Other than being able to haggle, what are the other benefits of going to a jeweler? At least for the small guys, it seems like the AIG restrictions/hoops to jump through would make them cost more or whatever. Local jeweler guys from the last few years: were they cheap?
My local jeweler was able to match the price of the stone to online stuff. I could give a crap if the band was even 50% cheaper online sine the stone was waaay more. Also, bought in MO, had it couriered to KS for small fee to avoid sales tax.
There's also like free bla bla for life but honestly I think most places do that and would do it even if you weren't a customer but wanted you to be a customer. They incur no additional costs by cleaning her ring or fixing a stone setting.
Also, for me I hate running around town comparing this and that. So dealing locally and getting the price match saved time.
I think B&M places are probably loses their asses to online, so force them to compete directly. But, also expect them to make some money. If you don't take too much of their time though their share can be small.
Don't know what AIG haggles are.
