sort of OT: critique my hairbrained fashion/business idea - YouLookFab Forum

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sort of OT: critique my hairbrained fashion/business idea

rae

(website)

Veteran

So... this is a really tentative idea I had after being caught up in a swirl of office layoffs and a subsequent move back to my old department, which I already know will not be able to hire me as a permanent employee. The job market really looks dismal around here, so I was thinking of ways I could better use my talents even though I'll probably end up working wherever someone will have me, instead of holding out for something that's... y'know... fulfilling.

Anyway, my idea is this: a custom-stocked thrift store that comes to you.

It would work kind of like a tupperware party - an interested person would get a group of friends together and let me know their range of sizes, what styles they like, and what kinds of items they need. Then I would show up at the host's house with a carload of pre-cleaned, secondhand items, which I would sell at thrift store prices (or maybe a little below).

I had this idea because people often ask me to teach them how I shop or take them to the swap meet with me, but either they never end up going, or they become overwhelmed with the actual swap meet and thrifting process. HOWEVER, I know it's possible that the "interest" in how I shop might just be polite conversation...

What do you guys think? Could this become a side hobby for me in a pained economy? Or are people just not that interested in secondhand items?

General

40 replies

Latest reply was from rute

MsMary

Veteran

ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW???

How soon can you get over to t' house?

catgirl

Veteran

I think that is a fantastic idea; the only problem would be making enough money to make it worthwhile. You should be charging MORE than thrift store prices because you've done the pre-sorting and cleaning. That's the premium you're offering them.

This would work for people (like my friends) who want the spoils of thrifting but don't like the experience or have the time - those folks would be willing to pay a little more for great finds without having to do the work.

MsMary

Veteran

Right. You should totally be charging consignment store prices.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

My goodness Rae - this is an AMAZING idea! I'm an avid thrifter and love to find items I know others aren't wearing, but sometimes I just don't have the time to sift through the gazillion polyester purple big-shouldered suits to find that one treasure. You coming to my house would not only save me on that frustration, but with a group of friends, be alot of fun. I agree with MaryK and Alaskagirl though that you should charge more than thrift store prices - the service alone would be worth more. When can I pencil you in???

AJ

Veteran

I'm very intrigued by this idea! I agree that you should charge more than thrift store prices because of your time and effort in the pre-cleaning stage as well as the gas and time to purchase the items and deliver them. I wonder though since your customers know that you can buy items for a song, if they will agree to the price you set after factoring in all the labor you put into it.

I wonder if your time and energy would be better spent acting as their personal thrift store expert and stylist. Gather a group of ladies and charge a shopping tour price per person. Then you take them to your favorite thrift stores and help them find items that meet their needs for cheap. Then the focus on pricing is the value of your knowledge and not on the items itself. Add in the cost of gas and maybe work out a deal with a local deli or bakery for a lunch stop and you got a great day of shopping, fashion and eats!

catgirl

Veteran

I think you could offer both what you said originally and what AJ suggests - make that service seem more posh and customized. You can have a questionnaire for the clients beforehand so you get to know what they like and what they are looking for - because you don't always get what you want when you thrift, but you might find something else that is perfect.

I have lots more suggestions that I will be posting as I have time!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Go for it.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Keep that travelling van away from me!!

On a more serious note, is this something you could do on weekends along with your regular job for a time? People are probably going to have those parties on the weekends when they have off from work.

I am already picturing you driving around with a hooked up van, like a food truck, with a huge pop out awning to sell your wares under.

bj1111

Veteran

there is a woman in new york who drives a refitted school bus loaded with vintage goodies as her shop. she's been stopped by cops who wanted to shop her van.

wish i could find the online article...

eta: check out her traveling camper! http://trishhunterfinds.blogspot.com/

rachylou

Veteran

hmm... what exactly is the swap meet / thrifting process? The only thing I know about is consignment... and I'm not fond of the, call it, consignment clothing business culture. If you could Tupperware consignment... I think that would be awesome.

Anonymous

Fantastic idea, Rae!!! Definitely charge what you're worth. Your time and expertise are very valuable.

esenin

That sounds incredible-a really innovative idea that could work if you put energy (which you have) into it.
I hope you don't live near me.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ah, the positive feedback is exciting!

AG, MaryK, and others - thanks for the tip on pricing. I was afraid that charging too much would scare people off and not give the incentive to try out an unconventional idea. Perhaps I'm wrong.

AJ - I've sorta kinda tried the stylist idea in the past... this is the part I mentioned where people get bored/overwhelmed when they have to actually come with me to the stores. The other downside is that some days might yield lots of stuff, while some might be a total bust.

Modgrl - this would DEFINITELY be something I do on the side, while still holding my "day job." It's mainly to make me *think* I'm doing something I love, even though I'm still a drone IRL.

BJ - the travelling shop is seriously cool!

Rachylou - the swap meet process in a nutshell: dig through dirty clothes for 2+ hours without mirrors and without being able to try anything on. I can't figure out why people get so turned off!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, one other idea I had:

I'd probably have to keep a running inventory at home to help combat the fact that secondhand stores don't always have what you want when you want it. I'd try to constantly buy good stuff in a variety of sizes, so that I'd always have some things on hand even if my sources happened to be dry.

catgirl

Veteran

Absolutely, Rae. You could also have an online store so your regular customers could check in to see what's available!

MsMary

Veteran

Rae, I think you'd be surprised what the market will bear, pricewise!

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think this is a great idea. Present pre-sorted, clean, attractive solutions, and people will come!

On a practical level, I would make up a business plan and think about supply/flow etc. Are you going to depend on commissions? Or do you charge a flat fee for pre-shopping and showing up, then commissions on top of that? You'll need to rent storage space and arrange for alterations and cleaning. Perhaps there are bulk discounts that can be arranged, or an agreement with a tailor that you *always* recommend. Perhaps you rent a small space to be both storage and display/boutique. That way people can come to you, instead of you going to them, which would save wear and tear on the items, and ensure proper mirrors etc.

Just some ideas, I think this could be very fun and exciting for you!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I think this is a great idea Rae, you would be able to grade your prices according to quality and age (you know that adding vintage adds $$$). I also think it would be prudent to sell accessories which cut across age, size and body shape. GOOD LUCK!

Debbie

Veteran

Definitely try it. I agree with Julie though I think accessories could be a mainstay for you. Vintage costume jewelry is very sought after.

Heather

Veteran

Rae, this sounds like an awesome idea. You know the thrill of buying vintage or thrifting is that you can't think on it for very long and you may not find one like it again. You have a terrific eye and a real knack for thrifting. I foresee this as being a very rewarding venture.

Makrame

Veteran

It seems like the real problem would be figuring out how much inventory to keep on hand since you'll have to invest your own money (well, your business funds) to buy it. I guess you'll need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on items that may or may not sell, and what your profit margin is going to be on the items you do sell. It is also impractical to keep inventory too small, then people will be disappointed because they cannot find what they like. Like ironkurtin said, a business plan would be essential, even if you only try it out as a side gig.

Una's idea of an online "window-shopping" store with a running tally of the available inventory sounds great, and so does the idea of having a mainstay that always sells, like jewelry or scarves.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

Great idea, but definitely charge more for the convenience!

rachylou

Veteran

A nice succinct explanation of the swap meet process. Definitely you'd be providing a real service. That's too much work for me, LOL.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Question for the consignment shoppers: what are prices like there? I have never seen or been to one.

ironkurtin

Veteran

It totally depends on the consignment store and what they sell, I think. I'm not sure where you're located, but the thing to do is to figure out what the demand is in your area and stock accordingly.

For example, in NYC, people were keen on used designer clothes but also on a sort of thrift-groovy polyester-chic. Beacon's Closet (think they have a site), catered to these sorts. Higher-end shops like INA in Soho did high-end designer consignment. There are stores in LA that sell nothing but high-end dead stock like Norell, next to stores that focus on cowboy boots and blankets. Each of them have figured out their market and swing only to that.

If your approach is a curated boutique, you'll probably get a good sense of what people respond to after you throw a few events and see what moves.

catgirl

Veteran

Rae, get out there and do a bunch of research! Consignment shops are all over the place, depending on how upscale, and I take my stuff to different places based on what it is. My Missoni would be going to the fancy place, and my BR/j. crew stuff goes to the middle-end one. Generally they want stuff that either designer brand that holds value (DVF, Prada) or is current within two years, and will sell for 1/2 to 1/3 of the original price (of which the consignor gets half). For new items with tags on, maybe more.

Your market will probably be people who don't frequent either thrift or consignment stores - at least here, I feel like those two things overlap. You also want to play up (I think) the advantage of funky unique stuff that may not be CURRENT, but is still interesting.

If you offer advice on styling the items, that would probably be a big help!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ah, I see. I *thought* I had a good handle on prices, based on my Ebay experience - but as you have pointed out, that is not a localized market.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Here's a NYC based re-seller that is always mentioned on blogs

http://www.beaconscloset.com/c.....w-arrivals

ironkurtin

Veteran

What I was told about ebay from experienced buyers and sellers is that ebay is seldom a bargain. That was when the economy was good, though. Now, who knows? *My* items seldom get more than a single bid these days, and I sell some high-end stuff, so - go with your gut and then adjust.

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