Your Business Ever wondered how vintage stock suddenly appears at vintage fairs? TVB goes to investigate the muth behind the vintage wholesalers game....
I have often wondered how vintage shops, traders and vintage markets and the like ever get their stock. Where does it come from? Who supplies it, sorts it out and generally, where possible, does all the ‘dirty work’ if you will, and rummaging for us? (On our behalf, of course.) Sometimes, in fact probably more often than not, it is the rummaging we enjoy – the endless days spent trekking the streets, charity shops and car boot sales for that worthy prize. But does it become, at any point, one long hard slog? For some of us perhaps (and I hear the rest of you shout NO!) So it is not surprising that to many, the two chiming words of ‘Glass Onion’ are perhaps a vintage God send. Determined to seek out yet another vintage experience for myself and of course for you, dear readers, I launched my trusty steed across land and countless motorways to go in search of this emerald vegetable (ok, perhaps not emerald then but it certainly has reason to shine….) I met with Ben Woodhouse, Sales Manager and general guru when it comes to keeping the spirit of customer service alive. He chirps rather proudly that the 15 strong team of youngsters at Glass Onion HQ are all passionate about vintage and the quality that their market demands. There is a lot to be said for youngsters coming up the ranks in the vintage scene, as we discussed in last week’s issue – they are fresh blood into the system who are taking, like Glass Onion, the industry by the wide lapels. Glass Onion works on a variety of levels and not just successfully as a business. Customers can access their extensive stock through the mail order section of their website. This is self-explanatory and highly effective if you know what you want. Secondly, clients can rock up to one of their handpicked events (best to contact bw@glassonionvintage.com) These come usually once a month, and this is where customers can come and pick their own vintage items. All you have to do is register first (to the email above) and receive your information through the post prior to the event. It is best to check the calendar first on the website. You can get more information on how these events work for you and your business through this link here. Any which way you want to buy, browse and generally be in the know, they are a great and friendly team and more than happy to hear from you – no matter how big or small your business is. There is also a Skype service where you can book a live appointment and the staff can go through the stock you wish to purchase for you over the call. There are of course, not to mention their very successful Kilo saleswhich allow those customers not able to get to Barnsley to come and see the stock for themselves at events around the country. In the five years of doing these extraordinary sales, they have developed a successful partnership with Judy’s Affordable Fairs, one that continues to grow…... It is worth mentioning here that Glass Onion are more than just a wholesaler in the art of vintage. They are global, selling to customers as far as Japan and New Zealand. Customers can by as little or as much as they want in terms of weight (kilos.) So where does it come from? Well, it simply works back down the chain, and you will find Glass Onion at the heart of the chain helping every branch from it. They support the charities who are unable to literally process the millions of tonnes of donated clothing each year over the amount they can process. Other sources are from rag mills from all over the world. Glass Onion receive around 18 tonnes every ten days so even through 15 staff, it’s a lot of work!
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