My lifelong, and heartfelt desire is to open a consignment business. I have the drive the compassion, and the talent to do so. My interests is finding a resource to get the answers to unanswered questions I have. I realize this may seem like a small matter but it is at the heart of my dream and I want to soak up all the knowledge and information I can, in order to propel my business to the top. I would like to know what the pitfalls may be. ( other than the obvious) and the most I can expect from the business, besides doing what I love, from the business end of the spectrum. In short, I need all the information I can get. Can anyone answer my questions?: Are there conferences, are there business organizations that cater to this specific part of business ownership? Are there trade magazines? Are there associations I can join for support and/or guidance? I live in the state of Texas and I am anxious to get into busilness.
I had a consignment shop in Texas. We sold locally made artwork and handcrafted goods, antiques and home furnishings. I would say our biggest challange was marketing and reaching out to bring business in. One of the biggest things that I would have done differently is get to know the neighborhood that you are in. Place yourself right in the middle of the market you want to be in. Match what you offer to the area that you serve as best you can. This type of business is truly fun, and brings shops, suppliers and customers together into a tight community. It is really great getting to know who your customers are AND who the consigners/artists/collectors are. Good Luck!
If you google 'consignment business resources', you will get a list of some helpful sites specific to consignment. Some resources that I've personally benefited tremendously from are my local SCORE chapter as well as the local chamber of commerce. While there wasn't anyone there who had direct experience in my line of work, they have provided me with business knowledge and guidance as well as helped me avoid many common 'pitfalls' that any business will eventually encounter.
BizResearcher | Window Shopper |
3/2/2010 - 11:42 am
What do you plan to consign - clothing, furniture, or something else? If clothing and household items, you might check the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, narts.org. They offer a great amount of advice about starting and operating a resale shop. They also hold annual national conventions that offer learning opportunities.
---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.
It's a great, and very open, industry. As one member indicated, yes we do have an industry association, NARTS, as well as the very active discussion board on TGtbT.com which also has a wealth of information available, tips, how-to books.
Getting your questions answered is NOT a 'small matter'...it's important to do this professionally so that both your consifgnors and your customers feel comfortable with your shop, and with you. You're smart to do the research first. It'll help you make your shop all you dream it can be!
---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.
ChristineL | Former Moderator |
2/27/2010 - 6:42 pm
Hi Dee,
We recently wrote an article: Becoming a Reseller - A Getting Started' 101 for Small Business Owners. It has some good tips on how to get started and some best practices.
Another member also asked a similar question, so check out this thread to see if it can help answer some of your questions.
Does anyone else have experience with consignment that can give us some suggestions?
victoryeagle | Creator | 11/17/2010 - 8:19 am
JimD | Former Moderator | 11/17/2010 - 5:09 am
crosby52 | Creator | 11/16/2010 - 4:41 pm
ChristineL | Former Moderator | 3/16/2010 - 10:10 am
BizResearcher | Window Shopper | 3/2/2010 - 11:42 am
KateTGtbT | Window Shopper | 3/5/2010 - 7:09 am
ChristineL | Former Moderator | 2/27/2010 - 6:42 pm
mrhelpful | Contributor | 11/17/2010 - 5:08 am
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