How do I hand over my jewellery store’s trusted gem and metal suppliers?

Your suppliers know you, and in this trade that matters. They may extend terms or set aside stock because of years of dealing. A buyer does not inherit that trust automatically, so your job is to lend it. Write up each supplier’s terms, ordering habits and any special arrangements, such as custom sourcing or repairs.

Be careful with goods that are not yours. Stones and pieces held on consignment or memo belong to someone else until paid for or returned. Prepare a list showing what is held for whom, so the buyer knows what stays, what goes back and who is owed. Your lawyer should set out how these are handled in the sale.

Then arrange introductions. A joint visit or call, with a promise of continuity, lets suppliers decide early whether to keep dealing. Ask them to confirm their terms for the new owner directly. If one refuses or changes terms, you want to learn that before closing rather than afterwards, when it becomes the buyer’s surprise. Keep a note of which suppliers handle repairs, resizing or special requests, because those smaller favours are what customers notice first.

Key takeaways

• List each supplier, what they provide, their terms and your contact there.
• Separate your own stock from consignment or memo goods held for others.
• Introduce the buyer directly and get each supplier’s terms confirmed before closing.