Help please - where do I start and is this a good idea?

Savvy_Sue

And I'm guessing a 'destination shop' is one that people will make a special trip to, because it's unique in some way.

FWIW, I don't think you'd have much success selling second hand baby clothes on a market stall: I don't know how well they go at car boot sales either. I could be wrong, but when baby clothes are so cheap these days, and ebay so easy, why would people go to a market? Not to mention the prejudice which some people have against second hand, only the best for their baby etc. And I'm told that those low down the economic ladder are more inclined to want new, and they might make up a larger proportion of people who go to markets. I'm not wording that very well, I know.

moggylover

I think the market stall start up idea is the better one! We have a lady who advertises for good quality and designer label second-hand baby and childrens clothes in the local press around here and she sells these on a market stall and appears to do quite well.

We used to have a lovely second-hand baby clothes shop in Newcastle Emlyn when my eldest was little and she did a very good trade there but not so great when she moved the business further out of town.

Depends what area you are in, and how well heeled it is tbh. I think rural communities are generally a lot less likely to be of the "got to have new" mind set (certainly isn't that bad around here) and that it might well be worth a go.

Good luck if you do choose to give it a go.

PasturesNew

The one thing that stood out to me in all this was "facepainting". If there's one service I've seen most pleas for help for it's been people wanting facepainters - for parties, street events, etc.

Being a facepainter doesn't give you any of the overheads of a shop ... or the risk.

Having done a bit of research into it in the past it seems fairly lucrative too.

Savvy_Sue

VERY hard work though! Not that I'm suggesting the OP would be afraid of that. Could be quite seasonal too, ie more demand in summer than in winter, and also weekends and after school rather than 'regular' hours. I think there is a professional association that it would be worth getting advice from.

eschaton

bailey59 wrote: »

eschaton, if possible would you mind telling me how you started and grew in the retail industry? I'm not trying to do a get rich scheme I just want an opportunity to try something I have always wanted to do.

Started part time when in education and although I didn't intend to have a retail career, I didn't get out

Started as a Store Supervisor when into full time and worked up to Store Manager of a small store after 3.5yrs. Currently earning £29k + £2k potential bonus but was £35k +£2k bonus last year before I took a pay cut for personal reasons.

I wouldn't recommend having your own business in retail without extensive experience. I have considered it, but it's a big risk. Retail is tough. I would suggest seeing your idea as a long term idea and get some work experience under your belt in retail first so you understand the market.

It might not be what you are looking for with baby clothes etc.. but food retail is better. Profit margin in clothes is very good but you need to sell a lot to cover your costs and then make a profit.

bailey59

Funny you should mention food. My first idea was a toffee/fudge/cake/sweet shop. Maybe with homemade quiche, sausage rolls etc.

eschaton

bailey59 wrote: »

Funny you should mention food. My first idea was a toffee/fudge/cake/sweet shop. Maybe with homemade quiche, sausage rolls etc.

Get into prepared food and there is money to be made with right product range, location and pricing but environmental legals are a PITA.

Anastasia

I thought about setting up a shop selling second hand stuff but did some sums and realised it wasn't worth it. If I did anything in a shop it would be a sandwich shop with better profit margins.

Why not look around for other premises? If this is going to be life-changing do plenty of research with a business plan and costings.

There is lots of information around. I like www.smarta.com. Just discovered it.

Good luck