Well I always thought you were inspiring!The" Never give up!" was important for me to read today! We (my wife & I ) started a bussiness in june! Today I am regreting this descision! We probably should have done it in a bigger community, ours is 8,000, but we had planned on the smaller communitys on helping this venture flurish. Not working! Our bussiness is kids gently used clothing and new funiture(million dollar baby) and gently used misc. kids stuff.We just took out another line of credit!
3 answers | Asked by member11033065 | 2 weeks ago in General

Welcome...

And sorry to hear of your troubles. Not sure on the specific solution, as to the type of business of used clothing(slightly) and to your other items.- Might be a little more in the the business plan and it's marketing efforts of those items on a larger networking basis.

Have you tried networking with other day care centers, or other baby stores by website and target e-mails?

It sound's simple...but do you have website?
Did you research any online auctions?

Shipping can be very cost efficient, if the prices are targeted the right way in your marketing efforts.

How far away is the next biggest city? What is the population size...do they have a mall?
Maybe, look into a small vendor kiost for the Christmas season at the mall. The mall option's are cost efficient and a big target for mothers and families. If not that option, maybe at least pass out some brochures and your business cards in the mall during the day after Thanksgiving sale. That would be a HUGE marketing target-- getting your business name out in the public eye on a larger scale.

Also, try you local church and promote some specials with the parents. (daycare) Most, have a welcome bulletin board. Stop by the office and ask to put up your business card or brochure. Same idea, with other local clubs....and network with the larger target of malls.

Be careful on extending to much credit...maybe look at pre-sales and then place other vendor orders.

What is your website?
A few suggestions...

Tell us more.
Wishing you the best!

Al
www.business2000foundation.com

Open a 2nd location in a better area. Split the inventory. Push hard for lease concessions on the new place (free rent for X months = low cost startup). Use a big printed banner to stall paying for signage. Once the new place starts breaking even close the old place, or sell it to someone else who might want to give it a try. Maybe turn it into a bar and run that instead.

I have a friend who does very well with used clothing in two locations. She put a notice on her door for people to bring in used (and often new) clothes and pays them the value of the clothes less a commission for the store for selling them. She has specific requirements about the condition of all items being sold. Not only will she accept clothing, but furniture, pictures, books, toys, and needed items a mother would be interested in buying at a lower cost than buying new. Because children grow so fast, many of the items are resold later on.
The line for dropping off items is always longer than the payment line especially on Mondays. This is a chance for ordinary people to make a little extra money for items they no longer need or use.
Her stores have devoted customers that return again and again throughout the many years she has been in business.
The consignments offer a wide variety of choices without costing her any money of her own. The store expenses and the few women who work for her get paid on time. Everyone who shops there can't wait to see what's new. Seasonal buying is popular. She starts to sell winter clothing in the fall, and Christmas specials right before Halloween. (She sells costumes for children too.)
Use the seasons to promote specials. She gives 10% discounts on certain (slow) days to attract more customers. She has customer appreciation parties where she offers new tagged items with a 20% discount. This discount is figured into the price, so she doesn't lose money and neither does the person who brought the items to the store. If something doesn't sell within 30 days it is reduced.(Sometimes by 50-60% off.) If it doesn't sell in 60 days it is given to charity as a donation. (This is a tax deduction.)
This encourages her customers to buy spontaniously. "Get it now, because it might not be here if you change your mind." Believe me, things sell fast there.
You can have flyers made up and post them on bulletin boards at the local shopping areas like grocery stores where people always stop to read them. Post an ad in the local newspapers that cover your area. (Some offer space to sell items free of charge.) Pay for an ad in church newsletters or make a donation to be included when they are announcing a special event. And don't forget "word of mouth advertising."
Make your store a special place for your customers. Create an atmosphere where they can relax and feel comfortable looking through the racks of clothes which are carefully stored on hangers by sizes and racks by discounted price. Make it easy for them to pull out their wallet and feel good after they left the store. They will brag about the bargains they got.
I don't think you made a mistake. You are helping people to afford quality items that they can use for someone they value and love.
Display some Teddy Bears with a T-shirt that says "I Love You."
People understand this kind of marketing. Think with your heart, and the money will follow.