While the full impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and the global jewelry industry still stand to be seen, businesses across the world are begining to adjust to post-pandemic practices and succeed in the new normal. Whether you have customers needing repairs or wanting to sell personal pieces for fast cash, you may find yourself asking how to safely re-open in order to best protect yourself and others. What procedures do you have in place to clean, handle, and test items coming in? While there are no perfect answers, we’ve put together recommended best practices to help you through the process.
Intake, Cleaning, & Testing
• Wear a mask or respirator when talking to customers. 
It is recommended that both employees and customers wear face coverings during all interactions in order to minimize the spread of germs.
• Keep a safe distance, at least 6’, when possible.
When taking in pieces or helping your customers over the counter, it is important to maintain a safe distance. Some businesses are choosing to move to a by-appointment-only model in order to not overcrowd a brick-and-mortar space.
• Use bags and wear latex or nitrile gloves.
We recommend having customers place their items for sell or repair in a plastic bag for handoff or create a secure place for drop-offs in order to reduce contact. Take safety a step further by wearing gloves to handle jewelry throughout the process.
• Clean each piece using a heated ultrasonic.
Best-selling ultrasonics we recommend for getting the job done are: 23-5710 & 23-6010. Be sure to wash your hands after ultrasonic use to ensure cleanliness.
• Steam clean each piece.
Steaming ensures that all residue and dirt has been thoroughly removed. 15-0510 and 15-2050 are recommended by Stuller’s Tools Tech Team.
• Test each piece with a metal tester.
In order to protect your business from fraud or determine the karat of the metal to provide a reliable quote, it’s always best to test every piece that comes in. 56-7618 and 56-7635 are tried and tested favorites. 
Maintaining cash flow is of utmost importance as you begin rebuilding your business. Whether you’re wanting to lessening the burden of buying new items or if you are simply looking to pay off your account balance, our metal clean scrap program may be able to help.
Melt Your Metal Into Cash
1. Send your metal to Stuller.
You will be paid market value. Gold and silver are based on Second London Fix while platinum and palladium are based on the Johnson Matthey Market.
2. Processing and Analysis.
Enjoy free processing for gold and silver metal scrap when you choose the Stuller account credit payment option.
3. Receive payment in your choice of check, electronic payment, or Stuller account credit.
You will receive your settlement within 3 business days and your payment within 5 business days.
While we may not know what the future holds, we are in this together and together we will shine. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tools Tech Team is always ready and eager to help. Give them a call today at 800-877-7777 ext. 4300 or email them at Tools_TechLine@Stuller.com.