How to Open an Antique Business

With a love of antiques or just a great deal of stuff to get rid of, an antique business is a great way to turn your stuff into someone else's treasure. Once upon a time, an antique business meant renting a little shop and hoping for antique hunters to find you, or joining other business in an antique mall or a neighborhood known for its antique stores. Now, opening a store is still an option, but antique lovers don't have to have a physical location to make their businesses successful.

Things You'll Need

• Books regarding antiques' values
• A high-quality digital camera
• A website
• packing materials

Instructions

1. Scour estate sales, garage sales, auctions and the garage for quality antiques. Check the price guides before you determine what might be worth looking for, and browse through other antique stores, online or in person, to discover what items are hot. The trend in antiques seems to change every year or two, so stay up to date.

2. While some people argue that good antiques have vintage dirt, the reality is that most people don't want to buy something that they perceive as being dirty. Use gentle cleaners, nothing abrasive, and remove only dirt, not paint, patinas or other finishes.

3. Find a well lit place in your store or home to put the item on display. Add flowers to a vase, set out dishes in a table setting, or lay books on a nice, single-colored backdrop. Make the item look as appealing as possible.

4. Document the authenticity of the item, when it was made and where. Consider keeping this information in a database as well as on a notec ard with the item. This will keep you from having to research it again and provide valuable information for your clients.

5. Take up-close, very clear and detailed, digital photographs of your inventory. Consider taking additional photos of specific details of workmanship or identification. Include pictures of identifying information such as the maker or a lot number. Higher-value items should include multiple photos from all sides.

6. Create an online store. Begin with eBay or other online auction site that offers a store front. Be sure to include specific information about shipping methods and costs, including requiring insurance and delivery confirmation to protect yourself.

7. Scout out local antique malls or other locations for a physical store. Talk with other store owners regarding foot traffic and actual sales before committing to creating a physical location for your store.

Tips & Warnings

• Become an expert on a specific type of antique. With the widespread availability of online stores, people will trust business owners who know what they are talking about. By creating a niche market for yourself, you can improve your chances of success.

• Be careful of estate auctions and other sales which require you to buy large amounts of merchandise without having proper time to authenticate its origins.