Gemstone dealer at shows and fairs

Collectors, jewelry designers, hobbyists and walk-up gift shoppers.

Markup on each stone sold, plus larger sales to repeat jewelry makers and trade buyers. Costs include booth fees, travel and stock.

• Gemstone knowledge and fair pricing
• Friendly selling and negotiating
• Display setup and stock organization

• Many states and cities require a seller's permit and sales tax collection at events, so check with your state tax agency
• Insurance for stock, theft and general liability, since shows often ask for proof
• Security of valuable stock when traveling and at the booth
• Honest disclosure of treatments and lab-grown stones
• Booth fees and travel can eat profit at slow shows

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your display setup and the shows you attend. Booth fees and travel can eat into profit at slow shows, so start small.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on the shows you attend, your stock and your repeat buyers. That is revenue, not profit, since booth fees, travel and stock costs come out of it.

Things to check: many states and cities require a seller's permit and sales tax collection at events, so ask your state tax agency. Shows often ask for proof of insurance, so check cover for stock, theft and general liability.