I get people telling me regularly that they wish they’d started a vintage shop. Or that their house is already “a bit like this,” so maybe they should. Or, more bluntly, “Do you actually make any money from this?”
Those questions usually come casually, over the counter, while someone is browsing. Sometimes they’re said half-jokingly. Sometimes they’re serious — especially from people who’ve been selling a few pieces online, on Etsy, at markets, or from a spare room or garage corner, and are starting to realise they’ve outgrown it.
People often ask how to start a vintage shop. Sometimes they mean it as a dream. Sometimes they’re already halfway there and just don’t know what the next step looks like.
This article isn’t a how-to guide or a promise of easy success. It’s simply what I’ve learned from running a vintage shop in regional Australia — slowly, practically, and over many years — including what helped, what cost more than expected, and what I would do again.
Start smaller than you think you need to
Many people begin by selling on Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or at local markets. That’s a good place to start. It teaches you what people actually buy, not just what you love.
If you’re considering a shopfront, chances are you already have stock. Use it. You don’t need to fill a space perfectly from day one. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Add to what you already own. Supplement from home if necessary. Let the shop grow naturally rather than forcing it to look “finished” immediately.
Slow beginnings give you room to learn without financial pressure.
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Understand the real costs — before you sign anything
The biggest shift from online selling to a physical shop is fixed costs.
You’ll need to consider:
• rent
• bond
• insurance
• electricity
• basic fit-out
• signage
These costs don’t need to be large, but they do need to be planned.
You can paint your own signage. You can repurpose furniture. You can start with very little if you’re practical. But it’s important to know what you must pay each month so you’re not guessing.
Car signage, however, is worth considering early. A sign on your vehicle is one of the best, most consistent forms of advertising — especially in regional areas.
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Second-hand dealer licences matter (even online)
In most Australian states, you need a second-hand dealer licence — even if you’re selling online.
Apply early. It can take time.
You’ll also need:
• a dealer’s register (or “declares book”)
• to record purchases and sales over the threshold amount (often $55, depending on your state)
This isn’t complicated, but it is regulated. Check your local requirements carefully and build the habit from the start. It saves trouble later.
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Finding the right location isn’t about perfection
I originally looked for a shed. What I found was an old workshop that had once been an office, on a main road.
It wasn’t glamorous — but it had excellent road exposure.
Interestingly, most people don’t find me by driving past. They find me on Google. But nearly every day, someone tells me they’ve driven past for years and finally decided to stop in.
Visibility still matters.
I started by renting one room. Every six months or so, I added another. The shop grew as the business grew — not before.
That approach kept things manageable, financially and emotionally.
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Banking, EFTPOS, and payments
Your bank can help set up a business account and EFTPOS, but there are also flexible options like Square or Smartpay.
Keep it simple at first. You can always upgrade later.
The goal is ease — for you and your customers.
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Advertising: less is more at the beginning
I use:
But the most effective advertising is still word of mouth.
One thing that’s worked well for me is local radio. I do short interviews every few weeks — just a few minutes talking about history, old things, and what’s currently in the shop. It’s gentle, low-pressure exposure, and it reaches people who aren’t online much.
Most importantly:
Don’t pay for advertising you don’t need at the start.
You don’t have to do everything at once.
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Keep things simple — and reuse what you can
Recycled wrapping works beautifully in a vintage shop:
• old paper
• letters
• boxes
• brown paper
• string
It suits the aesthetic, costs very little, and aligns with why many people shop vintage in the first place.
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A final, honest note
Starting a vintage shop doesn’t need to be rushed. It doesn’t need to be expensive. And it doesn’t need to follow someone else’s formula.
Start small. Learn as you go. Let the shop reflect your eye, your pace, and your community.
That’s how longevity is built.
— Deb, Kitten Vintage Mackay