ChallengeUsing separate providers for shipping and high-value-item insurance wasn’t just cost- prohibitive; it limited the dollar value of the goods that could be shipped overnight in each package. This hindered customer service and complicated shipping.

SolutionThe UPS Capital Jeweler’s Elite Program™ seamlessly combined logistics with insurance to protect jewelry shipments up to a retail value of $150,000. All from one company.

ResultsToday, International Diamond Distributors sends larger, more-valuable shipments, which stream-lines their shipping process, improves customer service and provides rock-solid peace of mind that their jewelry is fully protected.

Diamonds are naturally hard.Shipping and insuring them is surprisingly easy.

CASE STUDY: International Diamond Distributors A diamond jewelry manufacturer and loose diamond supplier serving independent jewelers across North America.

“If someone is getting married on Saturday and we’re shipping their ring, timely and secure delivery is absolutely critical,” says Alok Mehta, in a bit of an understatement. Mehta is the third-generation owner and CEO of International Diamond Distributors (IDD), a highly respected diamond jewelry manufacturer.

“We have a reputation to maintain with our customers,” Mehta adds, echoing the company’s philosophy to “Consistently provide a quality product at a great value, and service the customer at all times.”

IDD has been doing business globally for more than 72 years and has been based in New York’s Diamond District for more than 30. The company specializes in serving independent jewelers, and has steadily grown into a major loose diamond and finished jewelry supplier for retailers across North America.

On average, IDD ships more than 500 packages per week, with seasonal variations and demand increasing following jewelry shows. “Most of our business entails delivering over-night, so quick customer service and security are a big part of our industry,” says Mehta.

UPS Capital FINANCIAL, INSURANCE & PAYMENT SERVICES FOR YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN

A shipping and insurance program custom-made for jewelersUntil recently, IDD shipped its high-value jewelry packages with one company and insured them with another. “When we had different companies for shipping and insurance, we had a cap on how much we could ship overnight because of the insurance coverage limits,” Mehta says. In addition to being limited to only $50,000 in value per package, which increased order fulfillment labor costs, the high cost of the insurance was hamper-ing them, too.

A rare gem: The UPS Capital Jeweler’s Elite ProgramThen Mehta learned about the UPS Capital Jewelers Elite Program. Designed specifically for the jewelry industry, the UPS Capital Jeweler’s Elite Program bundles UPS shipping with Flexible Parcel Insurance through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., to go well beyond the standard liability programs offered by transportation carriers. Basic coverage protects against loss or damage to goods in transit - including loose gemstones - up to the selling price, with a $150,000 maximum.

Protecting valuables. And gaining value.“Now we get shipping and parcel insurance at a competitive price through one company – all on one bill – from a name we can count on,” Mehta adds. “For us, value pricing means not overcharging for shipping and insurance, so the rates we have from UPS really help keep our own rates more competitive.”

In addition, UPS helped IDD streamline their process, integrating shipping right into their existing software. Now a shipping label is automatically generated, and a tracking number is sent to the customer. “They know exactly what’s being shipped to them,” Mehta says. “And they can track their order without having to call us. That makes customers happy, and takes a lot of pressure off our call center.”

A marriage of increased shipping and decreased labor.“Even though we’re shipping as many as 125 packages a day, our wholesale shipping process is now faster,” says Mehta. “Now that we can ship orders in excess of $100,000, it’s not only more cost effective, it’s also easier from a logistics perspective. And we don’t need to add team members to accommodate our growth.”

Today, IDD uses UPS for all its domestic and international export shipping. “Service is what our customers count on us for, and that’s where UPS has helped us most,” Mehta says.

So, while diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, UPS Capital and UPS may just be a jeweler’s best friend.

© 2015 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, UPS Capital, the UPS brandmark and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 1/15 CAP87

Why UPS Capital? Nobody understands transportation and logistics like UPS. And while you’ve probably never thought of a UPS company for financing and insurance services, our global supply chain expertise uniquely positions us to help protect companies from risk, and leverage cash in their supply chains. Insurance companies and banks can’t say that.

The UPS Capital Jewelers Elite program is currently only available in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Providence. It includes ground and air deliveries in the US, as well as shipments to more than 60 other countries. For more information, please contact us at 877-263-8772.

Insurance is underwritten by an authorized insurance company and issued through licensed insurance producers affiliated with UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., and other affiliated insurance agencies. UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc. and its licensed affiliates are wholly owned subsidiaries of UPS Capital Corporation. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions.

“Now we get shipping and parcel insurance at a competitive price through one company – all on one bill – from a name we can count on.”

Alok MehtaOwner and CEOInternational Diamond Distributors