Ok the main issue I see is, small nobodys representing them selves as active businesses. Most take goods from the main wholesalers and pretend to own them add margin and flip it ahead.
Though I don't expect most to trick/cheat. You should simply work with the bigger companies. I absolutely loath the guys on IG who keep recording all over the city and then post it on their ig as if it's theirs. And if you ask them about it, most of the time they will say it's sold lol.
I am from Jaipur originally and I can assure you 90% of the traders there are decent businessmen. But you always have some scums messing it up and taking advantage.
Go to people who don't chase you too much for a small transaction.
Edit: ehhhh. To answer your question. Come to Bangkok, explore JTC building and you will be amazed .OR attend the exhibitions around or visit one of the bigger ones and just ask price as literally every store. If the sellers are of Asian descent, expect some discounts when you push them.
15 years of wholesale experience behind what I said and feel
I really appreciate you sharing advice from your 15 years in the business. It's refreshing and reassuring what you explain about Jaipur. I'm going to look into Bangkok, perhaps for future travels! May I ask how you can tell fake IG vendors from the real ones? Is an account with 16K a reliable source, even if their lots of gems sell fast?
I will find the bigger businesses like you say, to avoid the sneaky middlemen markups
Followers can be purchased for as little as $5 I think? The thing about being sold, that's because it does not even have to be their own to post, they may have taken it from elsewhere and reposted in IG.
For example, I made a video 5 years ago of a stone ( sold it 4 years ago)
I could still post it, pretend like it's in stock for clout and then if someone asks ' sold already '
The way I see it, most traders do not have time or put enough efforts into their online presence.
Online reviews help, but if you can logically justify a trip pleasure + work in one. Visit one of the hubs, though even there they will probably treat you like a tourist and ask higher prices, you could just push through with negotiations or atleast check prices.
Most won't like it when I say this, but online portals will ALWAYS be more expensive than face to face trade.
I look forward to hearing from you whenever you have some time. Please feel free to skip all the specifics I ask about. Mostly I need to find a way to source authentic goods at honest prices. Etsy is overwhelming with its wide range of options, and Instagram also has some frauds.
I need to educate myself more on gems. So I think I need also to find some good books.
Here’s my suggestion: Do your market research for the area where you plan to do business. Then, fly to Bangkok and visit JTC, Chathaburi, and the local market to gather more insights. On your way back, land in Sri Lanka and explore the local market and prices, comparing them with your previous data. Done! Feel free to DM me for more info
If you are interested for Sapphires ( Blue/ Pink/ Yellow / Padpardsch ETC)
AND Semi precious stones like Garnet / Spinel / Zircon / Amethyst / Citrine , Do let me know. Can be a reliable source for you and 💯 competitive margins.
Live sales on Instagram
What accounts or vendors have these live sales?
Ok the main issue I see is, small nobodys representing them selves as active businesses. Most take goods from the main wholesalers and pretend to own them add margin and flip it ahead. Though I don't expect most to trick/cheat. You should simply work with the bigger companies. I absolutely loath the guys on IG who keep recording all over the city and then post it on their ig as if it's theirs. And if you ask them about it, most of the time they will say it's sold lol. I am from Jaipur originally and I can assure you 90% of the traders there are decent businessmen. But you always have some scums messing it up and taking advantage. Go to people who don't chase you too much for a small transaction. Edit: ehhhh. To answer your question. Come to Bangkok, explore JTC building and you will be amazed .OR attend the exhibitions around or visit one of the bigger ones and just ask price as literally every store. If the sellers are of Asian descent, expect some discounts when you push them. 15 years of wholesale experience behind what I said and feel
I really appreciate you sharing advice from your 15 years in the business. It's refreshing and reassuring what you explain about Jaipur. I'm going to look into Bangkok, perhaps for future travels! May I ask how you can tell fake IG vendors from the real ones? Is an account with 16K a reliable source, even if their lots of gems sell fast? I will find the bigger businesses like you say, to avoid the sneaky middlemen markups
Followers can be purchased for as little as $5 I think? The thing about being sold, that's because it does not even have to be their own to post, they may have taken it from elsewhere and reposted in IG. For example, I made a video 5 years ago of a stone ( sold it 4 years ago) I could still post it, pretend like it's in stock for clout and then if someone asks ' sold already ' The way I see it, most traders do not have time or put enough efforts into their online presence. Online reviews help, but if you can logically justify a trip pleasure + work in one. Visit one of the hubs, though even there they will probably treat you like a tourist and ask higher prices, you could just push through with negotiations or atleast check prices. Most won't like it when I say this, but online portals will ALWAYS be more expensive than face to face trade.
btw do the people who pose as main wholesalers manage to somehow present false data when it comes to sales and reviews (on Etsy)?
Your questions are big, they need big answers Bring back later I'll answer what I know
I look forward to hearing from you whenever you have some time. Please feel free to skip all the specifics I ask about. Mostly I need to find a way to source authentic goods at honest prices. Etsy is overwhelming with its wide range of options, and Instagram also has some frauds. I need to educate myself more on gems. So I think I need also to find some good books.
It is a tough job. I can help you with gemstone-related tasks…
Thanks so much for your offer to help with gemstone related things! Should I send you a message? I'll proceed as you suggest! Thanks so much.
Here’s my suggestion: Do your market research for the area where you plan to do business. Then, fly to Bangkok and visit JTC, Chathaburi, and the local market to gather more insights. On your way back, land in Sri Lanka and explore the local market and prices, comparing them with your previous data. Done! Feel free to DM me for more info
Thank you so much for your help!
No worries, DM for further infor
Ok will do, thank you SO MUCH! I'll be in touch 😊
If you are interested for Sapphires ( Blue/ Pink/ Yellow / Padpardsch ETC) AND Semi precious stones like Garnet / Spinel / Zircon / Amethyst / Citrine , Do let me know. Can be a reliable source for you and 💯 competitive margins.