomplish things there must first be an idea that the thing is possible. Then the watchword must be try, and keep on trying with enthusiasm and a thorough belief in your ability to succeed. If you are convinced that a certain thing can be done, never mind what the world says to the contrary; experiment, never give up. Forget the word disappointment. Failures are but fingerposts pointing out the right direction to those who are willing to learn. Thomas Edison +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When I work, I relax; doing nothing makes me tired. Pablo Picasso +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, The Bible – 2 Timothy 2 :15 ================================================ <> <> <> <> <> SIMON SEZ SEMINARS <> <> <> <> <> Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker; he provides Keynote Speeches, and Educational Seminars. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ => Run Your Shop Without It Running You This seminar will help jewelers increase profits by operating For additional information on this seminar go to http://bwsimon.com/SimonSezSeminars/RunYourShopWithoutItRunningYou.htm Atlanta < > March 9, 2001 San Francisco < > March 23, 2001 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ => Trade Secrets Making and repairing jewelry encompasses only a few basic techniques. However, there are numerous tricks to use in mastering those techniques. In this interactive seminar you will learn tips, tricks, and techniques on jewelry repair, fabrication, and stone setting from a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler. For additional information on this seminar go to: http://www.bwsimon.com/SimonSezSeminars/TradeSecrets.htm Atlanta < > March 10, 2001 San Francisco < > March 24, 2001 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Additional dates and locations are being planned for 2001. If you would like Brad to speak in your area contact him today. mailto:Brad@BWSimon?subject=Seminar Schedule ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <> HAVE YOU INVENTED A NEW PRODUCT Now you can have it evaluated by professional marketing experts. MVI Marketing LTD., THE Market Intelligence Company for the Worldwide Gem and Jewelry Industries, is now offering its unique NEW PRODUCT EVALUATION (NPE) directly to bench jewelers and independent retailers. MVI’s NPE will review your innovation in complete confidence and provide you with a report, honestly evaluating its commercial potential and marketing options. MVI is the only business consulting organization working exclusively in the worldwide gem and jewelry industries. For more information about MVI’s New Product Evaluation visit us at http://www.mvimarketing.com/ or email us at info@mvimarketing.com ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> TRADE SECRETS <> <> <> <> <> To reduce the size of a wedding band that has engraving or other decorative finishes, first anneal the band. Then wrap the band with a strip of thin leather, before inserting into the compression die of a ring stretcher. The leather will protect the finish, allowing you to reduce the size of the ring in the same manner as a plain polished half-round band. To view picture go to; http://bwsimon.com/TradeSecrets/WeddingBands.htm +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ After cleaning, lay hollow jewelry, such as bangle bracelets, on top of the steamer. The heat from the steamer will help dry any moisture from the inside of the jewelry. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Half-round wire can be made by drawing two wires together through a round drawplate. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When not in use, keep steel tools such as drawplates wrapped in an oil rag to keep them from rusting. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To straighten kinks in flat chains such as herringbone, lay the chain out on a hard surface such as a formic counter top. Then carefully roll across the kink with a wooden wallpaper seam roller. Another method to use to remove kinks is to carefully squeeze the chain between the jaws of flat nose pliers. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Oil of Wintergreen is an excellent lubricant to use when cutting with gravers. A convenient container can be made by drilling a half-inch hole in the lid of a small tin, such as the kind watch parts come in. Then, place a cotton ball saturated with oil of wintergreen in the tin and replace the lid. To use dip the graver tip in the cotton before cutting. Caution: be certain to wash your hands before rubbing your eyes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do not use highly polished tools to push prongs over stones. They will have a tendency to slip off the prong and possibly damage the stone. Grind a groove in the face of your prong pusher and the jaw of your pliers you use for stone setting. This will lessen your chances of slipping. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If you have a tip you would like to share with our readers send it in an e-mail to mailto:Brad@BWSimon.com ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> Readers Respond <> <> <> <> <> I want to thank you for what you are doing for all bench jewelers. In regards to paying on commission, I have paid my employees on salary, hourly and on commission. I try to work out what works best for both of us. Employees have to remember that the employer always has to look at the option of jobing out the work where they can count on a fixed cost much like a commission. If the bench jeweler cannot produce for the same cost then it is a mistake to have the work done in house. Some storeowners do have the jeweler do many other chores that can add a great deal of value to the jewelers’ salary. Thanks, +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Nice job on describing how and why to cut azures. (Volume 1 Issue 11) Robert R. Wooding ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> SILVER SPONSORS <> <> <> <> <> Namano / Southeastern Findings Service to the Manufacturing Jeweler We are Findings, Diamonds, Wedding Bands, Jewelry Boxes, Platinum, Batteries, Tools, and So Much More. Greater Selection - Expanded Inventory - No Minimum Order Call 1-800-282-8285 or visit us on the World Wide Web http://www.sefindings.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jewelry Dealers World Trade Net <> <> <> Bench Jeweler Discussion Channel <> <> <> Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the on going discussions, or just read and take in all the advice from many excellent Jewelers from around the world. Membership includes: Many topical Discussion Channels, plus you may buy, sell and trade on the Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More. List B W Simon as your sponsor on the membership application and you will receive: ** ** 30 DAYS FREE MEMBERSHIP ** ** +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Place Your Ad Here Over 900 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will remain in our permanent archive at www.BWSimon.com For Information and rates on placing an Ad Go to: http://bwsimon.com/E-BENCH/E-BenchSponsors.htm ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> Thank You for Reading <> <> <> <> <> We are now on the World Wide Web. A complete archive of back issues of E-BENCH is located there. Visit often, as we will be making changes to our site, <> <> <> SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION <> <> <> We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose our list of subscribers To subscribe, send an E-Mail with Subscribe as the subject If you do not wish to continue receiving this newsletter send an If you change your e-mail address PLEASE let us know. Each +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Information provided in this document is provided ‘As Is’ without +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas or requests, Copyrighted, 2000, B W Simon. All rights reserved. |