How to Start a Consignment Business
If you are one of those people that looks forward to spending the day going to garage sales, or likes the challenge of trying to get the price on a sweater dropped from 50 cents to a quarter, there is a job for such hobbies and talents. A consignment shop is a store that sells other peoples goods for a percentage of the sale price. Example: you bring them a baby stroller, they sell it for $50, you get $25 and they get $25 for providing a means for you to sell it.
The business is relatively easy to set up, find a good sized
store space to lease with good visibility by the public. Decide
on what products you want to specialize in, baby, women's
clothing, sports supplies, etc. Set up your retail space
accordingly, you don't need expensive shelving and racks for
display. Look for store closings and buy their old equipment, or
just start out with card tables and rods hanging from the
ceiling for hanging merchandise.
You will need some items to consign when you first open so start
out with stuff you purchase from garage sales and if your
friends have anything they want to get rid of. Basically find a
way to make your store look well stocked from the beginning.
Some small ads in your local paper a month or so before you open
will spark some interest and word of mouth will do the rest.
Give people good prices and variety and they will return, also
be fair with your consigners, the more merchandise they bring
you the more chance for sales.
