David Salkin: I grew up behind the showcase of my parents' jewelry store. I was selling by the time I was 12, and I can't remember the FIRST thing I sold... but I DO remember the first BEST transaction of my life. I asked a customer if I could show him the ruby ring he was looking at, and he smiled and said, "No, I need someone a little older..." He walked around a bit and spoke to my Dad, and asked if he could see a particular ruby ring. My Dad, having seen what transipred earlier, said, "Sure! Let me get you someone who really knows rubies..." and he brought the guy over to me and said, "Can you show this gentleman some ruby rings?" I felt about 10 feet tall, and sold the ring. Dad risked that sale to make his son feel good... and I have NEVER forgotten that moment. I can only hope to be as cool a father.
David Squires also checked in with a good story about a sale that involved a transaction of gasoline for silver earrings:
I don't think I've ever sold something. I hate selling myself. I did do some presentations for venture capitalists back in the days when our company was gems and jewelry industry super site Gemkey.com. I did sell gasoline once, for a few weeks at a pump in Hauppauge, NY. I do remember that a woman gave me a pair of silver earrings in exchange for gas. (Was it a full tank of gas? I don't remember. The year was probably about 1982 or 83.)
Feel free to add to them with your own stories in the comments portion below.
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