[Jewelry making - Article 00510] - Re: [Orchid] Can't Get a Stuller Account...

[Charles Vail]

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    Regarding the "Can't get a Stullar account" question and some of the
    comments surrounding that issue. First let me say, I understand
    Stullars position and I can live with it. 

    I am however reacting to some of the comments regarding at
    home/garage jewelers or those that havn't made a "true committment".
    I think there are plenty of "at home" jewelers who are legitimately
    in business and are paying their taxes. Many of these folks actually
    depend on their work to feed their families and have made
    considerable investment in tools, equipment, training and
    uncompensated time making others look good. Often these individuals
    helped build other businesses by providing quality wholesale bench
    work. Many of them have grown tired of nagging retailers and
    uncertain futures and are trying to "move to the next level" as
    someone recently stated. The fact that they do not have a traditional
    brick and mortar retail space ( yet) doesn't mean they are not in
    business, or that they don't have overhead. There are many fine
    craftsmen who have gone over to the (dark side) and set up internet
    based retail stores. There are also those that do the various craft
    shows and art fairs. These people are just as involved in their
    trade and many work harder, for less money, than do some of the rest
    of us. As most of you know the traditional ways of doing business are
    changing. Furthermore,there is often a trade off in not having a
    storefront that some don't seem to realize and that is, it is harder
    to get enough customers to trust someone working from a home based
    business. This is especially so for a jewelry business. While the
    small time craftsman can often compete on price it doesn't mean that
    he is making a killing or even affecting other retailers that much.
    Another point often overlooked is that many a small timer often
    graduates to a traditional storefront after he has worked years and
    saved up enough to get started. While there are some examples of
    "fly by night jewelers" out there, I don't think its fair to put home
    based business people in the same catagory. I'm sure some of you
    didn't have a silver spoon in your mouth when you were born and many
    had to struggle for years to get started. I know there are alot of
    you out there that by hard work and sacrifice and in spite of various
    setbacks or other life issues have managed to carve out a niche for
    yourselves in the industry. Don't think for a second however that
    you've managed this all on your own. Give the little guy a break we
    have all been there at least once. 

    As far as Stullar in concerned they are doing what they feel is
    correct and thats their business. Either work with their criteria for
    purchasing or find someone else to buy from. 

    There, now I 've had my rant! Hopefully it causes some of you to see
    things from another point of view. Its tough out there and we are all
    trying to make a living. -charles
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