Consignment, resale, and thrift shop owners and operators are truly EXPERTS.
Aren’t YOU an expert wardrobe consultant and/or interior stylist? Intimately knowledgeable about the best local sources for raising children? The guru of recycling in your village, or the queen of fashionable frugality?
So why not promote yourself as same? Just like one of my long-term buddies deems her shop
“nationally recognized”
because people from coast to coast know her and
“voted the best consignment shop in Hertown”
(she jokes that her staff so voted)
H
ow can YOU show folks that you’re the leader?
Comments please, if you think you are an expert…what on? And how do you use this as a marketing tool, if you do?
Or you can comment that, after all, you’re not an expert and not a leader and that your shop is just ho-hum run-of-the-mill and not deserving of any marketing because, after all, you don’t particularly shine and your business is rather mediocre and your cause, if you’re a non-profit, is nothing special.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
Hi Kristina,
I found some cheap business plan software a few months ago and it is great! I have both the manual Kate mentions and the NARTS survey, which are helpful. I have struggled with issues surrounding regionalizm and if the figures work in my area. I feel like its guess work for my projects which make me a little nervous. But unfortunately, on Sunday, I down loaded a virus some how on my computer and it literally chewed up all my documents, pictures and music files. Now I have to start all over with my business plan which took me almost 4 weeks of research and time to write. I am so depressed…I am thinking maybe its Gods way of saying I need to just start all over…..oh well. With that said….everyone please back up your computer daily!!!!!!!
Im almost in the same stage as Kristina… but needing some help with knowing how to file with IRS.. is it best to be an LLC or an S-Corporation?? any words of wisdom??
Hi My Sister’s Closet,
There’s a ton of info on this subject on the web. Much of the decision is dependent on your personal financial situation. Get a start on deciding on this site I found for you from the many links on TGtbT.com: http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/tax_center/start_up_tips/accountant_questions.php
And when you get a chance, spend some time on my Links Page. All sorts of guideposts for consignment, resale & thrift shopkeepers there!
Make sure to keep us in touch with your plans!
Hi! I am looking for some help!!! I found the location of where I would like to put my Higher end womens clothing conisignment boutique. Now I’m trying to build my business plan. I am stuck at what the average amount of sales I’ll have daily. Can anyone out there give me some ball park figures? I tried to really low ball it and say I’ll take $300 in sales per day to start. Does that sound unrealistic? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Kristina, I’m glad to hear you’re working on your business plan. It’s unbelievable how many shopkeepers don’t have one, or who think it’s only for the beginning of a business rather than as an ongoing tool!
As far as sales figures go, that’s always a challenge. I will assume that you have in hand the Resalers’ Financial Survey included in Too Good to be Threw, the manual, and quite possibly the latest NARTS Survey as well (although they are remarkably similar.)
Using the per sq ft figures, dollars per hour, etc, and factoring in the type of merchandise and the age of your shop (these are broken down in the Survey), you will feel more confident in your figures.
It’s also vital, in my opinion, to figure out your daily break-even point… the amount of sales that will cover all expenses… then aim for that to be reached earlier and earlier each day (or week, if you feel more comfortable with that!)
We will watch for your progress reports, so keep them coming!
Hi Auntie Kate!!!! Thank you so much for your response. I embarresed to say that I have not purchased the maunial but will do so today!!! I can’t wait to get it. Thank you also for referring NARTS. I will definitly be purchaisng the Survey and it seems to be exactly what I am looking for. My question now is do you think I should become a member of NARTS??? As this point?
I truly believe that one should ALWAYS be a full-fledged member of whatever industry they are in. Strength in numbers, exposure to consumers, public perception. All those reasons.
Of course, I also believe that every resale, consignment, and thrift store should be on http://HowToConsign.com , the ONLY web site which pre-educates your future customers so that your shop becomes more of an asset to them, to you, to your community and to the ecosphere … and there are darn few shops who take my advice. Guess they figure that they can do it on their own.