As you get closer to your Caribbean vacation and hopefully for us – your Jamaica visit – I thought it would be a good idea to take a few minutes to tell you why so many visitors shop in the Caribbean (and in Jamaica) for Jewelry & Watches
The selection is huge
You will see more variety and depth in one store in the Caribbean than you will see in a whole mall of jewelers back home. Why? Because we see customers from all over the world and most of our sales are impulsive. This means it’s important for us to have great diversity in our selections plus depth in every size, color, shape and more. Instant gratification is key!!
You should take advantage of the huge selection by visiting as many stores as you can and have fun trying on lots of beautiful jewelry and watches.
The prices are competitive globally
Most of the jewelry stores in the Caribbean that cater to tourism shopping are Duty Free & Tax Free havens. Duty Free means that these stores are allowed to import jewelry & watches free of normal country duties. Tax Free means the stores don’t charge their customers any tax. The benefit to you is very competitive pricing as they are not inflated by the local import duties or taxes.
Make sure you trust the vendor
When you find that extra special piece, the next question is price. Am I being ripped off, is this really worth the price I am paying? Are these real diamonds? Lots of questions will suddenly start running in your head.
If you are buying a known brand of jewelry, you can easily check the internet for pricing. Stores should offer you free internet access and if they don’t then it’s their loss. If the jewelry you have chosen is not from a specific brand then get the details of what you like and shop around. You are likely to find something similar to compare against.
Most of the jewelry stores in the Caribbean are family owned and have solid reputations to protect. A quick search on the internet will reveal any dodginess! Trust your instincts.
Celebrating that vacation
Vacationing in the Caribbean is a great experience and maybe it’s a trip to celebrate a special milestone.
Let’s start with the phrase “It’s a celebration …” then let’s add the appropriate reason:
“…of our X wedding anniversary “
“…of how much I love this significant other”
“…of our vacation years ago when we first met”
“…of renewing our vows”
“…of her birthday”
You get the idea.
A new ring, bracelet or watch that you wear often is a great way to memorialize your vacation and that celebration.
It’s fun and a great experience
Make the experience of shopping for that special piece a fun time together. Plan an afternoon away from the beach. A little bit of research will tell you where the nearest Duty Free and Tax Free shopping area is. Remember you want these types of shops because they shelter you from the uplift in price caused by local import duties and taxes.
Grab a cab or find out if there is a shuttle from the hotel/cruise ship to the shopping area. Don’t let your cab driver convince you that he knows a better shop, be confident about where you want to go.
Once you are out shopping, remember that the idea is to enjoy the overall experience. That doesn’t mean you have to buy something but if you do find that special sparkle then go for it.
Enjoy the time together and have fun!!
By Prem Mahtani