How to Start an Antique Business in Europe: A Beginner's Guide

Getting Started: The Initial Setup

Let's consider a scenario of a person with a medium income and a starting capital of several tens of thousands of euros moving to Europe to open a small antique or vintage business. Serbia has been chosen as an example—a country where moving can be considered more of a relocation than emigration in the classic sense.

Serbia is friendly to newcomers from Russia, has a similar mentality and Orthodox culture, which significantly eases the adaptation process. It is not the wealthiest country, with an average salary of $500-600, but it is a candidate for EU membership, which indicates a gradual harmonization of its legal system with European standards.

Primary Tasks: Language and Integration

When moving to a new country, even one as culturally close as Serbia, it is necessary to address two main tasks that run parallel to business preparations. The success of the entire venture directly depends on them.

1. Learning the language. This is an absolute priority. You need to set aside everything secondary and focus your efforts on mastering the local language. It is the foundation for communication in both daily life and business.

1. Integration into society. To understand the country, you need to immerse yourself in local life. One effective way is to find a hobby and join local communities. For example, playing sports at a local club allows you to make useful connections that can help in the future, including in business matters.

On-the-Ground Reconnaissance: Market Research

Before starting to trade, it is necessary to conduct a thorough 'reconnaissance mission'—to study the local antique market in detail. This will help you understand its specifics, size, and potential.

Attention should be paid to several key points:

• Local flea markets and stalls. You need to visit them to assess the assortment, prices, and activity.

• Market seasonality. It's important to understand whether the flea markets operate year-round or only during the tourist season.

• Antique shops. Study their inventory, pricing policies, and foot traffic. This will give you an idea of the competition and demand.

• Collectors' clubs. The presence of such communities is a good sign, indicating a developed collecting culture in the region.

Two Main Challenges: Sourcing and Selling Goods

Any trading business faces two main questions: where to get the goods and who to sell them to. A comprehensive strategy must be developed to solve them.

• Local flea markets and stalls.
• Ads in local newspapers and on online classifieds boards for buying old items.
• Cooperation with companies that handle complete house and apartment clearances (Haushaltsauflösung).

Initial sales can be organized through local channels, especially in a resort town. An effective approach could be a stall at a flea market, a small stand on busy tourist streets during the season, or consigning goods to existing antique shops.

The Key to Success: Online Trading

Local sales are just the initial stage. The real key to success and the main source of income should be online trading. Unlike the local market, which can be limited and seasonal, the internet provides global reach and operates 24/7.

The main platform to start with is eBay. You need to register, open your store, and start listing items for sale. It's important to target not only the European market but also the American market, where purchasing power is higher.

For an online buyer, it doesn't matter where the item is physically located—in Serbia or Germany. The main things are the item itself, its price, and the shipping cost and time. Even while being in a non-EU country, you can successfully ship inexpensive items worldwide.

Legal and Tax Aspects

When registering a business, it is important to study the local tax legislation. Since Serbia is aspiring to join the EU, its system may have similarities to the European one.

It is recommended to inquire about the possibility of registering as a 'small entrepreneur.' This status usually involves simplified accounting and exemption from VAT, which allows you to sell goods at a more competitive price. It is also worth finding out if there are any government subsidies or benefits for new entrepreneurs.

It is crucial to document all purchases, especially expensive ones. At the flea market, ask sellers for a receipt or keep your own records: date, place, stall number, description of the purchase, and a photo. This will help you prove that you are a bona fide purchaser if any questions arise.