Where to buy????

C

candycatgirl

Registered Guest
Hello All,

I'm relatively new to this Vintage selling thing. I have a bit of a collection in my attic -well, okay, quite a lot according to my other half, but I have just been approached by a High Street retailer about a possible vintage concession, and i know that, fingers crossed, if I get this, i will have to buy in bulk - much more than just selling on ebay a few times a months.

I would appreciate any help on where to buy? If you want to post, great, or email me at [email protected]. I am based in Central Scotland.

many thanks

candycatgirl


:USETHUMBUP:
 
Hi!

Sounds like a great opportunity, but if you're talking about Top Shop, I'd take a really careful look at the siting and display equipment that they have in mind - the London branch's vintage area is dusty, low-railed, a mile away from the changing rooms and must generate a substantial proportion of spoiled stock.

Perhaps you could also contact some of the firms that do Top Shop Vintage (whichever your venue is) and see what their sell-through rate is, so you know how fast you may have to restock. Prices are high in the London one, which may signal high costs/commission (or just lots of dosh).

As for supplies... well, you could work on making contacts in the local auction houses/estate clearers. The U.S. has far more plentiful vintage than the UK (often in better condition - more money washing around since c. 1944) and wholesalers in London get it imported by the pallet.

Alternatively, you could just be a demon on the bid button on Ebay...

good luck!

Lin
 
not much help as i tend not to buy in huge bulk, and still just get mine everywhere and anywhere..
have you checked out the auction houses in your area? or maybe put an ad in your local paper?
so really just saying hello and good luck, that sounds like it could be a lot of fun!
 
faster than a speeding bullet :duh:

I've basically just suggested the things I mean to do (would do if I had a car) but never have...

;)
 
The answer is not always to buy "in bulk", but to use your time more wisely and being selective. When buying in bulk for cheap, sometimes you get lucky, but sometimes there is a reason it is cheap. you will end up with a lot of things you won't be able to sell in the shop. You won't be able to sell "repair lots" in that format. Condition has to be 100% wearable walking out the door and that has to be a guarantee. Once its onsale at the shop no room to "catch it later" versus when it is staring at you waiting to be listed. You can take things and wash them of course, but if everything needs repairs it is going to be more difficult.

If you select items individually, you won't be paying pennies on the pound, but you will realize a higher profit because the items will move a lot quicker, a shorter time between buying the item and getting your money back etc. and items can stand on their own merits and thus command a slightly higher price, etc. You also won't be in the business of having to maintain a large storage facility for things not in condition to be sold yet.

Its not the people that can buy the most things that are the most successful, its people that buy the most things that sell are successful. So go out with extra money on you when you go out looking, open up a seperate account if you don't already have it to keep the money from this business venture seperate so part of your profit can feed back into buying.

(and you never know, if you find particular things are in demand that are unusual from the rest of the curve or what is hot on the internet, you can tell other sellers and they might be a good lead to exchange with you things that aren't their specialty too.)

Chris
 
If you would like to contact me direct I can maybe help with details of a number of UK dealers who might be able to help out.
 
thanks to everyone who replied here. Yes, it's TopShop, but in Glasgow, and it's a very small space at first, so i am hoping i will manage it. I am in the middle of getting my labelling done, and am still trying to choose a name for my concession! Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
 
(oh, and another thing....just look on the internet for the VFG logo to find reputable sellers too).

Names are tough, but when its right, you will know it :)
 
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