the perils of being exceptionally skilled at finding vintage merchandise and not knowing the best way to make the most money

Questions for vintage pickers and retailers.

I’ve done the etsy thing and it was a lot of work - measuring, ironing photographing, researching your merch, branding, site-maintenance, shipping.

I’ve also sold to vintage retailers, and it’s a hell of a lot easier, but usually you aren’t making what the clothes are worth. This is not to discount the shopkeepers, because it is undoubtedly costly to rent a space, hire employees, and market your brand - among everything else that comes with running a store. It’s hard work and I deeply admire you (also, please hire me. Or if you’re looking for pickers, I’m you’re gal).

So, what I’m wondering is, for those of you who’ve been in the business, what do you think is more conducive to raking it in? Don’t fib to hoard the business; there’s room for all of us. I LOVE my day job (“day” job, right, there’s no 6:00 punch card in the art world), but want to take vintage selling more seriously in order to help me pay rent and, uh, buy a pair of Bleulab jeans. Or leather mustard driving gloves.

if you want to add to my (now defunct) etsy site, have at it. Thanks for all your help guys!

 
P.S. The dress isnot for sale. It’s my New Years Eve getup