Opening an Antiques and Collectibles Store

Are you planning to, or thinking about, opening an antiques shop? Dealing in vintage collectibles can be both fun and profitable. Here are some tips to make your new business more successful and enjoyable.

START WITH A SMALL ANTIQUES SHOP
When I opened my first store, I leased a space several times larger and more expensive than I really needed. It was exciting to envision all the nostalgic display area I could create and variety of antiques I could buy to fill the rooms. However, during the years I was in business at the location, it was sometimes a struggle to find enough merchandise to fill the space.

By starting a small antiques store instead, you can create a cozy, inviting environment that is overflowing with collectibles that customers will enjoy investigating. And avoid the stress of trying to find enough vintage items to have a full looking shop. Later, if you wish, once your business is established, you can always decide to expand to a larger location.

SHOP FOR A LOW COST LEASE
By opening a small antiques store, you will automatically pay less rent for your shop space than if you begin with a roomier location. Compare available locations and choose the lowest cost in the best spot for your store. Keep in mind that you will need to sell twice the amount of your rent plus utilities and other regular expenses just to cover costs and replace merchandise sold each month, before earning any profit. So shop around.

SHOP FOR A GREAT LOCATION
Look for a busy location for your new antiques and collectibles store. Foot traffic is most important, as browsers casually shopping may become repeat customers. Make sure there is some kind of parking for shoppers nearby, and that traffic does not drive by too fast for people to impulsively stop and check out your store. Consider downtown or strip mall locations in particular for your shop when looking.

CONSIDER WORKING WITH PARTNERS
By going into business with one or several partners, you can prevent or solve difficulties faced by sole proprietors. There are a couple easy ways to accomplish this. One way is to share your store space and all monthly expenses through a full partnership with another dealer. As well as cutting your expenses in half you will benefit by splitting shop time - allowing you free time to look for new stock or other personal activities.

If you would rather not share your store with a partner, consider subleasing a small section of your space, if permissible by your own lease, to another dealer. You can charge a reasonable amount for the space and possible have the dealer work a few days a month in the shop also