Make money, buy or sell to a Dress Agency?

jrimmer

Hi Caryl - Thanks would love more info, I have sent you a PM.

earthmother

There's a great one in Leicester - she's been going years. I think one of her strengths is that she doesn't just do ladieswear - she does childrenswear and even toys/equipment if it's 'nearly new' - the only one I have found within travelling distance of me to do so. I've bought, and sold, loads through her over the years.

She does a 50/50 split on the selling price, and takes any good quality items - they don't necessarily have to be branded, although names fetch more obviously.

Another dress agency I've used in the county only does ladieswear, is picky about labels, and charges a stocking fee everytime you take something in to sell - she doesn't have anywhere near as a much business (I got a lot more unsold returns from her the one time I tried her). She's also been known to price unrealistically - Primark tops for twice their original price sort of thing.

jrimmer

earthmother wrote: »

There's a great one in Leicester - she's been going years. I think one of her strengths is that she doesn't just do ladieswear - she does childrenswear and even toys/equipment if it's 'nearly new' - the only one I have found within travelling distance of me to do so. I've bought, and sold, loads through her over the years.

She does a 50/50 split on the selling price, and takes any good quality items - they don't necessarily have to be branded, although names fetch more obviously.

Another dress agency I've used in the county only does ladieswear, is picky about labels, and charges a stocking fee everytime you take something in to sell - she doesn't have anywhere near as a much business (I got a lot more unsold returns from her the one time I tried her). She's also been known to price unrealistically - Primark tops for twice their original price sort of thing.

Thanks for the info, I had thought about ladies and menswear and maybe even branching out into home furnishings. So interesting to hear your views on strengths of the business. Not thinking of charging a stocking fee!

sassyblue

jrimmer, i'd say go for it, it's just what people are interested in at the moment with the credit crunch. If you can also include vintage stuff so that when the economy gets better you still have a niche in the market. Also, look for an area with a few higher class clothes shops because you'll have their customers coming in to sell their used stuff with you and people looking to buy those nicer clothes at a reduced price.

Wish you were near me! I've often thought of setting up one myself but have a steady job, l used to use one before but it shut down. Best of luck xx

Souk08

I've used shops in Glasgow and Ayr but they have both closed down. I thought it was a great way of getting rid of some bits and making some money. Can't remember what they took but I was happy with what I got back. Good Luck. Caryl I've PM'd you too.

jrimmer

sassyblue wrote: »

jrimmer, i'd say go for it, it's just what people are interested in at the moment with the credit crunch. If you can also include vintage stuff so that when the economy gets better you still have a niche in the market. Also, look for an area with a few higher class clothes shops because you'll have their customers coming in to sell their used stuff with you and people looking to buy those nicer clothes at a reduced price.

Wish you were near me! I've often thought of setting up one myself but have a steady job, l used to use one before but it shut down. Best of luck xx

Thanks, like the vintage idea, to create a niche for when the economy recovers and yes in the right locations I think it could work. I have a steady job too so need to do lots of research!

sassyblue

Bless you,. best of luck and keep in touch by PM if and when you start as l'd be really interested. My job is very steady but sooooo stressful l may want a career change.....

hermum

I used to use a couple of shops like this & loved them. They were both over an hour from where I lived but in nice towns, so it was a good day out. They were both very boutique looking, so I think that a lot of people who wouldn't dream of going into charity shops would feel happy using them & they were always full of lovely things that I wouldn't have bought new. Do make sure though that the CS in the area aren't full of the kind of brands you want to sell cheaper than you can.
Also in my city, I don't know if it's a national thing, someone a few years ago started a baby equipment agency & within a few months I think had 3 shops.
Good luck.

jrimmer

hermum wrote: »

I used to use a couple of shops like this & loved them. They were both over an hour from where I lived but in nice towns, so it was a good day out. They were both very boutique looking, so I think that a lot of people who wouldn't dream of going into charity shops would feel happy using them & they were always full of lovely things that I wouldn't have bought new. Do make sure though that the CS in the area aren't full of the kind of brands you want to sell cheaper than you can.
Also in my city, I don't know if it's a national thing, someone a few years ago started a baby equipment agency & within a few months I think had 3 shops.
Good luck.

Thanks for your comments, are the shop you 'used' to go to still in business? Lots of people seem to know and have used shops that are no longer in business.

mrsnicholls123

Hi

I just saw this thread whilst searching google.

I am looking to start up a bridal wear dress agency in shrewsbury, trying to find out if the demand is there,

was thinking of working from home - website selling, with a day or 2 in local market and one day events at local halls etc
I'd love to open a shop but too expensive and i have no cash to do that so, in the process of trying to get people to trust me and leave their beautiful bridal wear with me.