Hello: I recently opened a store front and am contemplating opening an online store as well, but I am not convinced that I would find customers in the virtual world. Do people buy modern contemporary furniture and/or accessories online? I was hoping to find some kind of statistic or article. Thank you.

I doubt you will find an article or statistics on selling modern furniture specifically since it is such a niche market. Of course with the explosion of interest in 20th century design and modern design in general over the last several years the market has broadened. At the same time there are many many more retail shops and websites selling same than there were years ago. And you also have to consider the economic downturn that is affecting seemingly everyone of late. Many sites and shops have begun to fall by the wayside it seems. But yes, many sites do sell quite a bit online. In fact, it can be a large percentage of your total sales if you have the proper website, prices and merchandise.

I think there will be a short-term contraction in the market for modern design but operating a website doesn't have to be an expensive venture, especially when considering the cost to do likewise in the brick-and-mortar world.

Still though, the question is how to reach the market that is interested in your product. It is not a case of "build it and they will come" as many think. It takes marketing, publicity and word of mouth to make your site a success. One of our missions at GOMOD is to help bring a targeted buying audience to vintage and contemporary modern design websites, so consider advertising with us if you do open your site. It's inexpensive and provides a great deal of traffic to our Featured Sites.

..and GOOD LUCK!

Barry Bryant
GOMOD.COM :: bringing modern design home

Thank you for taking the time to respond, Barry. You have been very helpful.

As a buyer, the main drawback of an online store is shipping cost. I don't have much to spend on my buys and I hate to spend lots of it in shipping.

However, I look for stores and auctions within driving distance, so an online store may also result in buyers going to your brick and mortar store.

quote:

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Originally posted by Barry:
I think there will be a short-term contraction in the market for modern design

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What is the state of the modern design market? You mention a downturn - I was just wondering why this is happening...

I have become interested in Mid-Century design over the last 2 years and have been doing a bit of buying and quite a bit of selling recently purely because I really enjoy it, I get to make a bit of extra money and I want to find out as much as I can about this stuff!
I'm getting to the stage when I would like to devote more time to it and maybe set up a proper business (be it part time or full time) as opposed to just the ebay route.
My question: Is this unwise? How is the market going to evolve? I'm not interested in making loads of money but is it a viable career move? I know these questions are rather simplistic and it depends on so much more but it would be interesting to get the views from those who are currently dealing.
I'm in the UK so I guess it is very different than the US market....
My current job is in web design so I'm confident I can build a good site - a brick and mortars shop would probably be a secondary consideration....

Any feedback appreciated!

ben.

I don't think there's a downturn, there's perhaps 2 reasons if prices aren't being maintained:

1. Overpricing - going by ebay and some of the online stores, many people are asking too much. Yes, the design books might give you a price - but you have to find a buyer. Too many sellers at inflated prices, not enough buyers.

2. Tastes change. Particularly when designs get picked up by mass production chains (like Ikea doing the Tulip table), suddenly that expensive piece loses its impact.

David.

its one of the ways to get business done, so y not? By the way, are u going to sell furniture?