Many consignment and resale and thrift shops are not at their busiest during the summer. So why consider hiring a teen for a summer job?
It’ll give you a breather.Wouldn’t it be nice to spend some summer days with family or friends or your garden?
Think of all the catch-up work you could do if you had another helper there. Writing the fall ads and planning your promotions and simply catching up on all the shopkeeping reading you could do.
A fresh set of eyes can educate you. Someone doing window displays, asking why the jackets are over there when it makes more sense for them to be over here… a teen’s talents and outlook can break through your log-jam of old habit. And most teens would be delighted to do any and all Internet research you’ve always meant to do…and then teach you.
It’s a community thing: teens need on-the-job education, your town could use the job, and it’s the right thing to do. Brownie points for your shop doing the right thing are always good to get. Plus teens come with friends who love to shop…friends who may become your shop’s most vocal fans in the community.
Giving a teen a summer job can re-energize you and get you prepared for your busy fall season. If you’re lucky, your teen might even be a terrific after-school and Saturday helper year-round. After all, you’ve had all summer to train her or him!
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
I’ve considered hiring someone, but I’ve been told that the cost and paperwork associated with having a staff is significant. I’ve only been open for a year and am not sure if it would make sense financially.
Angela, please investigate expenses and paperwork directly with your business accountant. It’s not nearly as dreadful as many new shopkeepers think. And let’s face it: can you, as only one set of hands and one brain, truly GROW your business the way you want to alone?
Whether or not it makes financial sense is an individual decision, of course… but balance the cost (and the added work of “being a boss”, yes, there’s THAT to consider too) against what you might gain.
Let us know of your progress here! We love to talk about the nitty-gritty issues together on Sharing!