Tell me if this is a good business in a town of 9000?

Question

I want to open a consignment store that sells women’s and infant wear. This includes accessories suck as jewelry, belts, earrings, and for infants things – cribs, strollers and highchairs…ext. The town is family orientated and is booming. Many people like to be thrifty. I need Ideas (websites) and how one gets statred. Yes I know its a lot of work to start but I want to give it my all. I also only want to lease or rent a space.

Answer 1

I think it's a great idea. I moved from a small town (about 15,000) about a year ago and all the consignment shops did really well. It was more of a college town so the focus was more on funky & trendy clothing. But it sounds like you're really aware of your demographic & are catering to that.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for a relevant link.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Too Good to be Threw: The Complete Operations Manual for Resale & Consignment Shops by Kate Holmes
* A Common Sense Entrepreneurial Guide: How to Open & Run a Successful Consignment Shop [DOWNLOAD: PDF] by Nancy L. Nolan
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

I say either do one or the other. In fact, in my town the kid's consignment shop is really booming. I say do that. I would start by first finding a place to rent/lease, then finding a printer that will make flyers, price tags, business cards, etc. Take ads out in the local paper, looking for consigners. Determine how much the consigner will get and how much you will get (most often it's 50/50 or 60/40). Once you get some inventory and store accessories like racks and hangers, etc., time to open up! Good luck; you will need it. I've heard that 90% of small businesses fail within the first five years.

Answer 3

The absolute best place to start is at TGTBT. In particular check out their Sharing page. You will not believe how much information you can get for free! There are some items you'll need to pay for, but you'll have a lot of research to do before you get to that point.

You will literally find everything you need here.

I considered opening my own shop as well, and did a ton of research. The biggest things to keep in mind are - do you have a year's salary AND a year's expenses to live on before you open? This is highly recommended. Can you afford to work in a business that requires tons of your time, and may not give much $$ back? Are you a people person?

For starters! Also, Narts.org, as someone cited, is also a very good site, as is consignmentshops.com

Answer 4

Hello,
Please, don't waste your money or time on free websites-they don't work.

I created my website with SBI! last February, 2006.

I now get over 4,000 hits per month.

No technical knowledge required. If you Yahoo!,
you know more than enough to create a website that works.

Over 20,000+ people around the world enjoy the benefits of this system.

Some say even spiritually.

Don’t take my word for it. Spend a little time on your own due diligence.

A special prize is reserved for you here (http://specialprize.sitesell.com/WalterA.html)

Kindest Personal Regards,
WalterA

P.S. Why build just a Web site,
When You COULD Build a Business?
http://buildit.sitesell.com/WalterA.html
http://proof.sitesell.com/WalterA.html
http://question.sitesell.com/WalterA.html
http://case-studies.sitesell.com/WalterA.html

P.P.S. WAHMs, "Work At Home Moms"
WAHMs choose not to take paid work outside the home,
so that their family can be their first priority.
Show this growing audience how SBI! provides the flexibility,
income generation and personal fulfillment they are seeking.
http://wahm.sitesell.com/WalterA.html

P.P.S. You work alone, but you have a helpful community of SBI!ers
to gently help you over the rough spots at (http://forums.sitesell.com/).

P.P.P.S. ([e-mail]) for more information.

Answer 5

I'de start out just a resale store. Making it a womens or baby store may not be enough for only a 9000 town.

Answer 6

It appears like you're captivated with your lively sporty existence type. i ought to stay with that and when you're pleased with your new company, save operating at it. everyone has a particular present, and the conception is to make that your artwork so it somewhat would not experience like you'll artwork everyday. i'm assuming you've your own position and are out of your figure's homestead, properly? if so, you need to experience merely superb about the position you're at? And merely remember, you need to make your own judgements about what you choose to do in existence because it is your existence. in case your dad would not understand merely communicate about the corporate factors of your pastime at the same time as needed yet steer faraway from the concern because you could't please everyone even your moms and dads.

Answer 7

If you are local, should be good. Small towns the people trust the locals.

You just described Utah, do you live here too?

;-)