AuctionsApr 29, 2025
‘Golconda Blue’ Diamond Pulled From AuctionThe 23-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, set to headline Christie’s May jewelry auction, was expected to sell for as much as $50 million.
TechnologyApr 23, 2020
The Smart Lab: Implement the Chat Feature on Your Website
It’s the best way to personally assist your customers remotely, writes Emmanuel Raheb.
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
As the country faces another week of quarantine, so continues the national state of uncertainty.
Forced into a new and confined routine away from the daily interactions of the office and meet-ups with friends, we’re all feeling a bit disconnected from the outside world.
Forced into a new and confined routine away from the daily interactions of the office and meet-ups with friends, we’re all feeling a bit disconnected from the outside world.
Communication is a key component to any successful relationship and especially within the stranger dynamic between customer and merchant, forming the basis of customer service.
While you may be physically separated from your consumers and unable to have a conversation at your store, you as a business have the power to declare your presence with a live chat support feature.
Here’s why it’s worth implementing.
Live Chat or Text Chat Makes Sales, Even If You Don’t Have Ecommerce
With how fast everything unfolded across the nation as governments enacted stay-at-home orders, businesses didn’t get time to perfect their website experiences. Some retailers don’t even have ecommerce enabled.
By implementing a live chat or text feature on their websites, however, these retailers have a chance to speak to their customers and guide them through a purchase process in real time. A lot of businesses are making sales via chat and using their phone to process payments—a great way to circumvent actual ecommerce if you’re lacking it.
Live Chat Means Excellent Customer Service
From dealing with frustrating video chat malfunctions to the overall dread of being unable to leave the house, these are very stressful and impatient times we’re living in. When a customer shopping online with you has an issue or question and must call or email your business to resolve it, that can add to the frustration they’re already feeling.
With live chat, the direct one-on-one conversation ensures the consumers' needs are being prioritized and will be handled in a quick time frame.
It’s Reliable and Helps Customers Return
What hasn’t changed since our lives have been disrupted, and what provides us with a safe route to living an abridged version of our daily lives, is the internet.
Consumers are more likely to continue with the familiarity of shopping online from websites that feel reliable and safe. This is where live chat support comes in, as it provides us with the safety we currently require by allowing us to ask questions in real time and feel like an actual human is answering, not just a bot.
The Early Bird Catches the Worm
Already all the rage as a hot trend in 2020, live chat support has been the secret weapon of many businesses.
Fortunately, it’s still the new kid on the block, which means that you still have time to beat your competitors to it.
Especially now that the pandemic has brought us to a place where we’re using the internet more than ever, hopping on the wagon and catering to the increasing digital population could be a major help to your business.
Live Chat Helps You Keep a Tab on Your Customers’ Needs
Live chat also helps you as the business owner. Just like your customers are distanced from you, you too are no longer able to share the same room with your customers and offer help and guidance.
With live chat, you get to interact with the online shopper and understand their needs and behavior.
More on Technology
The Latest
IndependentsApr 29, 2025
Maryland Jeweler to Close After 36 YearsG.B. Heron Jewelers in Salisbury, Maryland, is set to close as its owner, Jeff Cassels, retires.
ColumnistsApr 29, 2025
Google Ads vs. Social Media Ads: Which Are More Effective?Emmanuel Raheb outlines the differences between the two platforms and posits that the most successful jewelers use both.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2025
Gemfields Mini Ruby Auction Achieves $7MThe miner said its April sale featured a mix of commercial-quality primary rubies and secondary rubies of varying quality.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeApr 28, 2025
Customs Seizes Nearly 2,000 Pieces of Counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels JewelryU.S. customs agents in El Paso, Texas, intercepted the package, which would have been worth $9 million if the jewelry was genuine.
TrendsApr 28, 2025
Suzanne Kalan Launches Tech Ring Jacket CollectionHealth monitors become statement pieces when paired with the brand’s new collection of stackable diamond-studded bands.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Events & AwardsApr 28, 2025
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2025 Grant RecipientsTen organizations were selected this year.
IndependentsApr 28, 2025
John Atencio Appoints 2 to Wholesale TeamKim Carpenter and Sam Gevisenheit have joined the brand.
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
