If you love hunting for treasures and are looking for a retail business that is rewarding and inexpensive to start, then starting a second hand store is for you.
As a second hand store owner you will have the freedom to make your own decisions and express your own creative spirit through your store. You have the luxury of selling the types of items you want to sell.
In this book you will discover how you can get started and succeed in the consignment shop or resale shop business.
The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to open a consignment shop or resale shop in the United States or Canada, including:
How to Start a Second Hand Store Business -How to create a business plan for your second hand store -Deciding what kind of second hand store to open -An overview of options for your second hand business: -- Buying an existing second hand store (including how to find second hand stores for -sale) -- Buying a second hand store franchise -- Opening a new second hand store -Tips on choosing a name and signage for your second hand store -Where to get start-up financing for your second hand store business -What to consider when choosing a location for your second hand shop, including information about permits and leases
-Interior design of your second hand store with tips on how to display items to increase sales -Equipment and supplies you need to open a consignment shop or resale shop (e.g. shelves and display fixtures, shopping bags, cash registers, etc.) and where to get them -How to get inventory for your second hand store including information on: -- the best places to find used merchandise -- how much to pay for used items -- what to include in a consignment policy -- where to find wholesalers -- how to get discounts on new merchandise
Managing Your Second Hand Store - How to develop effective systems for operating your consignment shop or resale shop on a daily basis - How to find and hire great second hand store employees - How to organize inventory in your second hand store - Setting your prices - Computer software that can help you manage your inventory - Accepting payments from customers - How to deal with unsold consignment items - Creating a website to sell items locally and online - Ways to attract customers to your consignment shop or resale shop through advertising and free publicity - Increasing sales with effective customer relations
Plus you will find even more resources and advice, including:
- Links to the best free resources for starting your second hand store business - Part-time jobs that give you a chance to earn while you learn about the business - Valuable samples and checklists for starting your second hand store, including: -- sample business plan -- sample floor plans -- sample start-up expenses -- store operations checklist -- supplies checklist -- sample consignment policy -- sample consignment card -- sample inventory tag -- sample lease -- sample pricing formula -- sample appraisal -- sample press releases
- A bonus chapter on buying and selling antiques, with advice on: -- Assessing a piece before you buy (including how to evaluate and negotiate the price and how to spot fakes) -- Tricks of the trade for restoring and repairing antiques -- How to find clients to sell to
This guide can save you many hours of research, help you avoid some common mistakes, and give you information you need to start your own second hand store.
If you believe you deserve to have the career of your dreams, this guide is for you. It gives you what you need to know to open a consignment shop or resale shop and become a successful second hand store owner.
Visit FabJob.com for career guides. This book is now a textbook for the International Association of Professions Career College.
Lead author Lori Soard holds a degree in English and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Creative Writing. She moderates an online writing workshop in addition to teach writing courses and speaking all over the country. Lori is an award-winning author of books, short stories and articles. She interviewed over 100 secondhand store owners for this guide.
Susan Pennell-Sebekos has close to 20 years experience in publishing including working as a features writer and columnist for the Toronto Star , as a book editor for various publishers and as Editor-in-Chief of several national magazines including a collectibles and antiques magazine.
