Saturday, January 12, 2008

Sourcing Antique Inventory

Have you always dreamed of owning your own boutique or perhaps having a booth at the local antique mall or maybe you already do ! Twenty five years ago it was just that, a dream for me. What started as a dream, now consumes my life, BUT that is a conscious decision on my part. That is what I want.. to live, breathe, continue to dream, continue to live my life, surrounded by all things "Country French". When I first started selling antiques, searching for inventory consumed most of my time. Markets and malls by day and auctions by night. Merchandising and marketing were placed on the back burner. If I had time I'd get to that, but I had to have inventory. I loved going to the markets, but frustration began to set in when I crunched the numbers. I wanted to actually be able to support myself selling antiques. I had one of those Eureka moments. Could I spend 12 hours and walk away with a few pieces that would yield me a net profit of $100? I had spent 26 years in retail management and operations, so those profit and loss statements haunted me. I knew something had to change if I was to reach my goal. I also realized that my inventory would be the heart of my business. Well fast-forward... I've been selling to the trade (full-time) for 15 years now. Some of my clients have been with me from the start. Others have moved on to different directions in life. Passion aside, the most important thing that dictates success in this business is inventory. I have chosen "Country French", as it appeals to me. If you happen to be frenchified also, and have a yearning to be successful selling antiques, Perhaps "European Antique Market" can help you obtain your goal. The key to being successful in the antique/home decor business is to offer products that are unique, unless you can compete with the Walmart's and Target's of the world. Sourcing is Vital to Success! Auctions can be time consuming, you sit there all day waiting for that one piece, only to have the dealer next to you, outbid you. Most Antique Malls are owned by people accumulating real estate. Their goal is to charge a rent, charge a commission, and keep the dealers identity a secret from you so they can inflate the price. All to pay their mortgage. And.. if you went to Atlanta market this week, how many other people did you see that you know? You try to keep your suppliers a secret and hope that the shop next door doesn't pick up the same vendor. That's fruitless, they are in the business to sell that same lamp to 4,380+ other stores out there. Perhaps the answer is to participate in our Co-Op Container. If your serious about your inventory and can invest a minimum of $20,000, the co-op container could be an alternative. You will be sharing space in a 40ft. container with other dealers. Yours truly will be buying (according to your specifications) and handling all the logistics. From France to You! Save on shipping, purchase at a better price, and take advantage of our experience.

If your not ready for that type of investment or you prefer
to touch before you buy, "European Antique Market"
can still be your source.
We guarantee if you like rustic country, garden elements,
architectural pieces, shabby chic, cottage styles, original
painted armoires, crystal chandeliers. all styles of Louis,
and gilt mirrors, you'll love our store and warehouse in
Louisville, Ky.
We cater to our clients, based on your needs, because your
success is our success!
When you become one of our preferred clients, whether
you belong to the trade or are an individual building
a home you...
are first to preview our new containers,
receive use of our climate controlled warehouse,
have access to personalized buying services,
get help with retail pricing,
learn our trade secrets to success!
have a friend in the business
and we become your little secret!
Feel free to contact us with any questions you
might have.
Where there is a will, there is a way!!
Have a Great Weekend Everyone!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Shawn! each and every photograph was better than the next. It must be hard to part with many of these gorgeous finds!!
D.

Cathy said...

Shawn, This is my first time to your blog and I'm was in awe. It was not only inspiring but educational. I just loved reading your post about how you got into selling Country French and the photos were great. I really enjoyed myself here. Best of luck to you and your continued success.

Cathy

cotedetexas said...

Wonderful and informative ost as always. But, that bed in the second picture - omg - I've died and gone to heaven it is that gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Wow, what fabulous finds...wished I lived closer to check you out!! I loved your insite on owning a shop. While I do shows for now, someday I hope to open a shop. Thanks

Country French Antiques said...

Thank you ladies.
Sometimes I do hate to see things go, but it helps when they love it as much as you.
And Thanks to all of you who have emailed.
Keep them coming!

Anonymous said...

Your merchandise is absolutely fabulous! Do you ship purchases? Do you have a catalogue with prices?

Country French Antiques said...

Yes, New Orleans lady, I ship everywhere.
I don't have a catalog since many of my pieces are one-of-a-kinds.
Feel free to email me or visit the website at www.euroantiquemarket.com
I do have a rather extensive inventory.