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Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents?March 15, 2007February 24, 2007…independent jewelry storeowners watched Tacori, the legendary fine jewelry designer known for its exquisite platinum settings and sparkling diamonds, join forces with QVC. For Tacori, everything was going fabulous. They introduced their intricate, detailed jewelry, with QVC’s “Platinum Clad,” QVC’s brand of sterling silver, and “Diamonique,” QVC’s brand of simulated gemstones, to keep prices affordable. At the end of the one-hour show The “Tacori for Epiphany” collection, featuring 14 items, sold out in just 18 minutes. It’s about a month later—how do you feel? Do you dread the customer that comes in and says, “I bought my Tacori Ring off of QVC,” while standing next to another customer who has a $3000 Tacori ring on her hand debating if the brand is suddenly the right engagement ring to have, to bind her and her future husband’s eternal love. Do you keep the line? Send it back? Never reorder again? Or are you celebrating with Tacori? Are you happy that now more of your clients know about the brand…the name Tacori? Or do you stash it in the back of the showroom hoping to pull customers to the side to take a look at this high-end brand that now sells on QVC? On the other hand, who cares…I’m a great salesperson, I have a great store, I love my customers and that’s the bottom line. If you sell Tacori and are deeply offended or jumping for joy, and would like to place a comment but don’t want to reveal your name or the name of your store…where is says display name place a pseudonym. Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on March 15, 2007 | Comments (31)
March 16, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jennifer Heebner commented: I think competition today is fierce for stores and for jewelry designers. I don't think Tacori did a disservice to jewelers by teaming up with QVC. Tacori has a luxury line, available at fine jewelers, and a fashion line, available at QVC. Two different markets are being served, and the Tacori name gets more recognizable. QVC helps make consumers into jewelry lovers by offering low-price alternatives to designs that are otherwise too pricy. When consumers grow more sophisticated, they'll want the higher-end items. Either way, discretionary monies are being spent on jewelry rather than electronics or travel.
March 19, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? jeweler commented: Tacori seems to be having a hard time and their decision to go on QVC. I will promote it less because of that and see how my figures look. Nice people. I am disapointed that we may have to part company.
March 19, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? grace gio commented: I agree with Jennifer. Having Tacori on QVC is like having a free commercial for the brand. They just brought the name and style of the brand into the livingrooms of people who never heard of the brand and so, increased the awareness of it. For that reason, it will be good for your sales, not bad. As a sales person, you should be able to expain the differences in the materials used as well as the level of service that you can offer to your customer.
March 19, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? John Harris commented: This appears to be a classic case of brand extension gone wrong. If you go to the QVC web site to see the collection, you will find 14 pieces of which 12 cost less than $125. The other two pieces are less than $200. Great price points for impulse buyers, i.e. tele-shoppers. But look closely at the pictures of the pieces using the website tools. To hit these price points, they pulled the plug on quality and this is what was left in the bottom of the toilet. Years of marketing the Tacori brand created the brand name appeal that made the QVC offering a sellout. Unfortunately, these price-point buyers will take delivery of jewelry that is the antithesis of the Tacori brand; ultra low quality mass market junk. Tacori owners will see this as a crass attempt to capitalize on brand recognition, QVC buyers will get a disappointing ‘Tacori’ piece, and the Tacori retailers will lose an impulse sale and are stuck with a devalued Tacori brand.
March 21, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jennifer Heebner commented: I think QVC shoppers know they're getting a different piece entirely than the item sold at the local fine jeweler. QVC is supposed to provide great price points for impulse buyers. You get a taste of a designer's work. Just a taste. These buyers probably aren't the customrs of jewelers who oppose this deal, and that's fine. Honestly, though, the Ann King pieces I've bought on QVC were really nice! Not junk at all. I wouldn't ask for an anniversary gift from QVC mind you, but it's a fun shop for new fine fashion pieces (silver and 18k).
March 22, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Comsumer commented: k
March 22, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Consumer commented: I would like to tell you of the importance of this new lower priced line. I purchased a Tacori ring for my wife a little over a year ago. At the time the engagement ring did not have a matching wedding band. I was forced to mail the engagement ring back to tacori so they could make a wedding band to exactly match the pattern/style of the particular engagement ring I purchased. I had one of my grandmother's diamonds that she had left for us grandsons to give to our future wifes. With the diamond and two rings they were appraised at approx. $9K. We are a very young couple and do not have much but did have this spectular piece that signify our life long commitment to one another. Now for the reason I think this line is great. A little over a month ago my wife's rings were stolen. This has absolutely devisated us to say the least. To make matters worst it turns out that our insurance is only going to cover $1K of the total value. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that hopefully somehow we will recover her original rings but this is highly unlikely. I found out about QVC's line of Tacori about 8 hours after the show aired and am now on a waiting list for two of the rings they had out of stock. I emailed Tacori and told them the situation. They emailed me back and told me when more would be available and where very proffessional and sensitive to our situation. I am pleasantly surprised at their response, they had no obligation to respond to my inquiry on the availabilty of anything and they have gone far and beyond what I expected. So in closing, for the situation I've been through the past month I can't tell you have great it is that Tacori is offering affordable products that people like me in my situation really helps. True, these rings won't have the same monetary value of her originals but they will still symbolize our commitment to one another. Eventually down the road I will get my wife the real thing, but now that's just not possible. Again, thank you to Tacori, they are a great company and I'm very impressed with the quality of their products and their customer service.
March 22, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Sherrie Lewis commented: I saddens me to hear that Tacori has now "got in bed" with QVC. As QVC does creates a great amount of brand awareness, there is also a cheap effect to there products. We as independent jewelers work very hard to set ourselfs apart from the "big box" markets. Our store has spent a great amount of money promoting and creating a want for this product. I personally feel betrayed. As a youngster I craved to have a better named clothing by the name of Bobby Brooks. This was a higher end line of prestige and quality. Now the line is sold in Walmart, I think this is where Taccori is heading.
March 26, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Andy Tessler commented: I have no idea if Tacori’s decision to sell on QVC will work out well for them or not. I can also understand why a retailer, whose been stocking their line, would have, serious, concerns. However, I do not agree with one of the comments posted here. I’ve been in jewelry manufacturing for over 45 years. About 15 years ago, I worked for QVC’s Diamonique division. I was involved in helping vendors meet Diamonique’s, obsessively, rigid QA standards. Therefore, I was very surprised by the comments made about looking at the pictures and noticing the “junk quality”. Out of curiosity, I went to QVC’s web sight, and checked on ½ a dozen styles. Multiple shots of each. I was not surprised to find excellent, detailed, photography, with the ability to enlarge, more than enough, to see the quality. Nor was I surprised that, even at very extreme enlargement the quality of the labor, of the six pieces I checked, was far from junk. I doubt that stock pieces, in the respondents store, would hold up to extreme close up photography any better than the Tacori pieces. Shown.
March 26, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Leslie commented: Tacori knocking off it's own products is a boon for my store! Last week I had a customer ask if we sell Tacori. I said we don't. Then showed them a print out of the QVC pieces and explained that we believe it's a disservice to our customers to sell them a ring for several thousand dollars, then have them run into someone with a low-end look-alike. I went on to explain that we only sell high-quality, unique pieces. I like Tacori, but this QVC thing they've done shows me a true lack of brand integrity!
March 26, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Design Lover commented: I like Tacori and I like that they're offering a greater variety of pieces that can be worn every day.
March 28, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Michael S. commented: I find this move despicable and horribly short sighted. I own businesses in several industries and this has been a constant and growing problem. Moves like this one from Tacori will almost certainly come back to bite them. When they've lost the trust and respect from their independent dealer network and have no place to sell their profitable items....they will most likely be forced to sell predicated solely on price and turn into an entry level line, reduced to selling exclusively at chain and telemarketing outlets.
March 29, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? yes commented: I carry the Tacori line in my store, and the day after the QVC show aired, my website volume tripled -- with the majority of the visitors clicking through to Tacori designs.
May 13, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? rachel rosin commented: I am the proud owner of a pair of Tacori bangle earrings purchased from QVC. I am one of the many people placed on back order after that phenomenal program aired. I was also the US Market Liaison for DeBeers for 20 years at JWT and before that NW Ayer. As a result I own many beautiful pieces of diamond jewelry. I think my Tacori earrings are beautifully designed and made. I can wear them proudly with my diamond jewelry and people can't tell the difference. They're fun and I love them!
July 16, 2007
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jeff commented: To the person who saw triple increase in website browsing of Tacori: Congratulations! Has it increased your sales?
January 15, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jen commented: I am a recent college grad, and my boyfriend of 5 years and I don't have any money right now (grad school and med school) so the QVC ring is perfect. When he finishes grad school and goes to residency, we can afford a real tacori setting (but not he diamond, so we'd keep the cz)...we'd replace it with a diamond when he finishes residency.
February 14, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Judy commented: The beginning of the end, just as for America. Sadly.
March 27, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Since1910.com commented: We carry Tacori rings in our store and online, and couldn't be happier with the response they elicit from consumers, regardless of the price.
June 5, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? carla commented: I think this hurts small retailers. I don't know why but are designers more inclined to be retailers. More and more designers are even opening up their own retail stores. I don't think it's "branding". I think this is a selfish move. How are retailers going to compete with QVC and designer retail stores? Price is the #1 objection. This doesn't help selling the unique hand made pieces especially in these trying times.
June 6, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Neilthejeweler commented: The way for a small independent to compete with QVC and retail designers is not to compete at all. Well, not directly. Do what they don't. We cannot go head to head and expect good results. One advantage an independent has is flexibility. You are not bound to large contracts(hopefully!) so you can react to or create local trends. I don't believe large companies are able, or maybe don't care to, engage in intimate relationships with the public, who after all, are all individuals. Foster that close connection with each client.
June 6, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Neilthejeweler commented: The way for a small independent to compete with QVC and retail designers is not to compete at all. Well, not directly. Do what they don't. We cannot go head to head and expect good results. One advantage an independent has is flexibility. You are not bound to large contracts(hopefully!) so you can react to or create local trends. I don't believe large companies are able, or maybe don't care to, engage in intimate relationships with the public, who after all, are all individuals. Foster that close connection with each client.
June 30, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jewler commented: Good luck to them.
July 1, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Freya commented: I have 2 Tacori rings. One that was paid $6000 for and the other bought from QVC. This allows me to travel well and leave the gems in the safe. I have never been asked if my ring was real, because the quality didn't suffer.
July 1, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Freya commented: I have 2 Tacori rings. One that was paid $6000 for and the other bought from QVC. This allows me to travel well and leave the gems in the safe. I have never been asked if my ring was real, because the quality didn't suffer.
July 14, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? p commented: I was about to get a 10000 dollar setting for my stone, I am glad to see this article. I am now having second thoughts
August 27, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Lane commented: My husband bought me a Tacori ring and I felt so blessed, until I saw that they had sold out to QVC. Now all I want is a new one! I can't stand Thomas Kinkaid's work for the same reason!!!! Tacori will be in Target soon!!!!
November 21, 2008
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Lisa P. commented: I was not familiar with Tacori until I saw the cheaper version of their jewelry on QVC. I now have a lovely and expensive Tacori platinum and diamond engagement ring ($8000)that was purchased from a local jeweler. My Tacori wedding band for my upcoming wedding has been purchased from the local jeweler as well. I have a pair of lovely tiny QVC Tacori earrings from QVC. The QVC Tacori line introduced me to Tacori and made me crave the real thing!
March 1, 2009
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? UK jewellery Girl commented: I have a Tacori ring from QVC and it is beautiful. I live in the UK and the brand here is only known to people who travel a lot to the US and those who know their jewellery. It is a wonderful intro to their design and their ethos and, to be quite honest it is the only way right now that I would be able to afford a Tacori ring. In times like these not many of us have a spare 8-10k lying around for anything let alone jewellery. My QVC ring is well made from sterlig and platinum and the design and workmanship are wonderful. Certainly not 'mass produced junk'. When things get better, I know I'll buy a 'couture' Tacori ring because of what I have seen on QVC. Also, almost every designer in thr worl has a 'couture' line and a 'diffusion' line. Why should Tacori not have the same?
March 11, 2009
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? Jan commented: I think Shanu Singh Guliani is so superfacial. So only rich people can enjoy nice design? I don't think QVC is cheap, so nothing wrong with tacori doing business with QVC. Plus like other viewers said, Tacori has 2 lines, one for very expensive fine jewelry, and one for the mass market fashion type. Shanu Singh Guliani is nonsense by even bringing the discussion up.
March 23, 2009
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? tweakydave5 commented: I think that the jewelers are just ticked off that they won't get people to spend $4000 on a ring when I can get the same thing on QVC for a 1/4 of the price. Its not like Tacori decided to slap their name on a Cubic Zirconia and sell it at WalMart. They went with a reputable company like QVC and Diamonique to make it affordable for us average people! What is so wrong with that? I own Diamonique jewelry and just ordered two Tacori Rings off QVC. The quality is superb. All of you jewelers need to back off. I think this is a wonderful move for Tacori.
June 23, 2009
In response to: Tacori: Are They Turning Their Backs on Independents? nobody really commented: you can stay stagnet or you can continue to evolve. i say Tacori is evolving.
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