Whitney & Nicole traveled to England last month with their husbands for their first antique buying trip. And we fell hard for England! Join us for a recap on our week in the countryside. We share all the logistics for traveling to and from England, importing antiques, getting around the country, finding antique fairs and more.

We are so thankful for our supporters! This month’s sponsors include @oohilovethat @cobblestone.house and @monarchlandingquilts. If you’d like to get a Shop Shout Out in a future episode, comment COFFEE below and we will send you a link to support the podcast.
📢 Shop Talk is your monthly dose of inspiration for selling vintage and antiques online, hosted by @vintagehavenshoppe and @conard.and.co. We bring you conversations, strategies and tips on running a thriving antiques business that gives you life, instead of taking over your life.

In this episode of Shop Talk, Whitney and Nicole discuss the intricacies of shipping vintage items with guest Crystal Joyce. They explore the challenges sellers face, the importance of effective packaging, and the common mistakes made in the shipping process. Crystal shares her journey from accounting to becoming a shipping expert, emphasizing the significance of customer experience and the role of shipping policies. The conversation also highlights the benefits of using shipping platforms and the importance of proper packaging to ensure items arrive safely and enhance customer satisfaction.We discuss the intricacies of shipping fragile items, the importance of eco-friendly packaging, and the psychological impact of free shipping on consumer behavior. They share best practices for packaging, including the use of honeycomb paper and the significance of branding through packaging. The discussion also covers strategies for implementing free shipping effectively, especially for small businesses and vintage sellers.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Crystal Joyce on IG at @mrsshippie and her website: https://mrsshippie.com/Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

From antique treasures to tariffs - join our conversation with Kristina Urquhart from @the.vintage.seeker , as she shares how her business is bridging the gap between sellers and seekers - now available to watch on YouTube & Spotify!

📢 Welcome to Shop Talk, your monthly dose of inspiration for selling vintage and antiques online, hosted by @vintagehavenshoppe and @conard.and.co. We bring you conversations, strategies and tips on running a thriving business that gives you life, instead of taking over your life.

New episodes launching monthly to watch on YouTube and Spotify (and more platforms coming soon)!

Summary

In this episode of Shop Talk, hosts Whitney and Nicole discuss the evolution of their podcast, their personal journeys in the vintage selling business, and the importance of community support. They share insights from their experiences, highlight memorable guests, and address common challenges faced by sellers. The conversation also covers their transition to a new recording format, future plans, and answers listener questions about maintaining consistency and overcoming sales plateaus.

Takeaways

• Shop Talk is evolving to better serve its audience.
• Community support is crucial for success in business.
• It's important to love both the product and the selling process.

• The term 'side hustle' doesn't reflect the dedication required.

• Guest interviews provide valuable insights and learning opportunities.

• Navigating business challenges is part of the journey.

• Transitioning to a new format aims to enhance content quality.

• Consistency in business requires setting up systems.

• Sales plateaus can often be addressed by changing platforms or presentation.

Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:

-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com

-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com 

Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

The warmer weather is here, and we are smack dab in the middle of “Market Season”! This episode is all about traveling for antiques — from jumping in your car to hit up a local market, to hopping on a plane in pursuit of bustling Parisian brocantes.🧳

We dove into Nicole’s recent trip to Paris, along with several large markets here in the states. Learn about how to prepare for a market, what to bring, and where to go! 

Whether you're dreaming of antique-hunting getaways or planning your next market-hopping adventure, this episode is your perfect pre-trip companion!

Originally aired on Instagram Live on Wednesday, June 11th.

Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:

-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and https://conardandco.com 

-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com 

Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.com/starterkit

Paris Markets that occur year-round:

Porte de Vanves - outside

• South of Paris - take a Bolt / Uber, or bus

• Saturday & Sunday

MAP - Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen - combination of indoor enclosed “mall” and indoor / outdoor stalls - different areas to shop per street

• North of Paris - take a Bolt / Uber, bus or Metro. **Area outside the market is very “urban” - be aware of surroundings (outskirts of Paris - much different setting) 

• Vendors have permanent locations / shops. 

• Open on Friday (for dealers only), Saturday, Sunday, Monday (not all shops are open on Monday)

Puces d’Aligre - outside

• In the 12th Arrondissement - easy to access by Metro / bus (or walking!)

• Approx. 30+ vendors set up daily

• More of a casual flea market setting

US Markets mentioned in the episode:

Brimfield, MA - https://www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/

Springfield, OH - https://jenkinsandco.com/springfield-antique-show/ 

Madison-Bouckville, NY - https://www.madison-bouckville.com/ 

Liberty, NC - https://www.libertyantiquesfestival.com/

Sparks Flea Market, KS - https://www.facebook.com/SparksFleaMarket/

Tulsa Flea Market, OK - http://www.tulsafleamarket.net/index.html 

Round Top, TX - https://www.roundtoptexasantiques.com/show-dates 

Lucketts - Berryville, VA - https://www.luckettsmarkets.com/our-markets-1-1 

Inventory is both the bane and delight of an antique dealer’s existence - finding it can be thrilling, but managing it…not so much.Which is why we are hosting Kelli Ellis for a conversation on how to use technology and storytelling to manage and sell your inventory for your vintage & antique shop!Kelli Ellis,  @world_of_ronati  SVP Industry Relations & Business Development, is an acclaimed celebrity artist and designer whose style epitomizes livable luxury and casual international flair mixed with rockstar glam. She has designed interiors that integrate antiques into residential and hospitality venues for the past 25 years and devised the innovative ‘Design Psychology Coach’ program. As a tastemaker, she’s led the masses on numerous television shows including HGTV, The Design Network (TDN), TCL, Bravo, and more. One of Ronati’s earliest advisors, Kelli joined the Ronati team in 2019, overseeing United Kingdom and European strategic partnerships and events.In this episode, we will hear: -Kelli’s journey to working with dealers through Ronati-Strategic inventory management to increase profit AND sales-How sellers can work with interior designers to grow their businesses-Insider tips for antique shopping in Spain, where you can literally pick up antiques for free on the side of the road-How you can get your free ticket to success by utilizing Ronati Studio to manage your inventory - sign up for a free 30-day pro account trial & get 35% off PRO with promo code: TWMAY2025Originally aired on Instagram Live on May 7, 2025Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Kelli Ellis on IG at @designerkelliellis and her website https://www.kelliellis.com/ -Ronati on IG at @ronatipro and  @world_of_ronati  and website https://ronati.com/ - sign up for a free 30-day pro account trial & get 35% off PRO with promo code: TWMAY2025Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Do you love French antiques? Is it a dream to peruse the Parisian markets while taking in the rich, French culture? Well, today’s special guest has developed a sense of “je ne sais quoi” in the City of Lights. We are thrilled to have Helen from Quintessentially French as our first international “tour guide”!

Helen is about to whisk us away on an exciting journey through the streets of Paris, revealing the city’s best markets and showing us the insider tips for shopping like a true Parisian! She will offer an insider look at her business and the journey that brought it to life. Expect an inspiring, behind the scenes conversation you won’t want to miss!

Establishing Quintessentially French Brocante in 2019 was a natural progression for Helen on settling in France. Helen turned a lifetime of collecting, a passion for history and a love of France into a thriving business. Living in Paris and rural Normandy, Helen is blessed with the best of both worlds to source the most glorious antique and vintage treasures.

Originally aired on Instagram Live on April 1, 2025.

Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:

-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com

-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com 

-Helen on IG at @quintessentiallyfrench and her website: https://www.quintessentiallyfrench.com

Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

On Helen’s blog: Paris Fleamarket Insider Information - https://www.quintessentiallyfrench.com/post/paris-fleamarkets-insider-information

Some simple French phrases that may help:

• Always say “Bonjour [madame or monsieur]” as you approach a vendor.

• “S’il vous plaît” (please), “merci beaucoup” (thank you very much)

• Asking about the price of an item: Le prix? / Quel est le prix? / Combien s’il vous plaît?

• Upon leaving, wish the madame or monsieur a “bonne journée!” (good day) 

Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and finally start that Etsy shop, or if you already have one up and running, this episode is for you! We dive deep into selling on Etsy - sharing the good, the bad, and the confusing parts about leveraging this massive platform for our small businesses.

This episode is a great overview of how to sell on Etsy - soup to nuts. From setting up a listing, to determining what keywords to use, to shipping methods (free vs. calculated), to handling refunds - we have you covered! AND you may learn a thing or two that you didn’t already know - like how to earn a commission by sharing links!

Originally aired on Instagram Live on Date 3/5/2025.*Disclaimer: Any/all perks, options, resources, and figures mentioned during this episode (such as fees, file sizes, etc.) may fluctuate.  

Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:

-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com

-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com 

Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Tax season is upon us, whether we are ready or not! Finances, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and let’s face it - anything pertaining to numbers - can cause a sense of dread or overwhelm. Whether you are just starting out and want to know how to properly track your finances, or if you are already an established small business owner, this episode is for YOU! Get your pen and paper out, because you will want to jot down notes.Our February guests Paul and Faith from  @MyResellerGenie  will hold our hands and walk us through basic bookkeeping systems so we can focus our time and what we really love - buying and selling vintage! When Faith wanted to start a small business in 2020, but felt overwhelmed, she sought the aid from her accountant husband, Paul. Together, they teamed up to provide a tool that would help her, as well as other small shop owners get set up to run successful businesses. Come along with us as we dive deep into tracking inventory and expenses, prepare for tax season, learn about the financial side of owning a small business, and more!Sign up for My Reseller Genie and get 15% off your first month using the promo code: THRIFTYWHITNEY - https://www.myresellergenie.com/?ref=zgy1odr*Disclaimer - this material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.Originally aired on Instagram Live on February 20, 2025.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagehavenshoppe- My Reseller Genie (Faith & Paul) on IG at  @MyResellerGenie  and their websites: https://www.myresellergenie.com/ (learn more about the software) and https://www.myresellergenie.com/blog (reseller resources and tips)Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit IRS FAQ resources for small businesses:https://www.irs.gov/faqs/small-business-self-employed-other-business https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc511

Are you ready to give your online vintage shop a boost? Or are you just starting out and don’t know where to start when it comes to telling people about the amazing vintage you’re selling?