How I Launched My Online Vintage Furniture Business From Passion to Profit
My love for vintage furniture started as a hobby - weekends spent rummaging through charity shops and estate sales, looking for forgotten gems. Never did I dream those vintage hunting adventures would lead me to run a successful online furniture business.
Yet here I am, three years in since I took the leap to turn my passion into a livelihood. It’s been a delightful journey so far - though not without some trials and tribulations along the way!
When I first considered opening an online shop, I had much to learn. My knowledge of furniture eras came from following blogs, social media, and magazines, not formal training.
But what I lacked in pedigree, I made up for in sheer enthusiasm, and my keen eye for detail.
Through the power of YouTube, I went on a DIY learning trip and threw myself wholeheartedly into restoration projects, learning to reupholster age-worn chairs and mend chipped veneers. The satisfaction of revealing a piece’s former glory was so fulfilling.
I didn’t have a website to start with - instead, I set up my store on Etsy and Instagram. I traded mostly on Etsy at first, in fact, within a month of setting up, I had my first sale - a customer in Copenhagen ordered a pair of rattan dining chairs!
For the first year, Etsy served me well as a new small business owner.
But after a while, it became difficult as most of my customers were across the sea in the US, and the ever-rising postage prices (not to mention customs tariffs) made it more challenging, and put many potential American customers off.
It came to the point where postage cost more than the item itself.
Over time, more bad news ensued on Etsy, as they gradually increased their commissions and thus, squeezing the profits of small business owners like myself that they claim to support. I knew I had to set up my own website.
Creating my website was daunting to begin with. But I wanted it to mirror the welcoming vibe of my local vintage haunts. Soon it was filled with all the pieces I’d lovingly revived in my makeshift garden workshop.
Turning a profit as an unknown start-up was tough. But by focusing on quality over quantity and providing personal service, I’m proud to now be thriving three years on.
Though there have been lessons learned along the way, I wouldn't change a thing. Because through sharing my passion for vintage furniture, I’ve found joy - and a community who shares this quirky obsession of mine!
What’s changed over the years?
Although sales declined on Etsy, my website made up for it, and joining the London-based marketplace Vinterior in 2021, helped a lot since I’m a UK-based seller.
After two years, I shifted my focus away from North American customers as the pressure was getting to me.
While I appreciated the interest from across the pond - the packaging and delivery side was stressful, especially for large items like bistro sets and glass top tables.
Added to that were the strict customs laws, and certain items like glass could not be covered by insurance if they were to break in transit.
I also learned about Etsy’s unethical practices and the poor way in which it treats small businesses and artists - by charging enormous commissions on all transactions and pushing up the commission rates year after year, making it tougher for small, independent businesses to make a living.
I now no longer sell on Etsy, despite having maintained a perfect 5-star feedback score with rave reviews.
That being said, Etsy helped to grow my brand’s reputation and trust, and I feel much better since focusing solely on UK-based customers.