Nationwide Jewellery Valuations – from the Guild of Valuers & Jewellers

Gillian Miller, Laings Glasgow "We held our first NAG Valuation Day in November and we are absolutely delighted with the results. The sales team at the Guild of Valuers & Jewellers were very supportive, giving us the tools we needed to organise and run a hugely successful Valuation Day. We are so happy with the outcome of our first Valuation Day that we have already booked three more days for 2009 when we are sure that we will be able to build on the success of our last event to make Valuation Days a regular and profitable addition to our service."

Kathryn Ozlati, Manager, St Gyles Jewellers "Valuation Days tend to attract new customers who haven’t been into the shop before, and our customers find it really enjoyable – it can be a very entertaining day! Customers get pleasure out of the day when furnished with information regarding inherited pieces having previously had no real information about how much they are worth or what their provenance is. And of course it’s an educational experience for the staff too.”

Mark Warr, Director, David Christopher The David Christopher group has been using the Guild’s valuation services since 2006 and hold regular Valuation Days across their 15 stores. “We chose the Guild to fulfil our valuations business as the jewellery trade’s most experienced provider – their services deliver a highly professional, cost-effective and hassle-free solution to our valuing needs and our customers are consistently delighted with the results.”

Peter Thomas, Store Manager, Biagio the Jewellers on Valuation Days "We started holding NAG Valuation Days in 2006, partly to take some of the pressure off ourselves and also to satisfy customer demand for a face-to-face service. We have continued to hold them regularly ever since and find that our customers prefer the security of having their pieces valued in front of them, as well as enjoying the insight that the valuers are able to give into individual items.

"We have always found the valuers provided by the Guild both professional and very personable, and our customers have always been pleased with the quality and detail of the valuation they receive. We regularly have people asking for the date of our next event!

"Valuation Days have ultimately raised the profile of our valuation service as a whole and produced a stream of steady business for us, as well as lots of happy customers."

Mr Homer, B L Homer on Valuation Days "At first I was sceptical about what Valuation Days could do for my business, but we held our first one in July and it was a real success."

Robert Drewett, CE the Jewellers on Valuation Days "The initial idea of holding an NAG Valuation Day was to help me out with the valuations work so I could concentrate more on the business. Another key factor for me was the fact that I produce my valuations using GuildPro, so I wanted a service that could give me the same output and quality – as the valuations at these events are carried out by Guild valuers using GuildPro they are able to match them to my usual valuation documentation.

"A lot of our customers are also reluctant to post and these events mean they can sit down with the valuer and have it done face-to-face without the items leaving their sight at any time, which is a real selling point. I would say NAG Valuation Days have worked very well for us so far, with several new customers gained on our first event and another date already booked.

"Essentially I see this as a good way to build my overall valuations business, something I haven’t looked to do in the past because I didn’t have time to carry out all the work myself. I certainly plan to continue holding Valuation Days regularly throughout 2008."

Clive Ranger, Cardiff on Valuation Days “NAG Valuation Days have worked so well for us that we are now holding one every month – they generate great revenue and publicity for very little effort.”

Robert Corkin, Francis Wain Jewellers on Valuation Days “We held 9 days last year in our Huntingdon branch and we already have 5 more booked for 2008. I'd definitely recommend the service to other jewellers - if you don’t try new things you won’t move your business forward and I think any retailer would be daft not to take up this opportunity and at least try it."

Kevin Coleman, Baker Brothers on Valuation Days "I can honestly say that our Valuation Day was an excellent PR exercise, and essentially it got customers through the door. My tip for other jewellers would be to sell the concept to your customers as soon as they enquire – that really is the key time to clinch the sale. We already have more Valuation Days planned for our stores."

Margot Walker, Wilfred J Edwards on Valuation Days "Where else can customers have a one-to-one consultation with an expert about something so special to them? These events make for a truly unique customer experience, and we have had nothing but positive feedback.”

Marsha Andrews, Lyons and Mountford on Valuation Days “Our first Guild Valuation Day was a great success and I am confident that subsequent days will be equally successful.”

S D K Jewellers on Valuation Days “Our Valuation Day was a great success. Although I was told we would attract new customers on the day, I didn’t believe it until it actually happened. We won two new customers right off the street because of the buzz going on in the store!”

Paula Wigg, A S Wigg & Son Ltd on Valuation Days We held our first Valuation Day with the Guild of Valuers and Jewellers in July this year and had a fantastic day. Our customers all enjoyed the experience immensely, so much so that two have re-booked for the next valuation day! The interest has been amazing, a real talking point for the team and our customers.

I would thoroughly recommend an NAG Valuation Day to any independent jeweller who likes to surprise and excite their customers."

Sue Spicer, David Christopher Jewellers on Valuation Days "The most positive thing about our Valuation Day was the reaction from our customers – they really enjoyed talking to the valuer face-to-face and the added security of having them valued there and then. We also significantly improved our takings on the day and all in all it was very worthwhile!"

Chris Hundy, Totnes Jewellers on the Guild Postal Service "I have been using the service for several months and I’m very happy with it. It’s quick, efficient and the documentation is always clear and concise when it comes back. It also frees up my time for other things and means I can get valuations turned around quickly when I need to."

Anita Hilbern, Wessex Jewellers on the Guild Postal Service “We have found the service very useful indeed, and in terms of both service and turnaround it has been excellent.”