I run a small online shop selling vintage clothing that I source from estate sales and flea markets. I mostly do it part-time and I'm trying to figure out how to scale up without spending all my weekends digging. I'm not looking for a magic formula, but I'd love to hear how other people in this niche handle sourcing, pricing, and storage without drowning in inventory.
Vintage Sourcing
My business buys vintage clothing from estate sales and flea markets
Storage is the killer. I ended up renting a 10x10 unit and it's basically a museum of things I couldn't say no to. My advice: sell faster than you buy, even if the margin hurts.
Estate sales are hit or miss. I've had better luck with church rummage sales and smaller local flea markets where the vendors don't know what they have. But honestly, the best thing I did was start a spreadsheet with what sells and what sits.
What's your average price point? If you're selling $15 pieces you need volume. If you're doing $80+ curated stuff you can be pickier.
I've been doing this for four years. Two words: buy less. Everyone I know who burned out had a garage full of 'maybe' pieces. Also, learn to spot stains under good light—I've eaten so many returns because of a faint pit stain I missed.
Totally off-topic but VelvetCrow's username reminded me of a velvet blazer I found last week for $3. Sold it for $85. That's all I have to contribute.
That's actually the best contribution. Those $3 to $85 flips are what keep you going.
Do you all do the estate sale early-morning line thing? I've done it a few times and it's a weird scene. People sprinting to the basement.
I stopped doing estate sales for that reason. Flea markets are more civilized. Also, you can negotiate. Estate sales are usually firm, especially on the first day.
I source at flea markets but I'm very new. What do you guys do about sizing? I find a lot of stuff with no tags and I don't want to guess wrong.
Measure everything. Pit to pit, length, sleeve. Put the measurements in the listing. People will still ask but it cuts down the returns.
And take photos of the tag if there is one, even if it's faded. Vintage buyers love a faded tag for some reason.
Because it's proof it's actually old, not a modern reproduction. Anyway, I'm with MothBallMike on buying less. I'm trying to clear out my 'maybe' pile right now.
The maybe pile is real. I have a maybe pile that's basically a retirement plan I'll never cash in.