Attending the Jewelry Show at the Mirage
I just attended the ASD/AMD Jewelry Show at the Mirage last week. I forget how spoiled we are with the outstanding customer service that we usually find living here in Las Vegas.
While there were some very kind, helpful and endearing vendors, the majority of the people working at the show this year seemed to have an attitude of, “Oh, damn! Customers! I wish everyone would just go away. Stupid people!”
The energy at the show had always been very high, much like a crowded bazaar in a small country. This year, it was really hard work to shop the different vendors, looking for incentives for my business as well as some trinkets and gifts.
The biggest difference in this year’s show was that they separated the vendors; those with “real” jewelry were in a ballroom and those with “fashion” jewelry were in the convention area. Perhaps that is what created the difference.
Is it possible that the vendors who sell the higher priced items have learned that one must take good care of a potential customer? The vendors in the convention area were rude and snitty. Maybe they left too much money on the tables! A number of vendors also began implementing “minimum purchases.” After all, it is designed to be a wholesale show.
I bought a dozen assorted bookmarks – the kind with dangling charms. I didn’t mind that … after all, I sell books! But when I wanted to buy a bracelet, I was told there was a $300 minimum. That vendor certainly left money on the table as I put the bracelet down and walked away.
Everyone I know who attends this bi-annual event said they didn’t buy nearly as much as they had at previous shows. And, we all agreed that the attitude of the vendors was indeed sour this year. Bottom line? It just wasn’t fun.
