When I asked a brand-new shop why she was doing something I thought ineffectual and even damaging to her future success, and received the reply We just did what every other store in our city does, I figured it was high time to address the copycat syndrome, which I like to call the Kiss of Death.
If you’re thinking of starting up any sort of retail venture, the absolute sure Kiss of Death is to do things the same way your competition does. (This probably applies to non-retail businesses as well, but let’s stay on topic here.)
Think about it: why does your area need another place just like the other place? Why would their loyal clientèle come to you rather than simply stick with the established place they know and trust?
Nuh-uh. Nope. No way. Do something BETTER. It might be your hours, your policies, your location, your signage, heck it could even be your decor or your winning smile, for Pete’s sake.
And unless the competition you are copying is rakin’ in the dough… what makes you think YOU will? After all, you’re newer to the biz, you don’t know the stuff that they do, and you have no history of good value/ service/ friendship like the established place you are aping.
Before you start any business (yet alone a resale shop, where rank amateurs ruin our reputation weekly!) find out what the public wants. Then figure out how to provide it in a seemly, and profitable, way. That’s what you need to succeed.
If we’ve gotten you thinking, terrific. If we’ve gotten you to think that just maybe, The Manual would be an investment in your success, more terrific. After all, that’s why I wrote it.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
I’m the guilty one of making that statement and no offense was taken. I completely agree we need to be different from all of the other shops in my city and we are in almost every way except that one part. Most of my customers who have entered my store tell me how much better my store is than the other shops. We are very friendly and I think some of my customers just come in to talk with me most of the time. We are trying to be different in many other ways so maybe I put that a little wrong. So far my winning comment is how bright and colorful my store is. All the other ones are dull and boring. It’s a start and I hope to have many more things to have people talking about my store. Thanks for the advice 🙂