7 Antique Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 19th, 2023

Start An Antique Business

Owning an antique and vintage business can be fulfilling and profitable for those targeting the elite.

Antique businesses focus on procuring items at a low price and restoring them, then selling them at a profit. The items can include old toys, cars, bikes, household items, crafts, vintage jewelry, etc.

Opening an antique item store may seem somewhat daunting. However, once you have researched the items available and acquired the necessary skills and expertise, you will be ready to kick off.

For some, a storefront with enough storage for antique items might fit the bill. For others, an online store will work pretty well. Regardless of your approach, the secret is applying your entrepreneurship strategies to an overall framework for success.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a antique business:

1. Hoosierboy Restorations LLC ($180K/year)

In 2013, after working in education and information technologies for 25 years, the founder decided to cash out his 401K savings to start Hoosierboy Restorations, a company specializing in restoring antiques and antique toys. Inspired by a TV show about restoration, he blindly jumped into the business with a small garage and quickly outgrew the space, expanding to a 2200 sq.ft. facility. Today, 7 years later, the business has restored over 700 projects and attracts customers through regular website updates, Google My Business and Maps, monthly email blasts, open communication channels, project management software, and active social media presence. Despite the recent health crisis, the long-term future looks bright, especially with a target market of baby boomers with high disposable income. Along the journey, the founder learned the importance of communication, organization, and financial bookkeeping for business success.

How much they make: $180K/year
Current team size: 4

How I Left A 25-Year Career To Start A $15K/Month Antiques Restoration Business

How a former educator built a successful antique restoration business from scratch, growing from a 2-car garage to a 2200 sq. ft. space over seven years, thanks to communication skills, dedication to organization, regular website updates, and utilization of Google My Business and Maps.

About

Tim started Hoosierboy Restorations LLC almost 11 years ago

Revenue

Tim grew the business to $15K/month

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Starting An Antique Business: Everything You Need To Know

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So... can you actually make money with a antique business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

4. Antique Restoration and Sales

Where they're located: Valatie, NY, USA
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 4

5. Ruby Lane

Stroll down Ruby Lane's cobblestone streets to buy and sell quality Antique & Art, Doll, Vintage, and Jewelry items from the world's largest curated marketplace since 1998.

Where they're located: South Australia, Australia
Website traffic: 1.67M/month

So... can you actually make money with a antique business?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

7. Antique Farm House

Find the perfect accents for your home. From our vintage shoppe to seasonal farmhouse décor, we have the perfect pieces to make your house a home.

Where they're located: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Website traffic: 800K/month