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46 www.thejewelrybook.com T R U N K S H O W W S E A S O N J E W E L R S U N B L O C K E D Trunk Show Season In-store jewelry and watch trunk shows create an interesting opportunity for a traveling jewelry salesperson to forge new busi- ness and client relationships; however the risk of criminal activity is something that is always present whether they are in the store or on the road en route to an event. Although thefts at these events are a rare occurrence, it is important that the salespeople on the fl oor consider that thieves view gatherings and events such as these as a way to capitalize on the valuables that are on display. Sales people working these trunk shows must look to minimize risk. The most important method of minimizing risk on the trade show fl oor is to practice safe sales techniques. Security needs to be prominent at all times. Security is especially critical when traveling; jet lag, fatigue, and disorientation due to time changes can cause distractions. Whether the show is stationed at home or abroad, practicing safe sales precautions is imperative to prevent any potential security threats. Here, we've gathered a few tips to be mindful of when planning and attending trunk show events: • Before traveling to an event site, check the insurance coverage that is currently in place on any goods to make sure your policy adequately covers trunk shows. • Keep your profession private to the public eye at all times. Remove all evidence that may make you a target, such as badges, nametags or other identifi ers. Also, do not post location informa- tion to any social media platforms. This can lead thieves straight to you and your product. • Minimize risk by properly obscuring any type of potential disclosure. Hotel staff may examine business cards left in sight, leaving you exposed. • Before driving with goods, ensure that your vehicle is properly supplied with gas before driving to avoid stopping in between appointments (to use facilities, eat, etc.). • When in transit, between appointments or walking to your vehicle, keep your cell phone out and open. Do not speak, but pay attention to your surroundings. In case of an emergency, you'll be able to call for help quickly. • Upon completion of the last appointment, make sure to secure goods on location at a local jewelry store or a bank vault. • If traveling jewelry professionals are interested in learning more about what they can do to protect themselves, consider attending security-training and self-defense courses. The career of a traveling salesperson presents a different set of obstacles and challenges, unlike most other jobs in the workforce. The vulnerability of constantly traveling from place to place, com- bined with hotel stays, creates a need for security in a way that it is not offered to a jewelry store owner, or any other industry profes- sional that is mainly stationed at a fi xed location. The level of per- sonal responsibility of a salesperson must be heightened, due to the nature of their work. If a salesperson is aware of safe sales practices and exercises them regularly, the chances of becoming a victim of theft will decrease signifi cantly. "Security is not an expense, security allows you to go home safe to your family and allows the company to reduce risk. Security protects your life's work and your family's future." – Patricia K. Low About Jewelers unBLOCKed™ Jewelers unBLOCKed™, offered by CED 1976 LLC, provides customized insurance coverage to meet the challenges of jewelry retailers, designers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Jewelers unBLOCKed™ provides the underwriting and issuance of the exclusive jewelers block policy offered through the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies; it also provides tailored insurance programs for the private client and collector. For more information, please visit www.jewelers-unblocked.com. B Y PATRICIA K. LOW, PRESIDENT/CEO OF JEWELERS UNBLOCKED ™ Safety for the Traveling Salesperson and The Stores they Visit

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