After reading Seth Godin's blog the other day about being 'the same', we asked you what you do in your store to be different. Here's some of the replies that have come in so far:

(As a note, the comments are just pasted in verbatim from the original replies.)

- One off makes and letting clients know that what they purchase from us they won't see elsewhere is how we show clients we are different

- We use the automated text messaging to really differentiate ourselves. we use it to text message customers on their birthday, anniversaries, when jobs are ready to be collected and for all new customers a week after their first purchase. Our clients love the interaction without the  interruption of a phone call & it keeps us top of mind

- To compete with the other stores selling Pandora, we let clients know  that their beads purchased are all kept in the system, so  when their friends and family come in to purchase a gift for them, they can be assured they are buying a different bead, and we can let them know which beads the client has highlighted on their wishlist as the ones they want next. Very successful in ensuring our clients and their friends and family come back to us, rather than the 100's of others selling Pandora in store and online.

- We differentiate ourselves by knowing our customer. We record  everything from metal preference to finger size to who they shop for.  What this does is make the purchase intimate, and we make it especially easy for a spouse to buy. For example when a husband comes in we suggest  items that will match his wives existing jewelry (as we have it all on file), and we can provide it in her exact finger size and preferred metal type. This is a real winner, especially at Christmas and Mothers Day.

- We focus on special makes, and have a three quote system. a low, medium and high price for the same item, based on stone quality. The formal quote is presented to the customer with a picture of the design/item and the three price options

- We use the cad cam software at the front of store to design the clients piece while they are there

- We use the Swim Jewelry Software VIP loyalty points program to track and award secret shoppers. While the concept has been used for some time now by general retailers, no other  jewelers in our are area are doing it