Long Story ( Can use Input )

**Holly** · 04-12-2008, 01:25 PM

Many of you know that my Fiance has a BBQ business and is working on getting his bbq sauce on the market. ( we have a few bbq's lined for this summer)
Also we are trying to buy a restaurant ( been put on back burner
for a year or so now )
I also would love to have a gift basket business ( but don't think its
doable considering the economics right now )
Hope your still reading.
I have a building the other side of my driveway and I an thinking of turning it into a thrift store.
I have a lot of stuff I could start one with and I could also sell some crafts and things too.
I have a flea market and craft show licence and know I can run it on that.
It would be small but no overhead.
I live on a 4 lane highway with a lot of summer traffic..
What are the best price on things and where do I get other stuff.
What do you look for mostly.
I don't want it as a consinment shop.
I would have it open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday thru Friday and
I would be able to do my chores and work my garden (also sell organic produce on the front lawn ) take care of my house and be able to watch the store.
Do you think its feasible in this time to try this
I am trying to think out of the box.
We can have a home base business as long as we can park 5 cars.

I need all the advice I can get...
TIA

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-12-2008, 01:48 PM

I think it sounds like a great idea but it would require more time then you think. I say this because I have a neighbor who makes his living by reselling. What he does is he gets up really, really early on trash days and just drives around looking at trash to pick up and resell. Then once a month he has huge yard sales.

**Holly** · 04-12-2008, 01:56 PM

I can't do weekends because of the bbq's they are Saturdays and Sundays every weekend.
We live in a very depressed part of NY state and I think it could really go.
I may do a consignment shop after I get going.
Its in the talking and getting idea stage right now.
I have 2 houses full of stuff right now that I can start with, clothes, pots, pans, books, and other stuff..
I have all the shelving because I bought it off my sister when she went out of business.
I live on a road that is full of antique shops from one end of the state to the other.

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-12-2008, 02:11 PM

It sounds like you have a good location.

**stinkbug** · 04-12-2008, 02:14 PM

One of the downsides I see to it is that you can't be open on weekends. That's when most people are out bargain hunting....especially if there are lots of other shops in the area.

**Holly** · 04-12-2008, 02:19 PM

That is a downside but during the summer there is non stop shoppers all week here.
half the places have small shops off their houses in barns etc.
Most close down for the winter also
we have one of the biggest antique shows in the country down the road from us each August . we always have our BBQ
set up outside here that weekend.
If I have the shop I and we have a free weekend I can open and he can set up also.
Its sounding better all the time to me.
I would open this year 1st of June thru 1st of Nov.

**Marie78** · 04-12-2008, 02:35 PM

I think it's a great idea and it sounds like you have a great location. I agree that if you needed more items for the business you could find things free before trash pick up, can't tell you how many times I have found like new items this way. Another great way to find like new items that are free...college housing. College semesters will be ending in a month or so and those are the best places to find: lamps, tv's, rugs, curtains, mirrors, bookshelves and other smaller pieces of furniture. These kids dump whatever they can't haul back home easily, because most know or think their parents will buy them new stuff for next year. I have so many free (like new) items that I have found this way

. I of course found these things while in college and my fiance is still in college so we have the advantage of easy access to a college campus (You could always pretend you are parents picking up your kids or getting them settled for the summer courses

).

**dianne9106** · 04-12-2008, 03:21 PM

I think it's a great idea for a seasonal business! But like has already been said before - you might need to consider being open on weekends. Could you sister or a friend help you run the shop on the weekends while you help you DF with his BBQ? If you are only going to run it through the summer, you would have all fall and winter to look for more goods. Also try estate auctions and whenever people get evicted from their storage lockers, they usually have auctions there too. Best wishes!
Dianne

**Holly** · 04-12-2008, 06:18 PM

My sister works for the bbq on weekends that she's not waitressing mornings.
Then she has 50 goats that she takes care of along with my BIL's farm.
I really don't have anyone to do weekends. From Sept til Nov I would be home weekends.

**Missy** · 04-12-2008, 06:29 PM

If i had the place like you do, I'd do it. You go!

**Jskell911** · 04-12-2008, 06:40 PM

Sounds like a great idea. As to inventory, it sounds like you have a great deal for now. Just always keep your eye out. You'd be surprised where stuff will turn up. Good luck!

**Holly** · 04-13-2008, 07:05 AM

Thanks ladies,
I think I'm going to do my best to be started by June 1st or the 15th at the latest. People will be school shopping already for next year by then.
Thanks for all the advice and support.

**Samigirl** · 04-13-2008, 10:57 AM

I think it could be successful. It doesn't sound like it would take much start up $, and you never know until you try it right? Good luck....let us know how it goes.

**PrairieRose** · 04-13-2008, 12:23 PM

I know in our area that the thrift stores get all they can handle by donation. If you run an ad a time or 2 in the local paper, Craig's List, Freecycle or Thrifty Nickle (do you have those there?) you'll probably get more than you want. My best advice would be to keep things cheap. It's best to sell a lot of things for little profit (especially if they're donated items) than to try to sell a few things and make a lot. People will be looking for bargains, so give em bargains and keep em coming back. If you do that you'll grow a pretty loyal clientele and word of mouth will take you a long way.

Jmho.

**Lady_V** · 04-13-2008, 12:45 PM

How about a grand opening... complete with BBQ (Oh yes, that is a great sauce... it's available inside).

I think it's a great idea, and I know I would rather shop at a cheaper/smaller shop where chances are the owner is also the cashier... not only are the prices better.. but sometimes you can strike a deal with them for a lesser price. (keep that in mind... if you don't look like a big store... they will haggle)

Have you thought up a name yet?

Print up those flyers... keep the printing costs low... create it on your computer and instead of colored ink (which is costly to replace) use bright yellow, orange or pink paper and a bolder font to catch their attention. Give them out everywhere!

Keep us informed as what you decide... and if you need help... you can always hold a 'mock sale' and post digital pics of items you dont know what to charge for, and we can tell you what we would honestly pay for it.