How to Start a Vintage Clothing Business

A vintage clothing business can be run either online or in a store.  It is important to develop a business plan and figure out the legal requirements to run a vintage clothing business.  Running a vintage clothing business can be a creative and exciting way to make money.

Business Plan

1. Create a business plan and set long-term goals for your vintage clothing business.


2. Figure out what permits are needed to run a vintage clothing business in your area.


3. Decide on what business structure you want, which ranges from corporation to limited liability company.


4. Decide if you want to operate an online store or a brick and mortar store.


5. Search for an appropriate place for your storefront.


6. Do research on how you can obtain a business loan.


7. Apply for an employer identification number, which is needed if you want to hire an employee.

Inventory

1. Find a place to store your inventory.


2. Decide on an era of vintage clothes you want to specialize in, or if you want to sell from several different periods.


3. Do research on vintage clothing.


4. Discover items that are hard to find and in high demand.


5. Frequent places such as thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales to find inventory.


6. Obtain a federal tax ID number and a sales and use number, which are required to buy clothes from most wholesalers.

Online Sales

1. Decide whether you want to do online auctions, or operate on your own website.


2. Find a place to store inventory for your online store.