Taking Over A Shop...

[M. David]

Hello Everyone,

I'm another newbie on here and would really appreciate your input.  So far, everything that I've read on here has been quite valuable.  I welcome and value your opinions and comments.  Please don't hesitate to share your knowledge.  I need all of the help that I can get! 

In January I have an opportunity to take over an established antique shop in a town with other antique shops.  I do realize that having a shop in a town known for antiquing is a good thing.  This town is mostly a weekend destination.  Not so many visitors during the week.  This town also has monthly events all year-round, as well.  My plan is to be open on Fri, Sat, Sun, holidays and during town events.

I have so many questions that I hardly know where to begin!  I thought I'd start with this one and will have more to post in the future.  Thank you in advance for your thoughtful input.

  

First, I'm on a rather limited budget.  In other words, I'd be starting-up on a shoestring.  I really need to get a few quality dealers to rent some booth space.  It's a small shop so this would be limited to no more than three dealers in addition to myself.  I do not want junky flea market stuff or scented candles, etc. No offense intended to anyone.  I realize that these items have their place but I just don't want this stuff in my shop.  I want this place to be known for cool stuff of quality.  My first question is how to find a few quality dealers?  How do I screen them?  Do I need paperwork like space leases or is a "gentleman's agreement" okay in the beginning?  How would I keep these individuals during the months of Jan, Feb and March which I expect will be rather slow months?  Another question that crosses my mind is, what if I screen and accept a dealer based on their agreement to stock only goods of high-quality and later they begin to bring in unacceptable low quality goods?  How does one approach this situation with tact?  

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.  I will be posting more questions.  Thanks to all!