Jewelry exporter with stock and trade shows

Overseas retail chains, boutiques, department store buyers and regional distributors who want reliable supply and reorders.

You earn a markup on each wholesale order. Holding stock lets you sell larger and faster orders, with higher minimums for distributors.

• Wholesale selling and building long-term buyer relationships
• Inventory tracking and quality checking
• Managing export paperwork and freight

• Stock risk: unsold pieces tie up your cash, so start with proven best sellers
• Trade show costs add up quickly: booth space, stand build, travel, shipping samples and accommodation can come to several thousand dollars per show, so consider visiting as a buyer or sharing a booth first
• Insurance for stock in storage and in transit, plus general liability, check with a business insurance broker
• Import rules, duties and hallmarking requirements in each destination country
• Export filing rules and recordkeeping, a customs broker or freight forwarder can advise
• Check the FTC Jewelry Guides for how you describe metals, stones and finishes
• Check local zoning, business license and sales tax or resale certificate rules with your city, county and state

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how much stock you hold, your stockroom and how many trade shows you attend. Booth space, travel and sample shipping can add up quickly, so consider visiting a show as a buyer first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your product range, how many repeat buyers you build and order sizes. Unsold pieces tie up cash, so it helps to start with proven best sellers.

Check import rules, duties and hallmarking requirements in each destination country, plus export filing and recordkeeping rules. Review the FTC Jewelry Guides, insurance for stock in storage and transit, and local zoning, business license and sales tax or resale certificate rules.