"We operate on tiny margins"

"We operate on tiny margins" - another line that Gemporia presenters like to regurgitate, implying that their prices are so low, they make barely anything and make their profit on selling in volume instead.

I've tried to find the post on Facebook, but, unsurprisingly, it looks as though it's been removed.

But basically, a few days ago, Gemporia were selling an £800 necklace that they must have bought in from elsewhere (rather than making it themselves) because, someone pointed out that the same necklace was available from another retailer for half the price.

I wouldn't call that a "tiny margin".............

TheManWithNoName said:

"We operate on tiny margins" - another line that Gemporia presenters like to regurgitate, implying that their prices are so low, they make barely anything and make their profit on selling in volume instead.

I've tried to find the post on Facebook, but, unsurprisingly, it looks as though it's been removed.

But basically, a few days ago, Gemporia were selling an £800 necklace that they must have bought in from elsewhere (rather than making it themselves) because, someone pointed out that the same necklace was available from another retailer for half the price.

I wouldn't call that a "tiny margin".............

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I know they have 'close outs', but that is a ridiculously small margin. Don't know how they survive But seriously

TheManWithNoName said:

"We operate on tiny margins" - another line that Gemporia presenters like to regurgitate, implying that their prices are so low, they make barely anything and make their profit on selling in volume instead.

I've tried to find the post on Facebook, but, unsurprisingly, it looks as though it's been removed.

But basically, a few days ago, Gemporia were selling an £800 necklace that they must have bought in from elsewhere (rather than making it themselves) because, someone pointed out that the same necklace was available from another retailer for half the price.

I wouldn't call that a "tiny margin".............

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Nor would I call it a "tiny margin" I'd call it daylight robbery!

Diamonds aren't necessarily my thing but this isn't particularly cheap is it, even in a so-called "clearance"? Forget the total carat weight. These are I3 3mm stones set in 2.3g (average) 9k gold.

AndyW said:

Diamonds aren't necessarily my thing but this isn't particularly cheap is it, even in a so-called "clearance"? Forget the total carat weight. These are I3 3mm stones set in 2.3g (average) 9k gold.
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Long gone are the reasonable/cheap prices on Gemporia these days. I'd say they're the opposite actually - it's almost like they try to get as much as they can out of people.

The only time you seem to get genuine sale prices these days is during the immediately run up to Christmas, once the 'guaranteed Christmas delivery date' has passed and they go into sales mode, and immediately after Christmas for a week or two when they continue the sales. They also have some good deals during the birthday events.

Other than that, their 'sales' and 'clearance' prices are usually similar to the 'usual' prices.

AndyW said:

Diamonds aren't necessarily my thing but this isn't particularly cheap is it, even in a so-called "clearance"? Forget the total carat weight. These are I3 3mm stones set in 2.3g (average) 9k gold.
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No lol the diamonds are i3 grade near the bottom in grade terms but the diamonds are white sometimes they are G - H colour sometimes they will say they are G - H and they are obviously not.

TheManWithNoName said:

Long gone are the reasonable/cheap prices on Gemporia these days. I'd say they're the opposite actually - it's almost like they try to get as much as they can out of people.

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Might be just me but I think it's become more noticeable.

On the "Gems TV" side, they go from one extreme to another. One moment selling badly-plated basic stones for silly prices, the next selling 18K pieces (don't mention the jade!). Even in the 18K or Platinum ranges the diamonds are tiny and, from what I've been told, good grade accent diamonds are like sand on the shore to those in the trade. There's nothing in the middle anymore with any real flair or design. When they do herald a new range, quite often they've packaged & branded items available elsewhere.

On the GC side, the prices are just bonkers. When they're not, the quality is not there. Similar weights are available elsewhere for similar or lower prices and the cutting or general quality is just obviously better. This is very evident in their multi-quantity lots but even in the "one of a kind" lots, you have to be so careful. Jim is terrible at showing a pricey stone either for long enough or all the way around the stone. Recent opals are a case in point; one or two nice ones - pretty standard examples but not especially competitive prices, or when they are, not best shape or cut. (Don't mention the recent spate of carvings, painted or otherwise!)

Probably just me and it actually - finally - sinking in.

TheManWithNoName said:

Long gone are the reasonable/cheap prices on Gemporia these days. I'd say they're the opposite actually - it's almost like they try to get as much as they can out of people.

The only time you seem to get genuine sale prices these days is during the immediately run up to Christmas, once the 'guaranteed Christmas delivery date' has passed and they go into sales mode, and immediately after Christmas for a week or two when they continue the sales. They also have some good deals during the birthday events.

Other than that, their 'sales' and 'clearance' prices are usually similar to the 'usual' prices.

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It may be because I'm thoroughly disillusioned with them, but I seem to recall the birthday and other 'special events' as being much better than they are now, but I'm talking 16 years ago or more. OK, I realise the cost of everything has shot up, and of course this includes precious metals so nothing stays the same, but they used to do some absolute bargains in the birthday deals - and Saturday mornings was a good time to watch, when Steve Ashton was a manager there and he used to do some incredible deals when he was presenting (quite often) on a Saturday morning. I think they were aware that a lot of people would be shopping or about to go out shopping, so they pulled something out of the hat to make people want to stay in and watch, also Steve Ashton was a bit of a character and I think he used to want to liven things up. I bought a 9ct gold ring with three white zircons, decent weight of yellow gold too with good sturdy band, for £19 on one of these occasions. I still wear it today, still in perfect condition, never been cleaned as it still looks fine and no tarnish, so it's worked out cheaper than costume jewellery considering the number of times I've worn it over 16 years.

Not even their birthday events tempt me these days. And don't get me started on what Gem Collector are offering....