Start a Successful Antique Business: From Idea to Open

Starting a Profitable Antique Shop: Plan, Source, Comply

Start Here: A Quick Reality Check

We have all stood in a dusty attic, held a beautiful old piece, and thought, “Someone would love this.” That spark is where many antique businesses begin. The question is whether you want to turn that feeling into a real business with real responsibilities.

Before you buy a single display case, get honest about fit. Do you enjoy hunting for pieces, negotiating, photographing, and packing? Do you have support at home for the time and space this takes? If you are still weighing the lifestyle and expectations, see Business Start-Up Considerations and Passion: An Important Key.

It is also smart to look behind the curtain before committing. Our Inside Look at Running a Business will help you picture the day-to-day. If you are debating buying an existing shop or a booth instead of building from scratch, compare options in Build vs. Buy.

What You Will Sell and Offer

An antique business usually buys, consigns, or brokers older goods and sells them to collectors, decorators, and designers. Typical categories include furniture, lighting, art and prints, ceramics and glass, books and ephemera, textiles and rugs, jewelry and watches, toys, tools, and architectural salvage.

Services can add revenue. Common add-ons are consignment programs, estate clean-outs in partnership with licensed providers, basic repairs or refinishing where allowed, delivery or white-glove setup, and e-commerce shipping. Start with one or two strong categories you know well, then expand as you learn your market.

Demand for different eras shifts by region and season. Use our guide on Supply and Demand to gauge whether your picks match what buyers want locally and online.

Core revenue: retail sales from a shop or booth; online sales; show and fair sales; consignment commissions; sourcing fees for clients.
Optional services: valuation for resale decisions, estate clean-out coordination, basic furniture touch-ups, packing and delivery.
Boundaries: avoid hazardous or restricted items; build a short list of “no-buy” categories you will not handle.

Skills You Need and How to Fill Gaps

You need two kinds of skills: business skills and trade skills. Business skills include planning, pricing, cash-flow basics, simple bookkeeping, and marketing. Trade skills include authenticating manufacturer marks, grading condition, safe cleaning, photographing objects, and packing fragile pieces.

If a skill is missing, choose a path: learn it with a short course or targeted practice, or hire for the position. Many dealers hire a part-time photographer, a bookkeeper, or a contract appraiser for complex items while they focus on sourcing and sales.

Build an advisory circle early. A tax pro, an insurance broker, and an attorney can prevent costly errors. See Building a Team of Professional Advisors for what to ask and how to choose.

Learn fast: take a short course on appraisal basics, wood and finish ID, and jewelry authentication; practice with low-risk items.
Hire selectively: contract a photographer for product shoots; use a bookkeeper to set up your chart of accounts and sales tax tracking.
Outsource peaks: partner with a trusted shipper for large or delicate items and a conservator for specialty restoration when needed.

Research Your Market

Start with a simple radius around your location. Count competing antique stores, multi-dealer malls, consignment shops, auction houses, and active online sellers. Note what they stock, price points, and how fast items turn over. Visit estate sales to gauge supply quality.

Profile your likely buyers. Are you targeting decorators hunting mid-century pieces, collectors chasing certain manufacturers, or homeowners looking for statement items? Each path drives different pricing, photography, and merchandising choices.

Run a small test: buy a few pieces, photograph them well, list at your target price, and track time to sale. A quick test gives better answers than guesswork and helps you refine your categories and price bands.

Map three to five direct competitors and list what they do best and where they are weak.
Estimate realistic sales volume by category based on test listings and shop traffic in your area.
Identify at least two dependable sources of inventory: auctions, estate companies, pickers, or dealer networks.
Document your findings for your plan; do not rely on memory.

Business Model and a Simple Plan

Choose your core format: a storefront, a booth inside an antique mall, online only, show-to-show selling, or a hybrid. Define how consignment will work, your commission rate, payment timing, and how you document ownership and condition.

Clarify your positioning and message. What eras and manufacturers do you stand for? What promise can you make to buyers and sellers? Draft a short mission with How to Create a Mission Statement and turn it into a one-page plan using How to Write a Business Plan.

Build a basic financial view. Estimate average purchase cost, typical markup by category, expected days to sell, shipping and packing costs, rent, insurance, and marketing. Use Pricing Your Products and Services to set target margins you can defend.

Summarize your model in one page: customers, offer, channels, pricing, top costs, and milestones.
Add a short consignment policy covering commission, payment timing, and how you handle unsold items.
List three marketing moves for day one: website, local listings, and two launch partnerships.

Startup Budget and Funding Options

Most antique startups invest in display fixtures, lighting, security, a small but strong opening assortment, packing and shipping gear, signage, a simple website, and first months of rent and insurance. Start lean and expand after you prove demand.

Funding can come from savings, family support, a credit union line, or small loans. If you pursue financing, have a clear plan, personal financials, and a list of collateral ready. Keep a cash buffer for slow months and returns.

Open a business bank account and set up merchant services. Track every purchase with date, source, cost, and condition so you can price with confidence and document provenance for buyers.

List your one-time setup costs and separate them from ongoing monthly costs.
Set a starting inventory budget and a minimum cash reserve you will not spend.
Schedule a quarterly review to adjust buying and pricing based on sales.

Legal and Compliance Basics

Choose a legal structure and register your entity with your state’s Secretary of State or equivalent office. Many dealers use a limited liability company for simplicity and liability separation, but confirm the right choice with your tax professional.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service; it is available online at no cost. Register for state sales and use tax with your state’s Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation.

Where accepted, the Multistate Tax Commission Uniform Sales & Use Tax Exemption/Resale Certificate – Multijurisdiction can help you buy eligible inventory without sales tax. It is not accepted in all states and may have state-specific conditions; use the Federation of Tax Administrators to find your state tax agency and rules.

Most cities or counties require a local business license and zoning clearance for retail locations. Before opening, you may need a building inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). If you will hire, register for state unemployment insurance and arrange required workers’ compensation coverage.

Ask your Secretary of State: Which entity forms are available? What are annual report or fee obligations? How do I file a trade name (DBA) if needed?
Ask your Department of Revenue/Taxation: How do I register for sales and use tax? What resale/exemption certificate is acceptable to suppliers? How often must I file?
Ask your city/county licensing office: Do I need a general business license? Are secondhand dealer or precious-metal permits required for buying used goods or jewelry?
Ask building/fire officials: What inspections are required for my space? What is needed to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and signage approval?

Varies by jurisdiction: Verify requirements on your state Secretary of State site (Business/Entity Registration), state Department of Revenue or Taxation (Sales and Use Tax/Seller’s Permit), city or county business licensing portal (Business License, Secondhand Dealer License), and local building/fire department (Certificate of Occupancy).

If unsure where to start, use your state tax agency directory on the Federation of Tax Administrators and your local government finder on USA.gov.

Special Regulatory Triggers for Antique Dealers

Reselling certain products carries extra duties. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) prohibits selling recalled or banned items, and children’s products must meet safety rules. Always check for recalls before listing cribs, toys, and similar goods.

Materials from protected wildlife such as ivory or tortoiseshell are tightly regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and international agreements. “Antique” exceptions are narrow and fact-specific. Do not buy or ship these items without confirming the rules.

Some jurisdictions license secondhand dealers or precious-metal buyers and require record-keeping or police reporting. Separate rules govern antique firearms and “curio and relic” items under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and state or local law may still apply.

Check CPSC recalls and do not sell recalled or banned items; document your check for children’s products.
Before buying anything with ivory, tortoiseshell, or other wildlife materials, review USFWS guidance and any permit needs.
Ask your city or county police/licensing office if a secondhand or precious-metal dealer license, reporting, or holding period applies.
Do not handle firearms categories until you confirm ATF definitions and any state or local requirements.

Varies by jurisdiction: Use your city or county licensing portal or police department site to search “secondhand dealer license” or “precious metal permit.” For bedding and upholstered furniture, search your state health or consumer protection site for “bedding or upholstery sanitization/tag.” For shows and markets, search the city or county site for “special event/temporary vendor permit.”

Brand and Identity Essentials

Pick a name that fits your positioning and check availability with your state’s business registry. Align the legal name, trade name, and domain so customers can find you easily. Avoid names that sound like others in your area.

Create a simple brand kit: logo, colors, typography, and a short voice guide. Use our resources on Corporate Identity Packages, Business Signs, and Business Cards to keep everything consistent.

Build a basic website with your story, categories, top pieces, location and hours, and how to buy or consign. Follow our step-by-step in How to Build a Website and prepare your launch plan with Create a Marketing Plan.

Secure your domain and matching social handles; publish accurate address and hours.
Set standard photo backgrounds and sizes so your shop looks consistent online.
Write clear store policies for returns, holds, layaway, and consignor payouts; post them in-store and online.

Equipment and Fixtures for a Small Antique Shop

Start with sturdy, secure fixtures and a clean, well-lit floor. Many dealers find that a few locking glass cases, solid shelving, and focused lighting make a bigger difference than extra furniture. Plan traffic flow so visitors can browse without bumping fragile items.

Create a small photo area that stays set up so you can list items quickly. A light box or softboxes, a neutral backdrop, and a stable tripod will raise your online sales. Keep a dedicated packing station to reduce damage and speed fulfillment.

Group your essentials into the categories below and source secondhand where quality allows. Prioritize lockable storage for valuables and clear labeling for fast pricing and lookup.

Sales floor and displays: locking glass cases, adjustable shelving and risers, garment racks or forms, task and accent lighting, mirrors and sign holders.
Point of sale and office: tablet or POS terminal with chip/tap reader, cash drawer, receipt and label printers, price tags and barcode labels, desk and chair, secure safe or locking drawers.
Photography and e-commerce: DSLR or phone with tripod, light box or softboxes, neutral backdrops, color card, turntable for small items.
Storage and handling: heavy-duty shelving, furniture dollies and hand truck, moving blankets and straps, tie-downs and ramps, PPE such as gloves and safety glasses, basic tool set.
Packing and shipping: double-wall cartons, bubble and foam, corner protectors, kraft paper, quality tape and dispensers, shipping scale, thermal label printer, stretch wrap.

If You Are Online-Only or Pop-Up Focused

Without a permanent storefront, invest in portable displays and strong photography. Your listings and packing work do the selling, so make them tight and consistent. Clarify pickup and delivery rules before you take orders.

For pop-ups and shows, confirm electricity needs, booth dimensions, and load-in times. Keep a separate case for jewelry or small valuables and a simple way to secure items when you step away.

Make sure your return, shipping, and damage policies are visible on your site and included with every shipment. When in doubt, over-pack and insure.

Portable tables and risers, folding shelves, table linens, battery clip-on lights.
Mobile card reader, hotspot backup, extra power banks, cash pouch with change.
Compact photo kit: collapsible backdrop, LED panels, tripod, light tent.
Shipping station in a spare room or storage unit with labeled cartons and supplies.

Software to Consider

Keep your tech stack lean. Choose a point of sale and inventory system that prints barcodes and tracks cost, price, location, and consignor splits. If you sell online, pick a platform with built-in shipping integrations to save time.

Your accounting system should track cost of goods sold, sales tax payable, and consignor liabilities. Set up categories that match your price tags and shelf labels so you can see what moves.

Bookmark recall and regulatory portals in your browser so you can check items quickly. Build that habit before you go live.

POS and inventory: cloud POS with barcode/label printing and basic customer and consignor tracking.
E-commerce: hosted store or marketplace accounts, plus product photo and description templates.
Shipping: label platform that compares carrier rates and prints scan-ready labels.
Accounting: small-business ledger with bank feeds and sales tax reporting.
Product safety and compliance: quick links to recall and wildlife-trade portals for pre-listing checks.

Physical Setup and Logistics

Lay out your floor with clear aisles, stable displays, and good sight lines to small valuables. Mount tall shelves and cases to prevent tipping. Confirm your emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and lighting work as required by local code.

Work with your landlord or contractor to complete any build-out, then schedule inspections. You usually need a final building or fire check before you can receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Plan your signage early so you can install it legally before opening day.

Plan how you will move large pieces safely. A van or SUV with removable seats, a ramp, dollies, and moving blankets will save you time and strain. For deliveries, define pricing and scheduling so customers know what to expect.

Do a pre-opening walk-through: test lights, locks, alarms, cameras, and your POS and label printers.
Stage a photo and packing zone with clear bins for tape, labels, and cushioning.
Confirm trash, recycling, and any special disposal rules with your landlord or city.

Varies by jurisdiction: Check your city or county’s planning/building portal for “final inspection” and “Certificate of Occupancy (CO)” steps, and the local sign permit page for exterior signs. Use your local government website directory on USA.gov if you need the correct portal.

Insurance and Risk Basics

Most antique shops consider general liability and coverage for business personal property, including inventory and fixtures. If you transport valuable items or do shows, ask about inland marine coverage for goods in transit and off-premises. If you hire, verify workers’ compensation requirements in your state.

Some events and landlords require a certificate of insurance naming them as additional insured. Build this into your timeline so you are not rushing right before opening or a show.

Ask your broker to explain exclusions for jewelry, fine art, or antiques with high appraised values. Make sure your consigned goods are addressed in the policy language.

What limits and deductibles fit my inventory mix and typical sale prices?
Does my policy cover goods in transit, at shows, and on consignment?
What documentation do I need at claim time to prove cost and ownership?

Varies by jurisdiction: Workers’ compensation and event insurance requirements differ by state and venue. Verify with your state workers’ compensation agency and each venue’s insurance terms.

Supplier and Consignor Relationships

Reliable sourcing is your lifeline. Build relationships with estate sale companies, local pickers, auction houses, and fellow dealers. Pay promptly, be clear about what you seek, and keep notes on who finds great pieces for you.

Create a straightforward consignment agreement that covers ownership, commission, pricing authority, payout timing, loss and damage, and how unsold items are handled. Require government-issued identification when needed under local secondhand dealer rules.

Track every purchase or consignment in a simple log with date, source, description, condition notes, cost or split, and photos. These records protect you and speed up pricing and payouts.

Use a one-page consignment agreement with clear commission and payout terms.
Document condition and provenance with photos at drop-off and at sale.
Maintain a “do not buy” list for restricted or risky categories.
Review your sourcing results monthly and refine your want list.

Pre-Launch Readiness

Assemble a launch-ready assortment you are proud to showcase. Photograph each piece on a clean background, write concise descriptions with era, manufacturer marks, and condition, and set prices that reflect your positioning and local demand.

Finish your customer-facing materials: store policies, consignment agreement, price tags and labels, business cards, and a simple website with contact and hours. Use Business Cards and Create a Marketing Plan to finalize your launch kit.

Confirm that your legal and tax pieces are in place and printed: entity approval, Employer Identification Number (EIN) letter, state sales tax account, local business license, and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) if you have a storefront. Do a soft opening to test pricing, displays, and your checkout flow.

Inventory log complete with cost, source, and condition photos.
Website live with accurate hours, address, and a few featured items.
Sales tax set up in your POS and e-commerce platform; test a full transaction.
Policies posted in store and online; consignment paperwork ready.

Go-Live Checklist

Launch with momentum. Announce your opening to local groups, decorators, and past consignors. Offer a simple opening-week incentive that fits your brand, such as complimentary local delivery on furniture or a small gift with purchase while supplies last.

Track what sells in the first weeks and adjust buying and display quickly. Your best sellers will tell you where to focus. Keep checking recalls and legal considerations as part of your daily rhythm.

Schedule your first post-launch review after thirty days. Look at sales by category, average selling price, and time to sell. Use that snapshot to fine-tune pricing and sourcing.

Licenses, Employer Identification Number (EIN), sales tax account, and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) printed and on file.
POS, labels, and card reader tested; backup hotspot and chargers ready.
Photo and packing stations stocked; shipping labels printing correctly.
Marketing live: website, local listings, email list, and opening announcement.

Varies by jurisdiction: If using a booth or attending markets, confirm the venue’s vendor permit and insurance requirements on their portal. For storefronts, confirm your city or county’s final sign-off and business license issuance before the first sales day.

Final Thoughts

Move With Confidence

An antique business rewards the curious and the disciplined. If you commit to strong sourcing, clear policies, and steady compliance habits, you can grow at your own pace. Keep your plan simple, your records tight, and your eye trained on what your customers love.

When you are ready to refine your plan or expand, revisit our business plan guide and common startup mistakes to avoid. Small, steady improvements add up.

Your first sale will feel great. The next hundred will come from the habits you build now.

101 Tips for Running Your Antique Business

Starting an antique business is equal parts eye, discipline, and process. These tips walk you from pre-start reality checks to daily practices that build trust, protect your reputation, and drive sales.

Use them to create a professional operation that respects U.S. rules and keeps customers coming back.

Numbered from 1 to 101, the tips are grouped by theme so you can jump straight to what you need today.

What to Do Before Starting

Write a one-page plan that names your niche, where you will source, how you will sell (storefront, booth, online, shows), and the first three months of expenses and sales goals.
Audit your time and space: list weekly hours you can commit and measure storage, photo area, and packing space at home or in your shop.
Run a small test: buy five items in your target niche, photograph them well, list them, and track days to sell and net profit to validate demand.
Decide your niche using real comps: pick eras or categories where you can identify manufacturer, materials, and condition quickly and accurately.
Map your legal setup: choose an entity, plan to obtain an Employer Identification Number, register for state sales and use tax, and check local business licensing.
Set a hard buying budget and a separate cash reserve for surprises; do not spend the reserve on inventory.
Choose your go-to sales channels now (shop, antique mall, markets, e-commerce, marketplaces) and define what will be sold where.
Confirm zoning and whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required for your space before you sign a lease; some cities also regulate signage.
Line up a CPA, an attorney, and an insurance broker; ask each what they need from you before opening day.
Write a short risk list—recalled or hazardous goods, counterfeit concerns, shipping damage—and outline how you will avoid each one.

What Successful Antique Business Owners Do

Keep a running buy list by category, manufacturer, dimensions, and target cost so you can act fast at estate sales and auctions.
Use a simple item ID system that ties photos, cost, condition notes, and provenance to each SKU for quick pricing and claims support.
Set strict buying rules (for example, never pay above a set percentage of expected sale price) and stick to them under pressure.
Standardize consignment terms—commission rate, payout timing, markdown schedule, abandoned property rules—and use the same form every time.
Price with evidence: compare recent sales of the same manufacturer, era, size, and condition; adjust for restoration, rarity, and demand.
Stage and light every piece before photographing; consistent angles and neutral backgrounds raise conversion online and in-store.
Maintain a clean, well-lit floor with safe walkways and secure cases; professional presentation builds trust and reduces damage.
Build a network of pickers, estate companies, and fellow dealers; trade want lists and share leads to keep supply steady.
Pay promptly and honor your word with sellers and consignors; reputation is a sourcing advantage you cannot buy.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Create a written item check-in procedure: verify ownership, record condition, tag with SKU and price, and file photos and provenance together.
Adopt a point-of-sale system that handles barcodes, sales tax by location, discounts, and consignment splits without spreadsheets.
Schedule weekly cycle counts by section (cases, shelves, back stock) to keep inventory up to date.
Publish opening and closing checklists: alarm on/off, float count, case locks, light checks, trash out, and secure smalls.
Define cash-handling rules: two-person counts, deposit cut-off time, and safe procedures to reduce risk.
Train staff to handle fragile items, greet customers, document condition, and escalate authenticity questions to you promptly.
Install and maintain cameras, door chimes, and locking cases; review angles so small, high-value items are always in view.
Standardize packing: double-wall cartons, corner protection, void fill, and a photo of the packed item before sealing.
Create a show load-in/out routine: tubs labeled by zone, a written pack list, power strips, lighting, and a first-aid kit.
Put your maintenance on a calendar: tighten display hardware, test lighting, check extinguisher dates, and vacuum case tracks monthly.
Keep a spare card reader and a charged hotspot to avoid lost sales during internet or power hiccups.
Document every process in a shared folder so a helper can follow it without guesswork.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Expect seasonal swings: spring and early summer often bring more estate sales, while holiday décor and giftable smalls move in late fall.
Trends cycle; track which eras are rising or cooling locally and online, then shift buying before you are overstocked.
Do not sell recalled or banned products; check consumer product safety recalls before listing children’s items, cribs, and toys.
Wildlife-derived materials such as ivory or tortoiseshell are tightly controlled; “antique” exceptions are narrow and must be verified.
Know the federal definition of an antique firearm and check state and local rules before handling any firearm-related items.
Some cities and states require secondhand or precious-metal dealer licenses and police reporting when buying used jewelry; requirements vary.
Register for state sales and use tax where required, collect the proper rate, and use valid resale certificates with suppliers when allowed.
Counterfeits and reproductions are common; learn manufacturer’s marks, period construction, and how age presents on wood, metal, and paper.
Condition and restoration choices drive value; over-cleaning or aggressive refinishing can reduce what a serious collector will pay.
Fragile shipping is a real risk; budget for packaging, insurance, and claims time when you decide what to sell online.
Supply is uneven; cultivate multiple sources—auctions, estate companies, pickers, and downsizing clients—to smooth out gaps.
Control humidity and light in storage and displays to protect wood, paper, textiles, and finishes from warping and fading.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Claim and complete your business listings with accurate name, address, phone, hours, categories, and a concise description.
Photograph every item with consistent lighting and angles; include a scale reference and detail shots of manufacturer marks and condition.
Build an email list with clear opt-in at checkout and online; send concise new-arrival highlights and event invites on a regular cadence.
Post weekly on social with before/after cleanups, close-ups of details, and short stories about manufacturer or eras to spark interest.
Partner with interior designers and stagers; offer measured photos and delivery windows that make their jobs easier.
Host “first look” preview nights for new collections; cap attendance and track who buys to refine future invites.
Create simple content that answers common questions—how to spot real vs. repro, how to care for a finish—and reference it in-store.
Offer themed bundles (lamp + shade + finial; frame + mat + print) to raise average order value without discounting.
Set up a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases or referrals with small credits or early access.
Take a small booth at well-matched local events; bring lighting, mirrors, and a card reader to capture impulse buys.
Merchandise your window every month around a clear theme; good windows create foot traffic you cannot buy.
If you sell gift cards, document how you track balances and be aware that unredeemed values may be subject to state escheat rules.
Encourage reviews by handing customers a simple “how to review us” card at pickup; respond to every review with gratitude and specifics.
Build referral bridges with movers, estate planners, and auctioneers; trade cards and agree on what makes a good referral.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Lead with education: explain the manufacturer, era, and condition so buyers feel confident rather than sold to.
Provide a written condition note for each item, including flaws and repairs; transparency reduces returns and builds repeat business.
Set expectations about patina and wear; describe what is original and what has been sympathetically restored.
Offer local approval periods or short home trials on higher-value pieces with a clear security deposit and return time window.
Include simple care instructions with each sale—how to dust gilt frames, wax wood, or avoid direct sun on textiles.
Give realistic shipping and delivery windows and update customers proactively if carriers delay.
Maintain client wish lists with dimensions, finishes, and budgets; send photos the moment a match arrives.
Follow up after significant purchases to confirm satisfaction and request a photo of the piece in its new home.
Make questions easy: clear signage, visible staff, and a small desk area where people can examine items comfortably.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Publish a plain-English return policy that covers timelines, conditions, and how refunds are processed for in-store and shipped sales.
Offer a written hold policy with time limits and payment requirements so staff handle holds consistently.
Define a layaway option with deposit, payment schedule, and what happens on default; apply it the same way to everyone.
Spell out how consignment payouts work—frequency, method, statements—and what happens if items need markdowns.
Use “sold as found” or “sold as is” language appropriately, but avoid surprises; consumer protection rules vary by state.
Set a damage claim process: require photos and original packaging, and explain how you’ll handle carrier claims and timelines.
Offer gift receipts that omit prices while preserving item IDs and dates for reference.
Capture feedback at the counter with a short prompt (“What should we add next month?”) and act on patterns you see.
When you make a mistake, own it fast, fix it, and document what you changed so it does not recur.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Reuse clean packing materials and right-size boxes to cut waste while still meeting protective standards.
Donate slow-moving items to reputable nonprofits and keep receipts for your records; ask a tax professional about deductions.
Favor low-VOC cleaners and finishes and ventilate your work area; protect staff and customers from fumes and dust.
Repair when safe and appropriate; minor fixes can keep good pieces out of the landfill and preserve value.
Switch to efficient LED lighting in cases and displays to reduce heat and energy use.
Source locally when possible to cut transport costs and reduce breakage risk.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Subscribe to product safety recall alerts and review them before listing children’s items or small appliances.
Monitor federal guidance on wildlife-related materials so you do not buy or sell restricted items by mistake.
Sign up for your state tax agency’s email updates to catch changes to sales tax rates, filing thresholds, or marketplace rules.
Track auction results for your categories to keep pricing aligned with current demand.
Visit trade shows, museum exhibits, and dealer previews to keep your eye trained on authentic construction and finishes.
Watch consumer spending and demographic trends to anticipate which categories may see more demand.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Maintain a cash buffer sized to cover several months of rent and essentials so you can ride out slow seasons.
Shift your mix with the calendar—garden furniture and outdoor décor in spring, giftable smalls in late fall.
Offer virtual appointments and curbside pickup during disruptions to keep sales moving.
Add or refine e-commerce and marketplace listings if foot traffic dips; reuse your photo and description templates.
When estate supply thins, lean on pickers, client consignments, and targeted want-ads to fill gaps.
After any incident—breakage, return spike, chargeback—update the relevant procedure and train the team on the change.

What Not to Do

Do not sell recalled or banned items; always check safety status before listing.
Do not represent reproductions or altered items as originals; if you are unsure, say so and price accordingly.
Do not ignore sales and use tax obligations; late filings and penalties erode profit.
Do not pay top dollar without recent comparables; excitement is not a pricing method.
Do not accept consignment without a signed agreement that covers ownership, payouts, and unsold items.
Do not rely on a single supplier or estate company; one pipeline can dry up overnight.
Do not skimp on security for small, high-value items; unlocked cases invite losses.
Do not block aisles or exits with displays; keep pathways clear for safety and accessibility.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, IRS, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Census Bureau, Federation of Tax Administrators, Multistate Tax Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, USA.gov