People looking for antiques or slightly used furniture visit a consignment furniture shop. If you have the experience and expertise to determine the sales value of used sofas, beds, tables, chairs and other furniture, and would like to establish a lucrative business with minimum startup capital, then you should know how to start a consignment furniture shop.
Consignment store owners display furniture and other items for others and share the profits on sales. The owner of the furniture receives payment only when the items are sold. This would be an ideal business for someone with good taste and love of interior design and the knowledge to recognize antiques, valuable paintings, quality furnishing, prints and other decorative items.
The first thing to do for how to start a consignment furniture shop, upon starting your business is to build up your inventory from different sources. For these place ads, distribute flyers and generally make it known that you are in the market for such items. Inquiries will start coming in soon, because people usually do not get the expected price from junk dealers or from merchants who pay cash up front.
You should design the store in a way that customers can easily navigate and browse around your shop. In a pleasant environment. Customers tend to linger and view items in detail. Do not display the furniture piled upon each other. Display it in attractive settings that provide customers with decorating ideas. They may purchase something just to complement an essential item.
All items should be cleaned properly with the necessary cleaning chemicals and equipment. If you are not familiar with cleaning techniques, hire someone to teach you. Improper cleaning or maintenance diminishes the value of the furniture. Buy books, videos and subscribe to industry magazines. Attending seminars is also a good idea, which besides being informative brings you into contact with other dealers. This will definitely benefit your business.
Next to know how to start a consignment furniture shop; price all the material before adding them to your inventory. Obtain antique and industry publications to make sure that your items are not over priced or under priced. Owners usually pick up their consignment if not sold within a specified time. It would help to give incentives or discounts for slow moving items.
Organize in-store antique and collectible shows and give workshops on
these items at community centers and women’s organizations.
