RapNet Blog

• Dec 06, 2016
• by Evert P. Botha

If you don’t have a relationship with a diamond cutter (someone who actually cuts diamonds), chances are you’re missing out on countless opportunities to realize additional revenue for your business. Hidden in your safe or stashed away at the back of your drawer are the lesser diamonds, which you’ve taken in over the years. They may be chipped, scratched, burnt or broken - damaged goods in dire need of repair. More than likely, you have thousands of dollars tied up in diamond inventory that you aren’t able (or prepared) to show in their current condition. So how do you sell these diamonds without a decent cut grade or trusted grading report, especially if you are known as the trusted source for fine diamonds in your market?

• Nov 01, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

With so many industries making the transition from brick and mortar to the cloud, the diamond industry is following suit. But should it be? Or is going online a necessity for jewelers looking to survive in what seems like an inevitable industry-wide shift? Furthermore, does the internet actually make sourcing and selling diamonds easier, more convenient and less expensive? Or is it an unnecessary waste of time?

• Sep 27, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

Diamonds Traders value honor and tradition almost as much as they value the diamonds themselves. So when buying and selling diamonds, it is crucial to know and follow the unspoken rules of negotiation.

• Sep 06, 2016
• by Mike Botha

One of the things we have discovered after serving the jewelry industry for many years through our dedicated diamond re-cut and repair service is that Princesses form a disproportionate percentage of repairs. It is also the most abused and butchered of all diamond shapes. Over the years I have seen it all. Out of center culets, misaligned girdles, no girdles, Great Wall of China girdles, steep and flat facet groups and diamonds proportionately compromised with weights that they had no right to. But that is not all.

• Aug 10, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

These days, 41% of people spend most of their time online with colleagues in professional networks. Joining a community dedicated to all things diamond, provides a unique place to find current market and pricing information and exchange ideas with other people interested in diamonds and diamond jewelry.

• Jul 06, 2016
• by Mike Botha

There are a plethora of images on websites, and printed material to show the evils of flat or steep diamonds, but are they a correct rendering of what really happens to light in a diamond? Let us put them to the test.

• Jun 26, 2016

How Akshar Impex uses RapNet to generate and retain global buyers, thus increasing sales.

• Jun 21, 2016
• by Antoinette Matlins

In the past two weeks we’ve discussed how sales people deal with customers, especially those who think they know “exactly what they want,” and we’ve explained why the wrong approach by a sales person can result in losing a customer rather than making the sale. Here, we will explain an alternative approach that would be more likely to result in a sale, and a “relationship” that will result in future purchases from you by this customer.

• Jun 14, 2016

Last week we discussed how important diamond grading reports have become in terms of diamond sales, and how customers today often come in with a specific set of criteria, dictating to you – the salesperson – “exactly what they want.” Today, we will begin a discussion of how to take control of such a situation and show the customer not only what he wants, but possibly something that is an even wiser choice.

• Jun 07, 2016
• by Antoinette Matlins

Many of you may be shaking your heads in agreement, yearning for the “good old days” when people bought diamonds just because they were pretty. I understand that nostalgic attitude, but I also remember how much misrepresentation – both unintentional and deliberate – occurred, and the numerous tricks by which the unscrupulous would not only make the sale, but also build a reputation as “the best place” to get a “bargain”…at the expense of honest, knowledgeable jewelers!

• May 24, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

Diamonds are beautiful and rare, but their practical uses are limited. Sure, you could argue that diamonds for the purpose of making industrial grade drill bits are useful, but those aren’t the kinds of diamonds found in a retail jewelry store. Since diamond jewelry in itself is not a functional gift, why then do people purchase diamond jewelry?

• May 08, 2016
• by Shoshi Grossman

It’s not so hard to drive general traffic to your website, but what you really want is to attract the right traffic that will meet your business goals: sales and customers. There are several marketing methods that will enable you to drive targeted traffic to your website, find the right leads and help you close the best deal.

• Apr 26, 2016
• by Jonny Katz

Excellent customer service can make your reputation as a diamond retailer. According to this research by InsightSquared, 66% of customers switch companies due to poor service and 58% are willing to spend more on companies that provide excellent customer service. Every industry has its norms, as well as the kind of conduct that is exceptionally good (and even that which should be avoided). Here’s a list of best practices for diamond jewelers based on customer feedback and industry standards. Make sure to modify these recommendations to best suit your own brand.