Regarding e-mails received, many comments contained similar feedback.
1. Many expressed outrage when they learned that the store mentioned in the e-mail, Celebrity Jewelers,was on the PPI program and paying their promotional fees. How can a promotion company not celebrate sales in every promoted store ?
2. Major concerns revolved around the business practices related to the number one promoted store, DI (and its operations) and questioned the support they receive from PPI.
3. R.Domanski did not invent the information in the e-mail written by him. He just finished his training at DI headquarters according to e-mail. Apparently, this has always been the propoganda used by DI during their personal trainings with the promoters on the islands or at the trainigs held in the NYC Diamonds International headquarters.
4. Many comments indicated that standard topics of conversations with DI management disparage the Indian community and their stores.
5. DI corporate leaders boldly tell the promoters that their ship placement/job security is directly related to sales at DI.
6. The grossly inaccurate information given by DI regarding how the diamond industry works is told to new hires that have no reason not to believe them, especially when backed up by the promotion company. This is repeated to cruise ship guests who are under the assumption that DI cannot be undersold. This clearly defames and undermines the reputations of every other merchant. People trust the cruise lines !
7. Rumors and speculations were abundant regarding DI involvement in the acquisition of Princess Cruise Lines for PPI. The line in the e-mail about agreements made during these negotiations makes one wonder what connection a merchant could possibly have with these negotiations.
8. International clients were signed up this season without notice of these restricted promotion policies.
9. The program as it is restricts fair trade! Plain and simple, the merchants can only trust that the cruise lines represented by PPI will act swiftly to make a significant and lasting change to their shopping program.
Until now, everyone had to fight his or her own battles with little or no success against the giants. From the repsonses we have received, wholesalers and merchants are ready to unite for an common cause to save reputations and businesses. Please continue to send your comments and concerns.
Jeff