Gem and mineral show vendor

Collectors, hobby jewellery makers, small jewellers and visitors looking for a special stone.

You sell stones at the table for more than you paid. Some shows also bring wholesale buyers and repeat customers you can follow up with online.

• Knowing gemstones and explaining them simply
• Friendly selling and negotiating
• Organising stock, cash handling and travel

• Disclose treatments and natural or lab-grown status clearly, in writing if possible
• Check whether you need to collect GST/HST and provincial sales tax at events, and how to register
• Check whether FINTRAC rules for dealers in precious stones apply, particularly for large cash sales
• Table fees, travel and winter driving add up, and shows are seasonal, so plan your calendar
• Theft and loss risk, so consider stock insurance and commercial general liability cover
• Some events ask for proof of insurance or a vendor permit, so check with each organiser

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the stock you buy, your display and table setup, and event fees and travel. Treat these as estimates and check table fees with each organiser.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many shows you attend, your stock and your pricing. Shows are seasonal, and table fees and travel come out of that revenue.

Check how to disclose treatments and natural or lab-grown status, how to collect and register for GST/HST and provincial sales tax at events, and whether FINTRAC rules apply to large cash sales. Also check each organiser's insurance or vendor permit requirements.