Vintage Touch ~ The History of Vintage Touch and Business Tips : #2 Start Small

#1 SELECTING AN AVATAR

Anyone going into any business needs to consider the importance of a recognizable and distinctive logo or avatar. Consistently using the recognizable avatar will help you attract more and more people as they see the coordination of ONE image to promote and advertise your merchandise. I chose my antique RAG DOLL (see above) as my distinctive image. She has become very recognizable and I use her on my return address labels, thank you notes, stickers on packages, signs, magnets, t shirts and for promoting on the internet.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

#2 Start Small

Many times people enter into the antique business venture too quickly and make costly mistakes. I started small & by that I mean, I did not begin buying expensive antiques before I knew what the market price was for these pieces, and then later discovering i was unable to sell them. I started with moderate priced things, I took many field trips to see how things were priced in shops, and made mental notes of prices that pieces were bringing at auction, as well as learning ABOUT the pieces themselves so I could know WHAT I was purchasing. Starting out small allowed me to build inventory, build capital, and bring me to place where I was more confident in being able to recognize pieces from my period of interest which was 19th century antiques.

4 comments:

Nostalgic DreamsMarch 12, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Thank you for posting this, Deanna, very informative! ~Elizabeth
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UnknownMarch 12, 2013 at 6:24 PM
Thanks for you comment - hope it's encouraging & motivating.
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Grandma Linda's DaydreamsMarch 27, 2013 at 6:07 PM
It was nice to "meet" you, by watching your video! I am from South Jersey, and will probably get down your way one day and I would certainly love to visit your shop! It looks great and I see lots of things I like. I have a blog too, and an Etsy shop, which I've been doing for 1 year now. I tried two co-ops, but they failed and I lost a lot of money, so for right now, I am just happy to be selling online. One day I will have a store when the time is right! Happy Easter and Happy Spring!
Linda @ Grandmalay's Daydreams
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2010 Launced My VINTAGE TOUCH eCrater ONLINE Store

In 2010 I decided to try my hand at an online store. I didn't know how it would turn out and didn't know how much time I would have to devote to it, so I chose a 100% free store site called eCrater Marketplace and opened my Vintage Touch store. It wasn't long till I had my first sale, and I've enjoyed selling on eCrater tremendously. This store has become a 'shopping cart' for people who see things on my web page that are on display in my B&M store. I can just transfer the item to my eCrater store and their purchase can easily be made. I sell vintage merchandise as well as antiques in my online store.
Vintage Touch eCrater Store

#3 Choose A Space For Processing Inventory

As you find your treasures that you want to sell, please take the time to PROCESS them. By processing, I mean more than just hanging a tag on the piece. Processing involves making the item as nice and presentable as you are able to do without destroying the patina and history of the piece. This involves cleaning and possibly some minor repairs. You will need a place to do all this. Choose a space where you are able to leave it and come back later if necessary so your house does not clutter up with inventory.