Are you considering operating a Shopify vintage clothing store? This can be a business that is fun to run and a real moneymaker. Dig into this guide to learn how to get started selling vintage clothing on the platform.
Why You Should Consider Setting Up a Shopify Vintage Clothing Shop
Learn the answers to a few commonly asked questions about why selling vintage apparel can be a profitable virtual business.
Can I Sell Vintage Items on Shopify?
Yes, you can sell vintage clothing on Shopify. Setting up a Shopify vintage clothing shop doesn’t have any special rules or regulations outside of the typical restrictions on prohibited items.
What Is the Vintage Clothing Market Like?
The global secondhand apparel market was $141 billion in 2021, jumped to $197 billion in 2023, and could reach $350 billion by 2028. If reselling vintage clothing is in your wheelhouse, now’s the time to start!
What Counts as Vintage Clothing?
“Vintage” refers to items from 20-100 years ago. “Retro” is a garment someone made within the last 20 years that has a classic style. On the other hand, “antique” clothing is over 100 years old and rarely a part of everyday wear.
How To Sell Vintage Clothing on Shopify
Selling vintage clothing doesn’t have to be complicated. These easy steps will help your business thrive.
Pick a Niche and Start Building a Brand
Offering a hodgepodge of used items is rarely a winning formula. By sticking to a particular niche, you can create a distinct reputation in a specific community and become the place to go for a target audience. Narrow your focus to a style, decade, clothing type, or other specific category to lay the foundation for a following.
Next, give your Shopify vintage clothing shop a core brand identity. Vintage apparel companies have an excellent opportunity to tell a story that captures the spirit of the ideal customer. Just remember that the hero of your brand story is the client. You’re just supplying the equipment or armor for their journey.
Figure Out Funding
A lack of cash flow tanks most small businesses. Make sure you have enough capital to invest in yourself to carry you until you’re turning a profit.
Fortunately, running a Shopify vintage clothing shop means many operations are digital, which is much more cost-effective than a brick-and-mortar store. Still, you’ll need to account for paying for the Shopify service, apps that enhance the shopper experience, inventory, and maybe even storage.
Create a five-year business plan and prepare financial documents. This paperwork gives you better odds of success no matter your funding and is essential if you need to apply for a small business loan.
Create a Sourcing Strategy
Instead of a haphazard approach, design a plan to locate clothing within your niche, such as:
- Estate sales, auctions, and flea markets
- Other online marketplaces and local thrift shops
- Wholesalers and partnerships with private collectors
Another popular idea is selling clothing on consignment.
Use an Inventory System
Prepare to keep your stock organized and in mint condition. That starts with properly cleaning, pressing, repairing, and storing items. Clothes should stay in a cool, humidity-controlled environment, away from pests or anything that could stain or damage them.
Use a spreadsheet or inventory management software that keeps you up-to-date on what you have, when it sells, and when it ships. Such a system is particularly important if family, friends, or employees are helping you.
Determine Your Pricing Model
Product pricing is a science and an art. Set prices too high, and your Shopify vintage clothing won’t sell. Bargain basement rates won’t be profitable and could make your brand look sketchy.
Stay competitive with going rates while factoring in overhead and cash flow. High-end items may even require an appraisal. Regardless, research is essential for understanding how to sell vintage clothing at the right price while running a successful online apparel business.
Create a Shipping and Returns Policy
Figure out where you can ship to, which carriers to use, customer rates, and special options. Set a returns policy that gives customers confidence but doesn’t open you up to scams. Consider insurance to cover occasional damage by delivery companies.
Make a Marketing Plan
You’ve got a lot of competition, and great products alone are no longer enough to stand out. Help others know about your Shopify vintage clothing shop with:
- Engaging social media posts
- Email newsletters
- Regular blog posts with style tips
- Reward programs and discounts
High-quality product images and website themes are part of your marketing, too. If you need help, think about hiring a web designer to assist you. Also, pay particular attention to product page copy to pitch your apparel with an accurate and appealing description.
After doing all of this, you’re ready to launch your store!
Make Shopping on Your Shopify Vintage Clothing Store Easy With Kiwi Sizing
A big challenge with vintage clothing sales is dealing with different sizing standards from multiple brands. How can you simplify the process for yourself and your customers?
Kiwi Sizing is a convenient plugin that streamlines sizing charts on Shopify stores. Using it can help you minimize returns and boost your ratings. Find out why 16,000 brands trust Kiwi Sizing for size charts and recommenders. Contact us to see how we can provide a tailor-made solution for your Shopify vintage clothing store.
