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Thread: Yours Bewildered......

  1. #11
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    It's a case of trying to appeal to the masses rather than concentrate on your niche market. In this instance, the niche market is huge. By trying to appeal to the masses, Cooksons are diluting their product range, not enhancing it. They might gain a few people to buy the sparklies and the plated but there are lots of companies already selling to them and, therefore, customer loyalty is not a given. In the precious metal market in this country choice is limited and once a customer is won s/he is likely to remain loyal. Dilute the product range too much, introduce too much tat, and Cooksons will lose their current customer base.

    If they really want to strike out and enhance their product range in a way that will bring in more customers and more pennies they should take a look at Rio Grande. The first company to bring that breadth of choice to the serious jewellery market over here will make a fortune!
    Di x

  2. #12
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    I agree Di. Suttons are being much more imaginative with their products than Cooksons. I wonder whether that's Andrew Berry's influence?

  3. #13
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    I think they have always had something new up their sleeves, Carole and brought in specialists to demonstrate it at exhibitions. Think Bench mate System, Engraving systems, Delft Clay Casting, Knew Concept Saw. Andrew joined comparatively recently.

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Di Sandland View Post
    If they really want to strike out and enhance their product range in a way that will bring in more customers and more pennies they should take a look at Rio Grande. The first company to bring that breadth of choice to the serious jewellery market over here will make a fortune!
    Completely agree Di!!

  5. #15
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
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    Thank you all for your comments, I'm sure you all agree that Jewellery making is a broad church and not only encompasses a wide range of products but also a wide range of interests, aptitude and skill. We wish to reflect all of that ethos.

    Our Beads offering is an addition to our range and does not compromise our legacy jewellery products. We have introduced these products due to demand for mixed materials within the market, cheaper alternatives to high precious metal costs and customers have voiced their new desire for alternative non-precious products.

    As I'm sure you are all aware hallmarking statistics are showing serious decreases year on year and whilst we are not pulling back from this market we wish to offer our customers alternative products. Not only have we recently introduced the Bead range, we will also be launching new tools shortly. We will soon be stocking products such as the photo light box, a range of watchmaking essentials, more swage blocks and many others.

    We have introduced our Simplicity Range of settings and shanks - an easier way to match shanks and settings in a range of precious metals

    We appreciate that our additional beads offering is not for everyone, we are simply broadening our range and not as seems to be suggested prioritising this alternative market. Our resourcing in terms of staff and IT support has been increased accordingly.

  6. #16
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    What would be fantastic Jessica is if Cooksons started to import some of the fantastic goodies we see on Rio's site, such as the Bonny Doon and Swanstrom ranges.

  7. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by caroleallen View Post
    What would be fantastic Jessica is if Cooksons started to import some of the fantastic goodies we see on Rio's site, such as the Bonny Doon and Swanstrom ranges.
    Thanks for your suggestions Carole- looks like great minds think alike as our Product Managers are currently looking into these product ranges already.

    Any other suggestions would be welcomed in order for me to pass on.

    Thank you

  8. #18
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    I feel that the way forward for designer/makers is not to go down market, but to offer more exceptional pieces, which justify the higher prices charged.
    Here is just a small item: There are no heavy duty silver scrolls available in the UK to complement hand made earrings, although you do have them in gold.

    I have from time to time made my own, which is quite time consuming. The result is that I buy them from Fischer in Germany. The double notched posts also add a little extra professionalism. Dennis.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Fischer Findings.jpg  

  9. #19
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    Another this Fischer's do is sell sets of busch burs, which are great for getting started.

  10. #20
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    Mar 2011
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    Manchester UK
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    I gave the bead book to the Mrs and it kept her quiet for over an hour, I had time to drink beer and watch man stuff on TV, so for me its a winner !

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