Our Strategy on Discounts and Sales

The Christmas season is behind us, and it seemed a good time for me to blabber on about sales and discounts. At least sales & discounts and how they pertain to Dunitz & Company. I'm sorry, this is a bit of a ramble.

 

We do a bit of retailing here at Dunitz & Company. But, we are primarily wholesalers and we support ourselves and our community with the sales we make to retail stores. Wholesale and Retail are completely different businesses. And the nature of both have changed so much with the advent of the internet. I thought I'd share some of my personal history with all of this. Bear with me. This might be a bit long-winded to get to the punchline of all of this. Or maybe there is no punchline.

 

 

 

I jumped ship from a corporate job to starting my own wholesale (import) business in 1989. A trip to Guatemala put me in touch with many artisans, some of which I still work with today! I had no idea what I was doing. I lived hand-to-mouth and started exhibiting at wholesale trade shows. In the 1990s the best way to secure new wholesale customers was to exhibit at trade shows. When I first started, there were a few big ones, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.  Soon the pie was split up, and show producers put up shows in San Francisco, Atlanta and Dallas. From there many more were added Kansas City, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, High Point and on and on and on. Gift Shows. Apparel Shows. Jewelry Shows. I was a trade show warrior, exhibiting at 16 shows every year. I'm tired just thinking about it.

There were lots of brick & mortar boutiques, and with nicely designed products and reasonable prices a business could be built. Both wholesalers and retailers could make a living.

And then the world-wide web happened. Larger companies and then smaller ones were designing and putting up websites. I remember I designed our first wholesale website myself. I can't remember the company I used that had templates that I adapted for Dunitz & Company's needs. Honestly, it looked pretty good. My guess is that was early in the 2000s. 

Jeff Bezos was the first, launching Amazon for book selling in 1995. It was in the early 2000s, that just about every other retailer was building websites to sell online. And following suit, were wholesalers, many who decided that they too were going to retail online. (In hindsight, those wholesaler certainly got a jump on what the world has become.)

As internet activity grew, the same question was asked of me in my trade show booths over and over.  "Do you sell online? If you do, we won't buy from you."  Who had time to retail online? Not me. I reassured my customers I did not sell online.

I remember discussing this with many of my Fair Trade Federation colleagues, several who even had significant wholesale businesses. Several told me they would never retail online. They intended to continue with their wholesale businesses and protect their retailers. (Just about all of these companies, today, retail online.)

As more and more consumers were buying online, brick & mortar stores started closing. Wholesale business was drying up. A majority of wholesalers launched retail websites in the hopes of keeping their heads above water. Retail store buyers could no longer say "we won't buy from you, if you retail online." There'd be no products for them to buy. Just saying.

In 2016, I launched two new websites that work together. One is password protected and for Dunitz & Company's wholesale customers. The other, is a retail site.

Truth be told, I sell little on my retail website. What I've learned is being successful selling online is a completely different business. And the algorithm and parameters change 24/7. You MUST advertise. Google. Facebook. Pinterest. Instagram. TikTok.  Each requires different types of photos or videos. Organic reach is a thing of the past. Sellers hope to sell volume at reduced margins because those ad$ add up. (Quite some time ago, pre-Covid, I took a $course in Facebook advertising and spent some dough. It was a gift to the teacher of that course and Facebook. I was not successful with this endeavor. It taught me to focus on the lane I was already in. I'm certain all I learned back then is obsolete. )

Jump ahead to 2025. I was asked this week how my "retail" Black Friday Cyber Monday sales had gone.  I know that most of my wholesale and retailers colleagues are down this year. The thing is I almost never run sales or provide discounts. Why? I'm still protecting my retail store customers. They are the mainstay of my receipts, and I don't want it to appear as I am competing with them. I don't pay for ads. This means, honestly, our retail website is not typically found.

I know some vendors mark up their products so they can "discount" and offer special sales. I've never done this. I always want to charge fair prices. Dunitz also chooses to retail our designs at prices that are not below what our wholesale customers offer. Our retail prices are fair, but not at the expense of our retail partners. Have I mentioned we have a store locator where we direct customers to brick & mortar stores that sell our fair trade designs? We update our store locator monthly.

And while we're on the topic of discounting, I supposed I should say something more about discounting our wholesale prices.

I almost never offer discounts in my wholesale business unless I'm closing something out. I have the same principles I use for retail pricing. I do my best to offer our designs at a fair price. I do not build in fat so I can run "sales." (You might not know about our close-out group on Facebook? If you don't, please register. There you will find some significantly discounted older and beautiful designs.) 

The only place I offer a wholesale discounts is during FAIRE markets. (A whole other conversation.) This B2B website has gotten very big and powerful. If smaller vendors don't offer discounts during market weeks, their catalogs will not be shown. This is why I offer 5% discount during FAIRE market which FAIRE matches. FAIRE has trained retailers to expect discounts during their planned market weeks and retailers schedule their purchases for these dates. I rationalize the discount as a "trade show fee." The other discount FAIRE has basically required their vendors to offer is free shipping for their direct customers. Direct customers are those retail store customers that used to buy from vendors before FAIRE existed. These retailers chose to buy from their suppliers through FAIRE initially, because FAIRE was paying shipping fees (traditionally not paid by vendors) and providing Net 60 terms.  FAIRE has since developed a program they call "insiders" where retailers purchasing wholesale through their site pay a monthly fee to "get" free shipping. After this program was created, FAIRE said they would no longer pay for shipping on direct customers. FAIRE had trained retailers to now expect free shipping and in this instance, they would no longer pay for shipping. Thankfully we sell jewelry which isn't heavy. I believe you can't take benefits away from people. Dunitz is now absorbing shipping fees for their direct customers on FAIRE. This essentially is a discount. 

I probably could write a book about all of this and more. For now, my rant about discounts is done. I'm sure you feel as if you've read enough. What I can tell you, is whether you purchase wholesale or at retail from us, you make a huge difference. Because of you, Dunitz continues to support our artisan community in Guatemala. -ND

Supporting Small Business - My Favorites Finds 2025

It means so much to me when people support our small business, Dunitz & Company. It makes such a difference and that is why I choose to support small business myself, whenever I can. I choose to support 'fair trade' whenever I can. I choose to support hand-crafters whenever I can. Check out some of my favorite 2025 finds. They might become yours.

ReHabitCrafts - Discovered on Etsy. I wear fingerless gloves often. Earlier this year, I was on vacation and lost 1 of my favorite fingerless gloves while on vacation in Montreal. These gloves I loved were purchased in Copenhagen on another vacation I took a few years a back. My heart ached so much because I adored those gloves that were creatively made with various scraps from old sweaters. I scoured the internet to find someone making something I might love, also upcycled from old sweaters. I'm so happy I discovered Sue from ReHabitCrafts. You may find a pair perfect for you. 

 

 

Vegan Madness - I'm not vegan. I eat almost everything and anything. And I must say my long time neighbor and friend, Carla bakes the best cookies. (after my childhood chocolate chip cookie recipe, of course.)  But seriously, when someone who is NOT vegan, raves about a vegan recipe, you KNOW it must be good.  I'm partial to Vegan Madness' My Kinda Cookys. I also know their Bocce Balls are super popular. My recommendation is to treat yourself to their sample box and figure out what you like best for yourself. You'll be hooked.

 

 

SevyaHandmade - I adore my Fair Trade Federation colleagues, Joan & Kovida from Sevya. I might even like their sale section, more than them Hahahahaha. Seriously, It's well worth checking out. More than anything I adore their sleeveless tops, have several and live in them all summer long. Every year I need to order more! For the purpose of this post, I'm sharing a pic of something pretty that is currently available on the Sevya site.

 

 

 

 

Ugly Soap Box from IndulgeBodyBath was a super find on Etsy. OMG. For about 40 bucks you get 4 pounds of handmade soap that's been labelled. These are end slices. Skinny slices. Slices not cut perfectly. There's so many pieces, you won't need to order any more soap for a really long time. And it's so fun picking out what I'll use next, after whatever I used before is almost used up.

 

 

 

Burlap & Barrel - I'm completely sold on Burlap & Barrel. I attended a dinner earlier this year that was organized by Fair Trade Los Angeles. We were all gifted a jar of their single sourced Noble Sweet Paprika. I never knew Paprika had flavor. Seriously. It's the most fantastic spice ever and I've been using it liberally. I love consumable gifts, and everyone I know is now receiving B & B spices for every occasion. At another recent Fair Trade LA, there was a silent auction. (Yes, Dunitz & Company donated earrings!) I personally bid on and won the $100 gift certificated donated by Burlap & Barrel. Unfortunately this won't cover all the gifts I want to purchase from them this holiday season. Seriously recommended.

I just went on to Burlap & Barrel to order. I had no idea they had a refer a friend link. Order with this link to get $10 off an order $15.00 or greater.  And guess what?  I'll I get a $10 credit too.   Click here for the link!

HoneyRunFarm - I eat a lot of honey! Often I purchase honey at my local farmer's market. (Support your local farmer's market!) Other times, and several times, I have purchased from Honey Run Farm. I discovered them on Etsy and have really enjoyed the honey (and soaps) I've purchased from them. Their offerings change from season to season, so definitely check out their shop. And their customer service is really good.

 

 

 

Gee, I think I pulled back this year. Typically I'd have more finds to share with you. As they say, less is more. Definitely check out the items listed above!

Now you KNOW, I must pitch Dunitz & Company's fair trade jewelry too. The designs my artisans and I create together are my favorite finds of all LOL! We offered up so many new designs this year. Of all our collections, we expanded our Ceramic Earrings the most. Please take a closer look because they are fun, affordable, and as always, verified fair trade. - ND

Fair Trade Jewelry Finds Under $20 - Great Gifts

Can you buy a fabulous gift for under $20? You bet you can! It seems so many people think you need to spend at least $40 these days. I'm here to tell you there are loads of fun, verified #fairtrade gifts from Dunitz & Company that won't break the bank. Thinking about a birthday gift? Christmas gift? Valentines Day gift? Scroll through Dunitz & Company's retail website and I promise you'll find something for that special girl in your life. Looking for similar for your retail store? Check out our wholesale site and we'll ship you some appropriate goodies right away. Here are some ideas for you.  

Famous Art Dangle and Stud Earrings: Well under $20 a pair, and great conversation starters. From Van Gogh to John Singer Sargent to Monet and everything in between.  These designs are crafted using recycled wood board which makes them eco-friendly too. Do you have a favorite artist? Or does your gal pal? You could surprise her with a pair artsy earrings. Range from $16-16.50/pair.

  

 

 Ceramic Dino Studs: These cute earrings are perfect for the young and young at heart. As with our entire collection, these are crafted in Guatemala. They're hand-painted and glazed one by one. Take a closer look and find a perfect color.  $17.50/pair.

Small Square Glass Studs: Classic and timeless. These handcrafted fused glass earrings go great with jeans or a dress-up evening out. We're always adding colors to choose from as well. Don't see a color you're wanting to find. Jot us a quick note and we'll snap a pic of other options for you. $16.50/pair

Beaded Rainbow Teardrop Earrings: These fall right at $20.00! Aren't they perfect? I can't tell you how many ears we've decorated with these. It's a lot! Celebrating pride? Love rainbows? Looking for a 60's retro vibe? These are the perfect gift.

 

Embroidered Flower Studs: Have you checked our our beaded & embroidered jewelry before? This collection is one of my all-time favs. Embroidery is quite traditional in Guatemala. And with the help of many talented artisans, we offer exquisite designs that use traditional techniques and provide flair for today's fashionistas. These are a bargain at $16.50/pair.

 

 

 

Ceramic Cat Studs: Who doesn't know a woman who is CRAZY for cats?  We all do. And these colorful studs will hands down be a winner. Click to find your favorite color. $17.50/pair.

Paper Airplane Studs: These aren't just for the ladies. We've had some fun guys wearing these about as well. OK - more ladies than men.  We originally designed these for a museum specializing in aviation and then made them available for everyone. Only $15.00/pair.

Stacking Bracelets - Beaded with leather: We do sell more earrings than anything else. But, alas, we do offer some very affordable bracelets. These stackable bracelets are made with Czech and Japanese beads and crystals. We're always adding new colors - so you MUST keep checking back. $16.50/each

Earrings for Nature Lovers: We offer many earrings that feature botanicals and birds. Maybe we offer a pair that feature your state bird or flower. You'll have to browse this section of our website to find out. $16.50/pair.

Small Glass Dot Studs: These are perfect for that someone you know that stacks lots of earrings on their lobes. Of course, they're perfect for the person that doesn't do this. Keep checking back because we often change it up and offer new colors. $16.50/pair

Frida Earrings - Who isn't nuts for Frida? We recommend these dangle earrings. We mix and match them for fun and personally, I adore this pink and light blue pairing! Prefer studs - browse our site and you'll find 'em. You'll also find other colors. $16.50/pair

Moon & Star Studs: These ceramic studs are so fun. A moon for one ear. A star for the other. Available in several colors. Also, please be reminded that our ear wires and studs are all surgical steal. $16.50/pair.

Bottom line. If you browse the Dunitz fair trade website, you will find lots and lots of fabulous designs under $20! Birthdays. Stocking Stuffers. Solstice. Valentines Day. Summer BBQ Day. I'll gladly find a holiday for you. We offer so many affordable designs. For just a little bit of buck, we'll help you put a big smile on your special someone's face. We appreciate you supporting fair trade. With your purchases, we can employ the artisans in Guatemala that we've been consistently working with for decades. Seriously decades. But - that's another blog post. - Nancy D.

More Nancy Dunitz Drawings Featuring Dunitz Fair Trade Jewelry

Time for new installment of Nancy Dunitz drawings featuring Dunitz fair trade jewelry. It's been several months since I share some of my drawings here. I love showing off my works after I've used Photoshop to add Dunitz & Company jewelry. It started with a class I took in 2019 with a talented artist, Isis Rodriquez in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. If you're looking for a teacher I highly recommend her. She actually teaches via Zoom now as well. (I know, because I have another talented artist friend who has studied with Isis remotely.)

Take a look! (These are posted below in no particular order.) You might find a pair of earrings, a bracelet or a necklace perfect for you or for a gift.

 

These drawings of mine are all created using charcoal and pastels. I'm ready to take commissions if you'd want an original drawing by me! What do you think? If you're inspired to own a new piece of Dunitz & Company fair trade jewelry, that's ok with me too. Looking for your retailer near you? Check out our store locator. And if you want to restock your store shelves, place your order soon on our wholesale site.  I appreciate all of you! - ND

Our Weimaraner and Doberman Mascots - Introductions

When we designed our current website, and for fun, we added a page about our then Doberman mascots, Ida & Stetson. I supposed mascots can be living or passed on. After each traveled across the rainbow bridge, I didn't have the heart to update our website. I feel as if by keeping them on our website, a little piece of my sweet dober-dogs stay with me. I miss them so much.

Since then, I've adopted two other dogs. As team players, they carry on the duties that Ida and Stetson had. They often model our jewelry when I want to create a fun social post. Probably the most important thing they do is announcing when they hear the postal truck drive up for deliveries and pickups. Yeh yeh! The UPS driver receives the same greeting. He just doesn't come around as often.

Let me tell you about our current mascots. They've been around for a bit. I've just never officially introduced them.

 

Bella' Shelter Pic

During COVID lock-down, I adopted Bella from the LA Shelter in San Pedro, CA.  I confess, I had been looking for another doberman and it just wasn't happening as I had imagined it would. One day I was randomly looking at available dogs at the LA Shelters and spotted Bella's photo. It was as if she was posing. My first thought was wow, she's a beauty. Since my first dog (and first mascot) was a mix of Vizsla and Weimaraner, I wasn't afraid of the breed and the energy that comes with it. I called the shelter and they said come get her. The next morning I drove down to Harbor Shelter and do you know what? I completed paperwork and adopted her without even meeting her. Talk about a leap of faith. Out came a VERY strong girl, pulling me like you couldn't believe. My first reaction was "she's so short, she's so tiny, what's wrong with her?" She's just a bit of a runt for a Weim. I'm actually named for my great-aunt Bella. Adopting Bella the dog seemed like kismet. Bella was an owner surrender and came with the name. Since she was already 5 years old, how could I change her name?

 

Two Toys are better than 1

As it turns out, I describe Bella as comatose in comparison to my first dog, Byron. He was over the charts active and his exercise needs were enormous. I'm blessed that Bella is not remotely as demanding. Her favorite activity is lounging around and chewing on toys. Actually I'm not sure if eating things she shouldn't eat in the garden is more fulfilling than chewing toys. This pic was snapped a few days ago when she had decided 2 toys was better than 1.  That definitely is the case, when... our current mascot #2 is anywhere near us.

Bella had the job of mascot for more than 3 years when I decided she needed an assistant. 

I religiously follow Southern California's Doberman rescues on social. Dobies & Little Paws, Bella & Sunshine Rescue and Doberman Rescue Network. It was only a matter of time before a post piqued my interest enough to get me on board. I was quite close to adopting a young-ish boy that had been dumped and rescued with injuries from the side of the road. He'd had surgery and had healed and through the Doberman Rescue Network, a meet and greet was scheduled. Two days before that meeting, I was informed that this dog had healed so well, he was jumping 6 feet concrete block walls. Oy. Our meeting was canceled since I knew my home would not be safe for him. (And as it turned out, his foster had fallen in love with him, and adopted him.)

Timing is everything. Dobie & Little Paws posted info about a female dobie-mix in need of a home. The post appealed to me. I've always been told that it's easier to marry a girl dog with a boy dog than a girl with a girl, or a boy with a boy. Bella and I made an appointment and headed out to Fillmore, CA to meet this girl. It didn't click. And there I was, at the rescue where they have over a 100 dogs in their care needing to be placed. Ardis and Colleen who run the rescue (this is the same rescue from where I adopted Ida. Yes, you can still see that cutie on our website if you didn't click the link in the first paragraph above.) have such a good sense of what dog might go with what dog and person. I think they thought I was a bit high-maintenance when I said, I'd like a smaller boy (Nancy, doberman boys are typically quite large), a dog that isn't crazy active, been there-done that, (Nancy, dobermans are working dogs), yada yada yada. I was okay with a dog that was slightly older. No problem. Turns out they brought out 2 younger adult dogs for us to meet, both 2-3 years old. And one of them came home with us!

First Photo Together!

Meet Winston. He didn't come with a name he knew, so I named him. He hadn't been at the rescue for long, and I was told if they didn't know he was there, no one would have known. He just hid in the back of an igloo in a kennel with a few other dogs. He was a bit emaciated and he was healing from all-over bite marks. Evidently he was dumped by his owner at a shelter after the other dog or dogs in the house attacked him. From here Dobies & Little Paws saved him. He seemed sweet to me. And the interaction between Bella and him seemed okay. It's so random. Just like that I said "we'll take him home!" It seemed as if Ardis and Colleen were almost surprised by my choice. Now at a healthy weight, Winston weighs 62 or so, and he is fairly calm. He is and was the perfect choice!

Winston on Alert

You know I could go on and on and on about every detail of my sweet mascots. I will tell you that Bella has relinquished most of her barking duties. Winston is now the primary announcer of delivery trucks. Thy family dynamic is so funny. Bella adores me. Winston adores Bella. And me, I adore them both. (Winston loves me too, but he is crazy for Bella.) These two are the light of my life.

 

And for the heck of it. Today's attempt at a team selfie! - ND

Our Fair Trade Jewelry. We Smile Big When Our Clients Share our Designs on Social!

We smile big at Dunitz & Company when our retailers share pics of our fair trade jewelry. I just scoured through Facebook to find some of the shots that have been posted in the last several months.  There  are many more shared on Instagram. I confess, I can "save" them easily on Facebook. On Instagram, you can't right click and save. Here's a shout out to some of our clients with links to their websites. If you near any of these stores, go check them out. And - thank you for being our customer. We appreciate our stores and the shoppers that visit them.

Animas Trading, Durango CO - lots of ceramic and laser cut earrings, on our earring cards.

The Artful Nest, Marietta PA - currently has an excellent supply of our ceramic hoops!

Ethical Hope, New Kensington, PA - We just shipped embroidered and beaded earrings (shown) and glass studs!

Fair Trade Decor, Coronado, CA - Recently restocked beaded earrings. And - they consistently sell our Joanie M fused glass earrings.

Just Creations, Louisville, KY - You can count on finding a variety of Dunitz fair trade jewelry at Just Creations. This bowl features our butterfly studs and our fused glass studs.

My Fair Trade Lady - Haddon Heights, NJ - always has good stock of our famous art earrings. They recently added studs to their line-up!

Refunkit, Ashland, VA - Check out this social post. It features our new ceramic flower studs. These mod adornments are super fun, if we don't mind saying.

 

Summer House Designs, Port Townsend, WA - We confess. We have a secret shopper who always tells us about the fabulous displays at Summer House Designs. Our laser cut and embroidered designs are often in their window. Here's a shot they posted on Facebook.

Sunnyside Shop, Cambridge MD - has been our loyal customer for many many years.  Heidi the owner takes the BEST photos. They've carried many of our designs in-store. This shot captures our Joanie M fused glass almond shaped dangles oh so well.

Trinity Church, Boston MA - I confess. When I think of this customer, I'm reminded how they sell a lot of our monarch studs. But they sell other things too, including the one-of-a-kind embroidered flower earrings they featured on their social page.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond VA - Who doesn't love Starry Night? And VMFA offers fun gifts from so many vendors that feature Starry Night. Our earrings are part of their collection!

Zumbido Gifts, Eureka CA - always offers a fun selection from our fair trade collection. Recently they posted about our laser cut bird dangles. We thought it was fun that they used this blue sky background.

Seeds to Sew, Hopewell, NJ - Seeds to Sew is a non-profit that works with artisans in Kenya and their mission is to support them. Having said that, they do sell a few other fair trade lines in their store in Hopewell. Recently I spotted this pic on social of a group of students who organized a fundraiser for them. And on that table, among other goodies, you'll find Dunitz & Company jewelry.

Did I miss pitching your store? Send me a photo and a link where you shared it on Facebook or Instagram. The more the merrier. I want to tell everyone to find Dunitz & Company fair trade jewelry in your store. - ND

Business Phone Call Etiquette. What Is Your Preference?

There was a time when most business for Dunitz & Company was conducted over the telephone. I left "Corporate America" in 1989, before cell phones and before fax machines. And yes, before the internet.

For the first many years of running Dunitz & Company, I set aside hours and hours to follow up with customers by voice on the landline phone. I'd follow up on orders shipped. I'd call prospects I met at trade shows to encourage them to order. I phoned customers to encourage them to reorder. In the early 90's you didn't have to make appointments for phone calls. You just made them. You just received them. It was before "caller ID." I learned to recognize Suzie and Linda by the sound of their voices. I knew when their kids or grandchildren were born. I heard the details of the struggles of putting on a new roof for their recent home purchase. It seemed as if I was forging so many relationships both on a personal and professional basis. And to encourage these relationships, Dunitz & Company had an 800# where we paid for the phone calls.

Back in the day, I had a sales rep on the east coast that mailed her orders in by snail mail. Yes, by the postal service. No on expected things to happen 24/7.  And then the fax machine came into play. Every business had one. Instead of calling in orders, many customers began faxing them. Even that east coast sales rep graduated from stamps to the fax machine. I was still making phone calls to connect with my retailers, but they were calling me much less often. Note to reader: We no longer have a fax machine. But, we do have a fax line that operates through email at the cost of $5.00/month. I'm not sure why we keep it. But, we do seem to receive two viable faxes yearly, and need to send the same. For now we keep it. (Wanna fax? (323) 769-8111 will reach us. We'd like to receive some faxes that aren't selling ink toner or roofing services.)

 

 

Websites. Email. Email Broadcasts. Smart Phones (for everything other than voice calls.) Quick. Quick. Quick. Over the years everything has to happen faster and faster. And voice calls have become mostly obsolete.

 

It seems in current time, we almost never speak to anyone by voice anymore.  And when we do, calls don't come spontaneously. Apparently, we need to schedule the day and time to speak. Everyone has been conditioned to schedule now, even in their personal lives. Heck, I had a good friend get angry at me (at least it sounded that way) when I made a spontaneous call just to chat and check in. And she's not the only friend who now prefers to "schedule" social calls.

I have one long time customer who until very recently telephoned in her orders. I enjoyed that so much. I knew her voice. And over the years we've developed such a nice friendship. She was one of the last holdouts. I was happy to receive her most recent order, but a little disappointed it came through FAIRE. When asked, she told me she had been resisting - but she discovered their system was so easy for her to order. Does that mean I will no longer learn of her future vacation plans?

 

As many of you know, FAIRE is now a game changer and many stores prefer to shop on their site. Many clients tell me it's really easy to place their orders on this site. I think a lot of it has to do with the Net 60 terms they provide, which most small businesses can't afford to offer. Because FAIRE is the legal seller, there is less reasons for phone interaction with customers.  Their messaging seems to be the preferred way to reach out. Most of you know I ask my customers if they prefer Dunitz earrings on our cards or without. I've learned over the years that many stores private label and carding earrings without need is a waste of time and money. (And adds to landfill.) Often I need to call customers because they don't check their FAIRE messages often. Once in a while I actually am met by a voice and I have the wonderful pleasure to "meet" my new customers. Wow, I love that! I'm so old school. When I am prompted to leave voicemail messages, I let my customers know they can call me back, or respond to the messages I've sent them. Hmmmm. I'd say it's 30/70 that customers phone back. 40/60 - maybe?

Unlike many small businesses, I don't use my cell phone for business. (Except for double verification of this and that.) I don't give the number out. Our office line, although no longer a landline - does not send or receive text messages.  For that, I'm a holdout.

The world of communication has changed so much since 1989 when I launched Dunitz & Company. I almost never telephone my clients anymore. I miss this sort of interaction. What about you? What is business phone call etiquette in 2025? What is your preference? If you prefer voice, please please, call me at (323) 769-8600. -ND