I. Industry Risk Analysis

(1) Policy Risk

From the perspective of the policy life cycle, the DIY agate jewelry industry currently faces uncertainties in the policy environment. During the policy implementation period, due to the stricter supervision of the cultural and creative industry, the difficulty of obtaining business licenses may increase. The vague safety standards for emerging business forms may lead to frequent inspections or mandatory rectifications. During the policy evaluation stage, there is a risk of changes in the tax incentives for local support of the cultural and creative industry. If the subsidies decline, it will directly squeeze the profit margin. During the policy adjustment window period, environmental protection regulations may be upgraded. New regulations regarding the traceability of raw stone procurement and the treatment of processing waste will increase compliance costs. Moreover, the opacity of the quality inspection standards for non – standard handicrafts by market supervision departments may easily lead to the risk of associated penalties due to consumer disputes.

(2) Economic Risk

Currently, DIY agate jewelry experience stores are facing the dual pressures of shrinking demand and cost squeeze under economic cycle fluctuations. During the stage of slow economic growth, consumers’ disposable income decreases, and non – essential cultural experience consumption is likely to be cut, weakening the stability of customer flow. At the same time, the rigid costs such as upstream agate raw materials and store rents continue to rise due to inflation transmission, but the terminal pricing is restricted by the consumption power of the customer group and cannot be increased synchronously, resulting in a continuous narrowing of the profit margin. Coupled with the intensifying homogeneous competition and the resulting promotional involution, the cash flow of small and micro enterprises is significantly under pressure. If they cannot establish a differentiated barrier in customer stickiness, product iteration, or cost control, their ability to resist economic cycle fluctuations is weak.

(3) Social Risk

DIY agate jewelry experience stores face the risk of inter – generational consumption断层. The main consumer group, Generation Z, is keen on short – term punch – in consumption, but lacks in – depth recognition of traditional culture and the value of handicrafts, with weak repurchase stickiness. Although Generation Y has consumption power, they are more inclined to practical consumption and are easily diverted by emerging technology experiences. The consumption frequency and communication ability of Generation X, who have a passion for handicrafts, are limited. At the same time, the consumption interests of the new generation shift rapidly. If product iteration cannot keep up with the freshness requirements of social content, they are very likely to be replaced by the “next popular experience” promoted by short – video platforms, resulting in a short user life cycle and difficult brand building.

(4) Legal Risk

Entrepreneurs operating DIY agate jewelry experience stores need to be vigilant against multiple legal risks. In the raw material procurement stage, the source of agate without legal mining qualifications may lead to liability for illegal mineral trading. In the production stage, the operation of equipment such as cutters and grinders involves industrial safety regulations. If the protective measures are not in place and consumers are injured, the entrepreneur needs to bear tort liability. If the jewelry finished products have quality problems such as excessive heavy metals, it will violate the Product Quality Law. Using copyrighted materials of others without authorization for customized patterns constitutes intellectual property infringement. If the fire protection acceptance and environmental protection emissions of the business premises do not meet the standards, there is a risk of suspension for rectification. If descriptions such as “natural agate” in the promotion do not match the actual materials, it may constitute false advertising fraud.

II. Entrepreneurship Guide

(1) Suggestions on Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Currently, the entrepreneurship opportunities for DIY agate jewelry experience stores are concentrated in the surging demand for consumption upgrading and personalization. Young people are keen on handicraft creation and cultural healing. The natural beauty of agate combined with the DIY experience attribute can be applied to scenarios such as couple customization, parent – child interaction, and corporate team – building. By combining short – video live – streaming to showcase the handicraft process to create a popular punch – in spot, and simultaneously developing the online sales of material kits, the “offline experience + online repurchase” model can meet the dual needs of Generation Z for emotional value and social communication. At the same time, by connecting with local cultural and tourism resources to develop special souvenirs, and leveraging the advantages of the natural stone supply chain to create a differentiated product matrix.

(2) Suggestions on Entrepreneurship Resources

Entrepreneurs of DIY agate jewelry experience stores should focus on integrating resources in three aspects. In the supply chain, directly connect with agate origin places or first – level wholesalers to establish a stable supply of goods, and give priority to raw materials from cost – effective production areas such as Fuxin in China and Brazil. On the operation side, obtain store space with customer flow through the investment promotion policies of commercial complexes (it is recommended to choose the handicraft area in shopping malls or cultural and creative blocks), and adopt the equipment leasing model to reduce fixed – asset investment. For traffic resources, focus on cooperating with local exploration accounts on Douyin and operating experience categories on Meituan. Collaborate with surrounding flower – arranging and coffee shops to plan “handicraft + afternoon tea” combo packages. It is recommended to reserve 15% – 20% of working capital for creating sudden popular marketing events, such as inviting Hanfu bloggers to customize ancient – style agate hairpin courses.

(3) Suggestions on the Entrepreneurship Team

Focus on the complementary skills of the core members of the founding team. Give priority to recruiting members with both handicraft design skills and insights into user experience, and match them with talents with expertise in community marketing and event planning. The founding team should maintain a flat communication mechanism, conduct weekly reviews of customer feedback, and quickly iterate on course design and service processes. It is recommended that the initial core team be controlled within 3 – 5 people, with clear division of labor (product R & D, teaching guidance, operation and promotion). Through regular cross – position training, improve the handicraft practical ability of all employees. The core founder should be deeply involved in the management of the raw material supply chain, organize the team to conduct on – site inspections of the agate raw material market and competing stores every month, and maintain sensitivity to industry trends.

(4) Suggestions on Entrepreneurship Risks

Entrepreneurs need to focus on controlling the risks in material safety, tool operation, and venue protection: 1) Agate raw stones and auxiliary materials should be processed to remove sharp edges and be equipped with goggles/gloves to avoid scratches. 2) Equipment such as cutters and grinders should be set up in a physically isolated area, and the two – person operation system should be implemented. The effectiveness of the equipment protective covers should be checked daily. 3) The aisle width in the experience area should be at least 1.5 meters, and explosion – proof films should be applied to glass display cabinets. 4) Establish a standard course process that includes a 15 – minute safety demonstration session, equip first – aid kits, and publicize the information of safety responsible persons. 5) Keep quality inspection reports for raw material procurement, clean up expired dyes every month, and adopt a supply – chain cooperation model with return and exchange options to reduce inventory losses.