whats the best way to advertise an antique store thats 10 miles out of city but really nice and grteat prices?

Question

i have tryed papers,

Answer 1

There are 3 ways to increase revenue:

1) New customers
2) Current customers buy more (frequently or per-visit)
3) Raise prices.

Of these, (3) is easiest and generally the most effective. And, I know already that you're cringing; frankly I don't expect to convince you in one sitting. But you should raise prices.

Next most effective is (2). You should be capturing the names, addresses, email addresses, fax #s, everything you can find out about your current customers - especially your regulars, the hard-core antique junkies who spend the most and visit most frequently. If you have to give up a coupon or freebie in exchange, it's worth it. Then you keep in touch with those people very frequently. At least 1x per week. Yes, I know that sounds like way too much. Yes, I can prove it works, but again, you won't believe me till you do it (and do it right).

Finally, work on getting more bodies in the front door. As you've discovered, this is very expensive and difficult. The "best way" is with direct-response advertising using a real Unique Selling Proposition, a compelling reason to act, an outrageous offer, and a strong guarantee. There's more, contact me if you're interested.

Answer 2

do you have a website? thats a really good way to boost your customers. Online antique sales are really big and even if you dont sell online, just having photos and information about your business online and letting know people where you are can be good.

also there is the free advertising that you can do online. there are a few free advertising websites that arent BS, you just have to be careful.

here is a list of the top 10 websites that offer completely free advertising:

http://www.advertisesmallbusiness.com/free-online-ads

Answer 3

There are always people that like a drive and 'antiquing' off the beaten path. (An antique store that isn't known by everyone is far more likely to have treasure, right?) So play to those folks that make the 'thrill of the chase' part of their shopping experience.

Post it on craigslist.com, get yourself on local "things to do in..." lists with papers and magazines (send press releases, it's free) and in on line classifieds in the area of you specialty (like if you have mostly furniture, when people search Yahoo! Yellow pages for local furniture stores, make sure yours comes up - similarly if you are in clothing, postcards, whatever.)

Last, I agree with the guy above, DON'T BOTTOM OUT ON YOUR PRICES. People expect to pay, and once you are getting peoples money you have to make enough to continue in business. (Sure, have sales and all, but be consistent, your customers will expect it.)

Have a sign in book, mail EVERYONE a thank you note/postcard (even for just looking) it's a HUGE (and cheap) way to get great face time.

Get cheap postcards with details about your business printed for next to nothing www.vistaprint.com

Answer 4

craigslist.org? by the way I have an old antique wood buring stove,a Timberline. how do I find out how much it is worth and how do I sell it?

Answer 5

"Travel a little, save a lot. You won't find beautiful antiques like ours anywhere else."

Answer 6

"It was worth the drive to buy our mechandise when it was new; It's worth it even more now!"