Why is selenite so popular this year?

In addition to its natural beauty and value to rock collectors, wholesales selenite is also considered the “sword of awareness” among metaphysical believers.  In the spiritual realm, selenite cuts through assumptions and promotes the connection between the inner mystic and the conscious self.  It allows the body to remove blockages that keep energy from moving freely throughout the body, and which could also cause chronic diseases.

A crystal form of gypsum, selenite is naturally colorless and most likely seen in white tabular crystals or needle like formations.  In its tabular form, it can be formed into solid shapes like massage wands or obelisks, but it is also known for its luminescent qualities.  Because of its clear and linear structure, the selenite crystal acts like a fiber optic, meaning that light can shine through it and extend through to the ends.  What many people don’t realize is that this translucent quality is a physical manifestation of selenite’s metaphysical nature.

Have your customers ever asked what they can buy the person who has everything?  Perhaps it was this dilemma that drove them into your store.  It also explains what makes rock-collecting so popular today.  In a world that is steeped in technology and electronic “toys,” there is nothing quite like buying someone natural stone candle holders made from glowing selenite.   As a result of the economy, we may be a bit more practical as a society than we were ten years ago.  This explains why more rock shops are tapping into the mainstream “utilitarian” mindset by offering household items made from rocks and minerals.

When a new customer enters your store and they are not already a collector of rocks and quartz, they may not find a reason to keep shopping.  That’s why so many retailers showcase selenite gifts near the front of the store.  Selenite is a translucent mineral that is milky white, but it can also be yellowish or pale amber in color.  When people buy candleholders or light fixtures made from selenite, they find it gives their interior space a spectacular glow.  Selenite has the same effect on a flame as a rice paper lampshade has on a light bulb.  It allows light to shine through a filter and gives the entire room a golden glow.

Whether purchased in Orange Selenite or ”Snowball” selenite, this Moroccan crystal is available in pre-cut pieces that can be made into a single display for your store.  Simply light a candle in one of these natural candle holders and you will immediately notice its radiant glow, especially in a darkened room.  Other selenite items include lamps, soothing stones and spheres.

When polished, selenite stones act very similar to quartz. Jewelry can be polished to a smooth and luxurious shine or made into a worry stone.  Selenite candle holders tend to be a little rougher textured, but that helps to bring out the luminous aspects of the mineral.  When lit, these natural quartz candle holders are known for their warm and inviting qualities.  Most are only about 3” in diameter and deep enough to hold a tea-light candle.

What are the metaphysical qualities of selenite?

Unless you study the occult or the metaphysical stones, you may not realize that pointing a selenite wand toward any other stone will increase the receiving stone’s energy.  In addition to this “power boost,” selenite is also used to help access higher beings, angels and spirit guides as well as the subconscious mind.  In other words, these wands can be very potent.  People who handle selenite regularly are advised to be very careful about their thoughts when working with this mineral.

Only two minerals –apophyllite and selenite – are powerful enough to clear away negative energy.  New Age crystal worshipers believe that if you place any stone or specimen you’ve been working with on top of a selenite wand, it will clear away any negative energy and recharge or “reset” the crystal with its original metaphysical qualities.

Once the word gets out that your store offers a range of selenite products, it will be important to stay on top of your inventory. People will find out quickly that you have this highly demanded product available, so you may want to order a higher quantity of selenite wholesale.

How to buy wholesale

Research is a step that should never be ignored when it’s time to shop for inventory. Take the time to visit another rock shop and see what’s selling there. Browse the selection of amethysts, metaphysical crystals and tumbled stones. Look at the window display and make a mental note of which specimens are prominently featured. Do they sell fossils or just rocks? What is the average price point of their most popular rocks and minerals? Are there items in the clearance bin? The answers to all of these questions will inform you about selecting inventory.

If you’re still not sure how to find a supplier, consider visiting a rock shop that is too far way to be competitive and ask who they use as a supplier. The owner may be willing to share some information about their source of wholesale rocks and minerals. If that doesn’t work, do an online search, join a buying group or visit a trade show. Look for local shows that feature rocks and minerals for collectors and retailers, or seek out shows that cater to souvenir shops.

You may find that once you open your store it will be much easier to find wholesale merchandise because the sellers will be coming to you. Customers can also be helpful by recommending specific products they would like to see in your store.

The five types of suppliers for souvenir shops

Chances are if your store is located in a popular tourist area you will be selling more than just rocks and minerals. For example, many of the shops located at sightseeing stops in Colorado will be about 75 percent rocks and 25 percent “other items,” which may include toys for kids, coffee mugs, calendars and more.

Before you get started, it’s important to understand the different types of suppliers:

Manufacturer – while some manufacturers sell products directly to retailers, most of them will go through a distributor or wholesale network. However, if you have a particular product you want to sell it may be easier to go directly to the manufacturer and ask if they will sell it directly to you. If the answer is no, ask which distributors sell their products.

Importers – what once was a much more expensive proposition has actually become quite affordable. Thanks to globalization, imported products are much easier to find at affordable prices. However, be sure to do your homework and learn about all the costs involved.

Distributors – generally speaking, distributors sell a large variety of products. However, since they act as a middleman they can be a little pricey for certain items. If you’re searching for a rare mineral specimen it might be worth the extra time to find a wholesaler who has it for less. For rock shops that want to “test” out an item before buying it in bulk, distributors can be more flexible option because they allow you to buy in smaller quantities.

Wholesalers – when searching for merchandise in bulk, such as loose polished minerals, look for wholesalers who cater to retailers in your area. Some will also sell closeouts of merchandise at much lower costs, but you must take it in “as is” condition.

Auctions – not every product sold on eBay is necessarily a bargain, but sometimes you can get lucky. Spend some time watching online auctions and learn some tips on effective bidding. When you do it right, you can find some incredible deals.

Selecting a vendor

Finally, after you’ve located numerous sources of inventory, it’s time to evaluate each vendor based on the most important factors. Look for one who offers quality products, excellent customer service and reliable delivery. This information can be found through marketing materials, online forums, and asking questions. It may take some time, and several negotiations, to find the best merchandise for your store, but it will be worth your investment.

As many rock shop owners have told me, no two rock collectors are the same.  But never was I more convinced of this as when I read a round-up of replies to the question, “What do you collect and why do you collect it?”  After reading an article that recently appeared on About.com, “Readers Respond: My Rock Collecting Philosophy,” the general consensus seems to be that there is no such thing as a “typical collector.” 

People were asked if they considered themselves a rockhound, a jackdaw or a lapidary.  Here is a sampling of some of the most insightful responses to the question, as published on About.com. 

Vicarious Traveler: “I collect rocks from all over the world. When friends travel abroad, I ask them to bring me a rock. This request seems odd but most oblige. I live in the US, and have rocks from South Africa, Ghana, China, and Germany. My coolest rock by far is from the walls of Pompeii.”  This type of collector might look for special tagging on store displays that describes the rock’s origin.

Quantity over Quality: One collector admits that they can’t stop picking them up – whether rocks, fossils or crystals.  He describes it like this, “Every rock or fossil tells a story and I love to read them. My wife says I have a good imagination, she doesn’t see what I see! Who knows maybe someone held that very rock in their hands hundreds or thousands of years before!”  Now that’s a dedicated rock collector! 

Whatever catches my eye: Some people never set out to become rock collectors; it sort of just “happens.”  Perhaps they have the gift for finding beautiful or valuable rocks.  These collectors are likely to go out in search of rocks whenever they go hiking or camping.  They simply grab whatever looks cool, then they sort through the pile later with a bucket of water and a toothbrush to see what is really worth keeping.

Wonder and awe:  Oftentimes geology doesn’t become a serious passion until one is retired.  This type of collector usually has a lot of discretionary income and will be looking for a very specific specimen from certain place in the world. They also have a hard time resisting break-at-home geodes because they enjoy the process of finding out what’s inside. 

The pure love of rocks: Naturalists and geology buffs are likely to be just as fascinated by a great collection of rocks as any diehard collector.  Why? Because they are enthralled by the different shapes, colors, sizes and idiosyncrasies that characterize rocks and minerals.  As one rock lover puts it, “If rocks could talk, I would have no need for human companionship.”

Budding scientists: Sometimes an amateur rock collector isn’t really interested in the appearance of a specimen, but rather its magnetic properties. For example, some students are only interested in rocks that are attracted to an N52 neodymium super magnet.  An abundance of this kind of rock can be found in central Wisconsin.

The history of rocks:  Fossils abound in most well stocked rock shops, particularly in the Southwest.  Nothing tells a story quite as well as a good fossil specimen, but other rocks are just as likely to have an interesting background.  Some collectors will want to know a lot about the origin of a rock and how it was formed.  Others might have been picking up rocks and saving them since they were a kid, only to discover a late-in-life passion for geological history. 

No matter why your customers are buying rocks and minerals, chances are they started out with one of the passions listed above.  Few people set out to become avid collectors of anything.  It all starts with a healthy amount of curiosity and a dose of patience. 

As we’ve mentioned in previous blog entries, collectors are fickle. If you thrive on serving a community of rock collectors and fossil hunters you know that every year a new trend evolves. Stores that serve a crowd of summer tourists have a much easier job in selecting inventory because most of their customers just want a small memento of the area, but collectors want rare fossils as well as a selection of turquoise, amethyst, obsidian, pyrite and quartz. For the rock shop owner, this means you need a reliable source for buying bulk fossils, including fish fossils and other unique imprints on sedimentary rock.

Why keep fossils in stock?

According to industry focus groups, the collector wants an affordable “brick and mortar” store to buy their most expensive and unique specimens. It may be fine to order standard crystals and jewelry findings online but rare specimens need to be thoroughly examined prior to purchase. Rather than coming to your store for a single piece of fossil rock they may want to pick up some smaller pieces or jewelry while there. That’s why it is so important to offer something for everyone. It is certainly easier to buy bulk fossils than order them in smaller quantities throughout the year, but you may need to refresh your selection of rare specimens to keep up with demand.

Choose the right fossil wholesaler

Buying fossils in bulk may require some help from a wholesaler who knows what your customers will want. This can be difficult to find on the Internet. Not every distributor offers a wide selection of rocks, minerals, fossils and souvenir items, but all of these are easy to find at Pikes Peak Rock Shop. In fact, the selection is all showcased in an easy-to-navigate online catalog with photographs and descriptions of every item. For retailers who are not familiar with these items and cannot tell the difference between a fish fossil, a trilobite and an ammonite, PPR makes it is easy to buy bulk fossils with confidence.

Before you buy bulk fossils, or any rocks and minerals for that matter, it is important to understand what they are and who will be interested in buying them. Not ever rock shop retailer is an expert on fossils, so Pikes Peak Rock includes descriptions on their entire selection of ammonite, fish and trilobite fossils. Beyond that, it may be helpful to pick up a book on the history of fossils. Let’s take a quick look at these interesting specimens. According to the scientific community, the earliest reported fossils date back 3.5 million years, long before complex multi-cell life forms began to emerge on the fossil record. While older fossils most certainly exist, the majority of today’s fossil hunters are out looking for much younger specimens.

Today’s most popular fossils

Most of today’s bulk fossils are made from the fossilized remains of trilobite, ammonite, and fish themselves, or from the impressions these organisms made on sedimentary rock. Other popular fossils are made from the impressions left by flora on sedimentary rock. Generally, any such biological evidence that is deemed to be in existence for more than a few thousand years is considered a fossil.

Whether you choose to devote a large portion of your store to fossils or just a display case, the best source of wholesale bulk fossils can be found at Pikes Peak Rock Shop.

One of the qualities of labradorite is “labradorescence,” a combination of the stone’s vibrant colors and its luminous texture.  Many wholesale buyers question the spelling of labradorite, and once they get it they are unlikely to display it properly. Named for the region in which the gemstone was first found, Labrador Canada, these large crystal masses are found in anorthosite rock and display an incredible array of colors.

The use of labradorite in decorative objects and jewelry is nothing new; it was used even before the year 1,000 by Native Americans in Maine.  However, it wasn’t until the 1770’s that labradorite was officially named by the Moravian Missionaries of Labrador.  What makes this stone so unique is its natural iridescence, which has been compared To the play of colors on the wings of tropical butterflies.

How do the surface colors of the labradorite stone change so easily?

Blue labradorite has an iridescence that comes from layers of semitransparent minerals on the surface of the gemstone.  When the numerous reflections that come from these layers intersect with one another, the stone emits parallel bands of shimmering “spectral color.”  Flashes of blues and greens give off a hue that is reminiscent of turquoise jewelry – or an Arizona sky.  Perhaps this explains the popularity of labradorite in rock shops throughout the American Southwest.

Labradorite is composed of 30 to 50 percent albite (a sodium aluminum silicate) and 50 to 70 percent anorthite (a calcium aluminum silicate.)  A member of the feldspar group, another multicolor variety of labradorite can be found in Madagascar, where it is referred to as a “rainbow moonstone.”

Highly iridescent versions of labradorite are often called spectrolite because of the brilliant range of spectral hues.  One popular offshoot of this variety is called heliotite, where the schiller effect gives off flashes of red, blue, green and orange.  This effect is also known as “labradorescence.” Keep in mind, that most of these dark gray gemstones only display one or two iridescent colors, the most common ones being green and blue.

Labradorite is an important feldspar gemstone. It often displays a beautiful iridescent play of colors, which can move as the stone is rotated. Labradorite gemstones usually have a dark base color with metallic-looking color plays of blue, green, yellow, and red. This iridescent effect is commonly known as labradorescence, and is named after this stone. It is caused by internal fractures that reflect light back and forth, dispersing it into different colors.

How do jewelers and crafters use labradorite?

Most gemstones are used as specially-cut unique large centerpieces for designer labradorite pendants. These are generally set in a sterling silver pendant or sterling silver pendant. This gemstone is also used in carvings, decorative wooden articles and decorative wall tiles.

Before the summer tourism season goes into full swing, stock up on labradorite and be sure to place it in a prominent display.  Find the best selection of labradorite and other colorful gemstones by browsing the online catalog at the Pikes Peak Rock Shop.

As someone who regularly buys rocks and minerals for inventory, you may think you have everything a shopper could possibly want, but there is always something new that’s being promoted as a gift idea.  Before finalizing your inventory selections for the coming tourist season, take a look at the new arrivals available at your favorite rock and mineral wholesaler.

Orthoceras Fossil Bookends – Sold by the pair, these polished half-round fossil bookends are a great conversation starter.  They also make a fine centerpiece for a sofa table or mantle.  Each bookend stands approximately 5 ½ inches tall and measures 8 inches across.  The fossils are polished and embedded within a dark gray marbled rock formation.

Sharks Tooth Fossil in Matrix – Sold in bags of ten, these fossilized sharks teeth are on the “young” side, as fossils go, at only 50 million years old.  Sharks are known for continuously losing and replacing their teeth, which explains why there are so many fossilized teeth.  Relatives of modern sand sharks, the sharks who once owned these teeth probably lost them during feeding. Each tooth is still in a matrix of sandstone and measures 1.5 inches, and up to 3 inches across.

Dendrite Stones – While dendrites may look like fossils they are not actually the remains of living things. These unique stones are made from a combination of dark manganese minerals that create creeping tree-like patterns within layers of sandstone.  These very popular gemstones are often found in between harder materials like agate or stratified rock.

Watermelon Tourmaline – Derived from the Sinhalese word “turmali,” which means “mixed,” the mixed colors of tourmaline are a thrill to behold.  But it is also known for its inspirational powers, which are believed to enable creativity and vision.  This classic example of tourmaline is called watermelon because it transitions from a brilliant green into a red or pink hue.  Metaphysical enthusiasts emphasize that these colors work toward balancing the heart.

Break at Home Geodes – while these may not be the most valuable or attractive specimens available for purchase, it is what’s inside of these stones that keeps them in demand.  For people who want to bring home a special gift for a child, break at home geodes are ideal because they hold a “surprise” inside of beautiful quartz.

Labradorite Pebbles – Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, these fascinating minerals are often used as “worry stones.”  The simple act of rubbing your fingers across the stone can promote a feeling of calm during stressful moments.  Generally dark and dull-looking at first glance, labradorite has a magnificent shiller just below the surface which produces a colorful play of light known as “labradorescence.”  The intense colors found within these stones range from violets and blues to greens, yellows and oranges.  In rare instances, one stone will display all of these colors simultaneously.  The amount of colorful refracted light depends on the thickness and orientation of the layers.

Displaying your best new products properly is almost as important as having them in stock.  The best way to get top-selling specimens the attention they deserve is to display them in a prominent place, preferably right in front of the store.

Souvenir store and rock shop owners are always looking for the “next big trend;” preferably with enough time to stock up for busy season.  Some of these trends may be regional, but they are expected to be big sellers among the rock collecting set.  The best way to be sure you have them in stock is to take advantage of the lowest wholesale prices and place your orders early.

Even the novice rock collector has some experience with agates, most likely with colorful agate geode slices or polished stones, but few people understand how they are formed.  As a rock shop owner or manager, you should have a basic understanding of how they are formed, where they are found, and how to differentiate between the many agate varieties.

While agate may seem a little less exciting than some rare mineral specimens, they are actually quite interesting.  Agates develop as secondary deposits within vesicles, or hollow cavities, but they can also form inside of a “host rock.”  In fact, most of the agates we find today were developed in ancient volcanic lava formations.  As molten lava pushed toward the surface of the earth through rift zone cracks, volcanos erupted and continents moved, they formed many pockets, or cavities, where gases were trapped.  As these gases escaped through cracks in the hardened igneous rock, the hollow cavities became the perfect environment for agate to form.

Agate Microcrystal Formation

What had to happen in these cavities for agate to form?  First they were filled with fluids, which were rich in silica, or quartz molecules, as well as other mineral impurities.  Once the silica became supersaturated, it developed a consistency like gelatin and active crystallization began.  Fibrous microcrystals attached themselves to the inside walls of the cavity and gradually filled in with other mineral impurities, which were collected within the chalcedony band.  It is this process that causes intervals of contrasting bands to form, and this process continues until the entire cavity is filled.

Types of Agate

As any rock shop owner knows, there are literally thousands of “named agates” throughout the world.  Some are named for the way they were formed, such as “fortification agate,” while others are names for where they are found, such as “Brazilian agate.”  Below are a few examples of the most popular types of agate.

Fortification Agate

Perhaps the most common of all agate specimens, this distinctive mineral is formed in concentric layers that follow the overall shape of the cavity.

Brazilian Water Line, or Water-Line Agate

Also known by some as “onyx agate,” this mineral is formed by the stacking of parallel bands of silica.  Rather than following the outside shape of the rock, gravity allows the excess water to drain out and only a small amount of silica to settle into separate bands.

Queensland Shadow Agate

Some specimens of agate have a shadow-like effect, where it appears that the agate layers were moved throughout the inside of the rock during its formation.  This effect can only be achieved when there are alternating bands of translucent and opaque silica, which is caused when light goes into the agate without being reflected out.

Tube Agate

During the formation of some agates, parallel projections of tiny hair-thin mineral rods grow within the silica gel, around which the chalcedony agate micro-crystals form. Eventually they weather away, leaving hollow tubes that subsequently fill in with silica.

Eye Agates

This mysterious agate characteristic is believed to be formed when most of the silica gel drains from the cavity, leaving only a droplet that “beads up” on the inside wall of the cavity. This droplet crystallizes into solid chalcedony “eyes”. This pocket later fills with deposits of chalcedony microcrystals.

Plume Agate

These agates have filament growths of minerals within them which resemble feathers or ferns.  This is because they initially had formations on the outer layer before chalcedony bands were deposited.

Geode Agate

Whenever there is a hollow center with a crystalline outer shell, the specimen is known as a geode.  This happens when the supply of silica-rich water runs out before the entire cavity fills in.

Moss Agate

Like a miniature landscape painting, moss agate has clusters of mineral inclusions resembling trees, plants or mountains.  Most of these are comprised of iron and manganese oxide, which can inhibit chalcedony banding.

Of course, this is just a sampling of the many different types of agate.  When customers come into your store looking for agate, ask them if they want any specific types and try to keep them in stock.  Certain agate specimens are more commonly collected than others, which makes them available for wholesale purchase.

The subject of displaying and illuminating minerals comes up all of the time. Serious collectors understand that there is no point collecting objects of beauty if they can’t display them properly and share their appreciation with others. While each collector may come to his or her own conclusions about displaying minerals at home, retailers need a proven solution that is simple and economical.

Light Sources for Rock Shops

The first consideration for rock shops is the type of light coverage and distribution. Window display designers often use light-selection as a primary tool to enhance the objects on display. Options include diffuse overhead panels, back-lighting light boxes, linear fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent bulbs, incandescent bulbs, and halogens.  While it makes sense to cover as much area as possible from a single light source, if a mineral is illuminated with a diffuse panel it may appear dead and lifeless.  However, when several small point sources of light shine on the same crystal specimen it will sparkle and come to life.

The reason for the different effects from various light sources is that each point source creates a reflection.  With minerals or any other object, the more points of light the more it will sparkle.  Of course, there are limits, where too many point sources will begin to have the reverse effect.  The ideal lighting for rocks and minerals will often be an array of small point sources of light in the ceiling, generally halogen lights, as well as smaller points of light within closed display cases.

Different lighting for different minerals

Most of the lighting in a retail shop may be designed to draw attention to multi-point crystals, but there are some minerals that actually look better with diffuse lighting.  Agate slabs, ametrine crystals and other minerals with flat or matte surfaces may be more attractive when back-lit in a light box display.  Whenever possible, these minerals should be displayed separately under optimum conditions.

What is the best type of bulb for rock shop displays?

Considering that several small points of light make crystals sparkle, what type of bulb should you use to create this effect.  It’s clear that fluorescent bulbs are too large to create small point sources, and the same could be said for most incandescent bulbs.  The simplest solution is quartz halogen, particularly the MR-11 bulb with its built-in dichroic reflector which is designed to focus light forward.

Another halogen bulb with this feature is the MR-16, but that is too large for most displays unless you plan to mount the lights more than four feet away from the minerals.  Both the MR-11 and the MR-16 are available in different dispersions, from spot to flood, making them the perfect solution for minerals.

Is Color Temperature Important?

While color temperature is very important when photographing minerals, it is a little less of a concern with in-store displays.  While fluorescent and incandescent bulbs do very little to accent the color of a mineral, halogen bulbs are not perfect either.  Photographers say they have too much yellow-orange and lack the blue-violets that often make minerals “pop.”

There are some new solutions available to combat the yellow-orange color of halogen bulbs.  Neodymium light bulbs that balance out the excess warmth of halogen bulbs are sold under the names Chromalux and Verilux.  These bulbs are available in many styles but they are not cheap (expect to pay $16 to $20 per bulb), so many retailers save the Neodymium bulbs for their most expensive collections.

Another recent innovation worth considering is the SoLux halogen bulb, which is made with a special gas that simulates natural daylight.  This bulb is so effective with accurate color retention that Washington’s National Gallery of Art uses it as its only source of gallery lighting. SoLux bulbs are available in 35 watt and 50 watt versions and in various beam widths from narrow spot to flood.

Conclusion

Remember that the lighting must illuminate and enhance your store’s collections. Bad lighting and cheap shortcuts can make a great specimen look bad. Take good look at your display before you start your lighting project.  If you have 50 specimens averaging $100 each, that display is worth $5,000. Spend an amount on lighting that is proportionate to the value of your display.  In other words, you shouldn’t give it a $25 lighting system.  Consider your lighting design to be part of your investment in the collection.

Photo Courtesy of Elwood W. McKay III/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why go into the souvenir business?

One of the highest priorities for any new business owner is creating a “recession proof” business model.  This may not have been so important ten years ago, but after seeing so many businesses fail; it has shifted to number one.  Before you start thinking that souvenirs are just “fluff” purchases for travelers; think again.  When families are away on vacation the money flows much more freely out of the wallet.  Now this doesn’t mean you should sell only high-end souvenirs.  In a bad economy, most souvenir shops will stock up on lower-priced items that will sell quickly.

What makes souvenirs so attractive?

Souvenirs are probably some of the only purchases that are not purchased purely out of need.  People routinely buy t-shirts that are priced much higher than market price, simply because they have they like the slogan, and travelers rarely take the time to comparison-shop.  As a result, the profit margin for retailers is quite a bit higher than other stores selling similar merchandise.  Recent economic census studies indicate that the souvenir business will be well beyond $16 billion, making it one of the more lucrative retail endeavors.

The Retail Owners Institute projects a 50% gross profit margin for souvenir stores, but the actual profits range between 2.5 and 3.5 percent of revenues.  This means the operational expenses for such enterprises are much higher than your typical retail establishment.  These include wages, marketing and store lease costs, which may be higher in heavy tourist areas.  According to the Institute, a key to success in souvenir retailing is controlling operating costs, but they also stress the importance of matching store inventory to customer tastes.

Below are some of the key steps to getting started in your souvenir business:

• Research is paramount in determining your target market.  Keep in mind that guests at a high end resort will spend a little more for local crafts or one-of-a-kind boutique clothing.  Novelty items made from shells and natural items may not be as attractive to high end guests, but they will go over well with beach-going families.
• Contact a selection of suppliers and built a cost estimate for the inventory you plan to sell.  Then consider the cost of your storefront.  It may be more cost-effective to rent a push cart or tent booth near a popular attraction than to lease a brick-and-mortar store.  Sometimes you can sublease part of an established store that caters to souvenir shoppers.
• Check in at City Hall and find out about the zoning laws, and while you’re there ask about permits and licenses.  If you plan to sell refreshments, you must also comply with health department regulations for food service.
• Write a detailed business plan.  Take the time to do this thoroughly so you’re prepared to show banks and finance companies, as well as potential landlords or suppliers.  The better your presentation, the more favor you will receive from these people.
• Establish a line of credit to fund inventory purchases.  For small businesses, credit cards are usually the easiest source of funding, but many suppliers also offer extended payment schedules.  Remember, whenever possible the key is to sell your inventory before the bill becomes due.

What are the hottest selling items at souvenir shops?

As a souvenir store owner with 20 years of experience in the industry, I’ve found that certain items sell consistently across all demographic groups.  These are rocks and minerals, unique sterling silver jewelry, t-shirts and locally made food items like candy or gourmet items.  No matter which merchandise you choose to sell in the store, these items should play a role.  For example, many souvenir shops sell a selection of tumbled gemstones near the cash register, which can be sold with a personalized drawstring pouch.  Other popular rocks and minerals include collector specimens, fossils and crystals.

Photo Courtesy of Kittikun Atsawintarangku / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Before one can begin to make a hobby out of rock collecting, it helps to know the difference between rocks and minerals. 

Minerals – According to the Smithsonian’s Handbook of Rocks and Minerals, a mineral is defined as a solid inorganic element or compound.  Most minerals have a crystalline structure that was formed by a similar geological process, meaning that whether it was found in a piece of granite or sandstone, each one has the same physical and chemical properties.

Rocks – In keeping with the structure of the planet, rocks are a mixture of various minerals rather than a single uniform mineral.  For example, granite boulders are usually an aggregate of feldspar, mica, quarts and other trace minerals. Through a process known as “spheroidal weathering,” the surface of some boulders will turn the feldspar portions to clay.  This causes thin layers to peel off, rounding out the surface of the boulder.

What’s the difference between a rock collector and a rockhound?

Some might say it’s like comparing a person who likes fish with someone who is an avid fisherman.  Rockhounds turn rock collecting into a recreational “sport,” so to speak, and they prefer finding rocks in their natural environment as opposed to buying them in a rock shop.  The first rockhounds weren’t doing it for recreational purposes, however; they were seeking out valuable gemstones and minerals for commercial purposes.  Today’s rock-hounds are more likely to be interested in the natural beauty of rocks or the sheer thrill of the chase.

What equipment is needed to become a rockhound?

Fortunately, there is very little “gear” specific to the hobby, other than a rock hammer.  Designed specifically for prospecting outdoors, this small tool has a flat hammer on one end and a pick-like point on the other.  It should be noted that each end of the hammer is designed for a specific purpose.  The pick is primarily for digging into crevices and prying out specimens, while the hammer is made for breaking open geodes and other rocks.

How does one get started as a rockhound?

Every good rock collection has to begin somewhere, and each individual will decide what he or she deems “worthy” of collecting.  But rockhounding doesn’t have to be a solitary activity.  Many groups and clubs go out rockhounding together.  The best way to find one of these groups is by visiting a gem and mineral show or looking for information at your local library.  Small town chambers of commerce might also be a useful tool to help you find other people with similar interests.

Do rockhounds need to know a lot about geology or petrology? 

Most people who find themselves in this hobby started out with a genuine interest in the sciences, but not everyone is a geologist.  The avid collector might learn where to find the best specimens, and how to identify them once they’re found, but that doesn’t mean they know how the rocks were formed.  A natural extension for the rockhound is to dabble in the lapidary arts or gemstone cutting.  In this case it would be necessary to purchase a rock polisher, rock saw or microscope.  If your goal is to cut and sell valuable crystals, then it a good microscope and camera would be ideal.  Alternatively, you might consider mounting them as a museum-quality display, or making jewelry.

How do rockhounds describe themselves?

At the risk of sounding like the latest edition of “Rockhounding for Dummies,” a recent forum by the same name featured a group of self-described rockhounds defining themselves.  Here are some excerpts from their posts.

• A rockhound is a person who thinks road cuts are tourist attractions.
• A rockhound is that person standing by the WATCH FOR FALLING ROCK sign
• A rockhound is a person whose living room looks like an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
• A rockhound is the guy whose thumbs are bandaged from constantly hitting them with a rock hammer
• A rockhound is the guy who will dig a ten foot deep hole in 110 degree heat to find a walnut size piece of agate and claim to be “having fun”
• A rockhound gets a thrill over what others ignore
• A rockhound never loses his love and wonder of life and the beauty of God’s creation
• A rockhound is that neighbor who pulls out a diamond-bladed rock saw instead of a lawn mower.
• A rockhound is the person whose pockets are bulging with rocks after a 20 minute nature walk.

Of course, there are also those “wannabe” rockhounds who will pick up a few of the best rocks and minerals from their local rock shop, just so it looks like he’s out every weekend breaking up boulders.  It’s amazing what lengths some guys will go to just to beautify their man cave.