A: The Company was incorporated in 1988. Back

A: 10 full time employees, 3 in sales/marketing and the rest are in technical support and product development. Back

A: We began with customized software solutions for diamond dealers in 1986 and realized that a market existed for a packaged solution. At the time there were no standards in computer software, in fact, we were the first to deliver a complete software package to the industry. We were also pioneers in delivering a “published price,” which meant we told prospective clients our prices before finding out how big they were or how many employees they had. Most, if not all, other software companies want to know more about the jeweler before quoting a price for software: we do not work that way. Our pricing structure is clear, concise and published on our website and in our brochures. Back

A: We believe we’re the best and here’s why:

A: Our experience and education comes from working with thousands of jewelers since 1986. Many of our first customers are still customers to this day and their suggestions and ideas have become RightClick. In essence, it’s better to work with the experience of many jewelers than just one. In addition, since we are a real software firm, we know how to handle the challenges associated with writing and maintaining software. Plus we didn’t start Wise Choice Software because we had to close up a jewelry business; sadly, many of our competitors will spin this important fact. Back

A: That’s easy: customer support. As a software company it is essential to help customers in a way that they understand. Our customers are not technical so our approach is to explain ideas and concepts in non-technical terms. In addition, don’t you hate it when you call a technical support department and get the feeling you’re receiving an explanation just to get you off the phone? (i.e. "Re-install windows, that should fix it.") Our natural assumption, when providing support, is that the customer is calling with a question or issue that is taking time from their day. Time is of the essence in any business and if our support staff feels a problem lies in hardware, most often we offer to contact the hardware consultant for them, whereas most software companies will leave the responsibility to the jeweler. Of course this is only a small example, but it illustrates the point. Back

A: No, our support is not free. We charge annually, based on the number of workstations. A 20-employee jeweler would pay more per year than a 2-employee jeweler. We give technical support to clients provided they purchase an annual telephone support contract. This contract entitles them to: unlimited telephone support between 9AM and 5PM EST, excluding national holidays; free updates; and access to our support web site for tips, ideas and articles. Back

A: Our office is just off of 47th Street in midtown Manhattan, in the heart of the diamond and jewelry industry in the United States. We provide service to hundreds of jewelry firms on 47th Street (in addition to worldwide) and to deliver top-notch service, you need to be where most of the action is. It is also very important to have a real office where clients can meet and receive training. Software companies that are home-based businesses simply can’t offer our type of professional service. Back

A: Easily. We use a commonly available product called PC Anywhere (which can be purchased at Staples, CompUSA or ordered online) which allows our technical support staff and the user to see the same screen. It’s similar to face-to-face training without the face. In addition, we offer on-site service such as installation and training at $1,000 per day plus airfare and lodging. Back

A: Yes, our prices are competitive when you compare what you get for your money. When considering support, examine what is being offered. Factors to consider: response time, size of staff devoted to support, update availability, and product and industry knowledge. Many software firms over-promise support and under charge just to get the business. Don’t be fooled with a cheap price, most jewelers are not satisfied with cheap service. Back

A: Jewelers know more than most about value; you get what you pay for and it is a matter of value. There is a major difference in clarity and price between an I2 diamond and a VVS1. Similarly, there are different levels of support. Our sales staff is independent of our support staff which means your company remains a priority after your purchase of RightClick. Every software firm will treat you as a priority before your purchase, however, what's extremely important is how they will treat you afterwards. Find out from whom you will be receiving support before you purchase software. Our technicians are highly trained, speak English clearly and many have worked for jewelry firms before being employed with Wise Choice Software. Over ten years ago we instituted our well known same day response policy. With this policy our clients do not have to wonder if they will hear from us today, tomorrow or whenever.

Updates are also included in the annual support costs that we charge. RightClick is always being enhanced and this helps keep jewelers on the forefront of technology. Our support costs prevent product obsolescence. There is an important aspect to providing software support that is relatively unknown. When you pay for support, you are not paying for the time you or your employee spends with a technician. You are paying for the cost of having the employee at his or her desk, 9AM to 5PM, waiting for your call.

How important is your company’s reliance on software? Paying for software support is similar to buying insurance on your merchandise. You need it but you never want to have to use it. In addition, cheaper policies throw obstacles in your way when you are in your moment of need and software support is no different. Back

A: More education. Industry organizations need to promote business tools such as software. If not already, most consider a computer system to be as essential as an office and telephone—even the new Patriot Act requires jewelers to keep detailed records of all transactions! It sounds corny but there was a commercial several decades ago that said “…an educated consumer is our best customer” and it couldn’t be closer to the truth. While I consider us blessed that we do not work with the public (retailers must have amazing patience), we sell a product that needs to ride a balance between feature-rich and ease of use. In non-technical terms: the more features you add to software, the more complicated it can get. More education would help the expectations jewelers have for computer systems. Back