Pop-Up gold and diamond buying events

Sellers at the events get paid for items. Refiners, dealers and wholesalers buy from you afterward.

You earn the spread between your purchase price and resale price. Event days bring volume, but you cover room rental, advertising and travel, so the margin per event matters.

• Quick, accurate valuation of jewelry and stones
• Marketing and event planning
• Clear, honest negotiation
• Safe handling of cash and valuables

• Licenses and permits that may be required in each city or county where you hold an event, plus any holding periods
• Security risk when carrying cash and valuables, so consider a second person and a secure transport plan
• Insurance for stock and cash while traveling, including a jewelers block policy
• Recording seller ID and keeping transaction records for every purchase
• Event costs that can exceed sales on a slow day
• Negative public perception of pop-up buyers, so be open about how you value items

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your equipment, buying funds and event costs. These are estimates, not guarantees. Event costs can exceed sales on a slow day, so plan a cushion.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on how many events you run, where you hold them, and how well you value and resell items. This is an estimate, and revenue is not profit once event costs are counted.

Check which licenses and permits may be required in each city or county where you hold an event, plus any holding periods. Also check requirements for recording seller ID and transaction records, and ask about insurance such as a jewelers block policy.