If you’re thinking about setting up your own vintage boutique, either online or in-store, don’t dot another i on that business plan until you’ve read these tips from those in the know. Let us know what advice you’d offer start-ups in the comments section below.

Try selling online or at a market just to see how you get on as setting up shop is a big risk to take. Get in touch with your local council to find out if u can set up a stall somewhere near where you live. Audrey Taylor, Kate & Aud

Don’t buy too much stock! It’s very easy to get carried away and just keep sourcing and buying lots of things you love. However, I worked out the other day it would probably take me five years to sell everything that Lovely’s Vintage Emporium has in stock, which is not a clever way to run a business. Lynnette Peck, Lovely’s Vintage Emporium

Be true to your individual identity and style ethos and know your product. Louise Hill, Hope & Harlequin

The key to thriving as a vintage boutique is having the right product. As the definition of vintage is always changing, the shops that will thrive are those that have a keen understanding of which products are relevant to their surroundings. It’s important to focus on what’s going on around your area – Beyond Retro have a dedicated product department who always refer to street style fashion to our sourcing team as we find it hugely influential on trends both in the area and on a larger scale. Charlotte Sutcliffe Smith, Beyond Retro

If you’re running an online boutique, invest in good photographic equipment. You need to compensate in a product image for the fact your customer cannot feel or try on that item meaning that the image must depict minor details, give alternating views and really ‘show it off’.

For those who have their own site, search engine optimization (SEO) is also key. The initial optimisation for my site cost £300, which has seen my traffic rocket as well as it being targeted traffic, as opposed to people mistakenly coming onto my site and bouncing straight off. Whilst it is very important that your website and products are visually stimulating, if it doesn’t work or doesn’t get seen by anybody – what is the point?

Utilise any form of marketing of which is free, so establish an active social media presence. And finally, collect analytical information on your customers’ preferences and online habits wherever you can, so though tools such as Facebook insights – all of this marketing data is very important for when expanding your brand. Emily Amelia Inglis, Wooden Hill Vintage

Expect a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re deliriously happy and the next the fear sets in and you’re panicking about every single detail. Don’t worry though – just refer back to your business plan and drink gin. It helps. A lot. Claire Culley, Super + Super

Get to know your vintage. This will help you to date garments, as well as price them accordingly and your knowledge will also instill the trust of buyers. Fabric print, colour and cloth are indicators of decades, as well as cut and design of course. Be sure to look for details such as hand sewing, type of zip, collar, sleeve, hem length and skirt styles which all vary through eras.  Clothing labels are also a guide to dating an item- look at the brand/ designer’s name but also the style e.g. woven, type of font and placement.

It’s important to completely immerse yourself.  I’ve developed much of my vintage knowledge of the last 20 years from watching films-  from silent black and whites, 1930s/ ’40s Fred & Ginger right through to 1950s Technicolour musicals, 1960s Carry On films and 1980s flicks, taking special interest in the costumes used. I find it a constant and exciting process – there’s always more to learn! Donna Grimaldi, Bobby Sox Vintage