St. Louis, MO--Stratus Estate Buyers, a company that partners with independent jewelry retailers to conduct estate buying events, has launched nationwide under the leadership of founder Justin VanMatre.
The company specializes in three-day in-store buying events designed to help retailers generate additional revenue while attracting customers looking to sell jewelry, watches, coins, precious metals, handbags and other collectibles. Stratus currently has events scheduled in multiple states, including California, North Carolina and Wisconsin.
[Justin VanMatre, Stratus Estate Buyers founder]
According to the company, its program provides retailers with marketing support, event staffing, customer outreach, post-event reporting and commissions on purchases made during the events.
“Consumers often have valuable items they are interested in selling and prefer to work with businesses they know and trust,” said VanMatre. "Our goal is to help retailers serve as that destination while providing an additional source of revenue and customer engagement."
Prior to founding Stratus, VanMatre served as chief revenue officer at National Rarities, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and partner development initiatives. He has more than 15 years of experience as a business owner and consultant.
Stratus buyers are trained to evaluate and purchase a range of categories, including fine jewelry, diamonds, luxury watches, coins, precious metals, designer handbags and collectibles, the company said.
The company added that each estate specialist completes more than 150 hours of training that includes classroom instruction, simulated buying sessions, and supervised transactions. The program is led by Brandon Payne, head of gemology, graduate gemologist and certified appraiser.
The leadership team also includes Mikayla Inez, head of business systems; Stefanie Brock, director of operations; Rebekah Hayward, director of account management; and Adam Affholder, director of sales.
According to the company, team members pursue professional education and credentials through organizations including the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS).
Stratus said it conducts market research before each event to help tailor marketing and buying strategies to local conditions.
The company manages event marketing across print, direct mail, digital, and social media channels, as well as on-site staffing and post-event reporting. Retail partners receive commissions and marketing analytics following each event.
Events are typically scheduled Monday through Wednesday or Tuesday through Thursday to help drive traffic during slower retail periods. Customers who sell items receive payment at the event, while those who apply proceeds toward a purchase at the host store may receive a store credit incentive, depending on the retailer's program.
Retailers interested in hosting an event can get started by visiting: www.stratusestatebuyers.com/page/contact-us.html, or reach the Stratus team directly at [email protected] or 888-898-2112.
For more information, visit www.StratusEstateBuyers.com.
Stratus is actively hiring estate buying specialists. To explore open positions, visit https://www.stratusestatebuyers.com/page/careers.html
