18 Business Ideas For Antique Collectors [2024]
As an antique collector, you already possess a deep appreciation for the past and a keen eye for valuable items. But have you ever thought about turning your passion into a lucrative business? In 2024, there are plenty of ways you could transform your love for antiques into a profitable venture.
Perhaps you could start an online store to reach collectors from around the globe or open a local shop to attract nearby enthusiasts. If you enjoy storytelling, you could launch a blog or a YouTube channel to share the history behind unique pieces. You might even consider offering appraisal services to help others discover the worth of their treasures.
Whether you're interested in sales, content creation, or valuation, the antique market presents various exciting opportunities. By leveraging your knowledge and passion, you could create a fulfilling and successful business in a field you love. Let's explore some of the best business ideas tailored specifically for antique collectors in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other antique collector businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're an antique collector with a passion for specific periods or types of items, starting a niche website could be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. A niche website allows you to deeply explore your area of expertise, sharing your knowledge and discoveries with a dedicated audience who shares your interests. Once you build a loyal following, you could monetize your site through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling antique-related eBooks and guides.
Why start a niche website?
- You could connect with a dedicated community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for antiques.
- You could easily turn your deep knowledge into various income streams, from affiliate marketing to selling digital products.
- Your initial content creation efforts could generate ongoing passive income as your site gains more traffic and followers.
For more inspiration, check out some niche website success stories from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
2. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a fantastic way for antique collectors to turn their passion into profit. By leveraging platforms like eBay, Etsy, and social media, you could reach a global audience without the initial costs of setting up a physical store or a website. This approach allows you to curate and sell unique items from your collection, making it easier to generate extra income or even establish a full-time business.
Becoming an ecommerce reseller lets you focus on your niche without worrying about production costs, as you're simply sourcing and reselling items you already have or can easily acquire. As your business grows, you might consider creating a dedicated website to further establish your brand and attract more customers. For more insights and step-by-step guidance, you can explore success stories of other ecommerce resellers here.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup costs. You could begin selling immediately through social media or existing ecommerce platforms without needing a website.
- Scalable growth. As your business gains traction, you could expand your reach and inventory, making it easier to transition from a side hustle to a full-fledged enterprise.
- Flexible and convenient. You manage your business on your schedule, giving you the freedom to balance it with other commitments.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
3. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be an excellent way for antique collectors to supplement their income by leveraging their specialized knowledge. As an affiliate marketer, you could promote niche products that align with the interests of antique enthusiasts, earning commissions on every sale made through your referral links. This opportunity allows you to create a steady stream of passive income while sharing your passion for antiques.
For example, you could partner with eCommerce stores that sell vintage home decor, antique appraisal services, or restoration products. By creating content such as blog posts, reviews, or social media updates, you can attract like-minded individuals who share your love for antiquities, driving traffic and sales to your affiliate partners. Learn more about starting an affiliate marketing business here.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You could generate passive income by promoting products that align with your passion for antiques.
- You already have a targeted audience interested in niche products, making it easier to drive sales.
- It requires relatively low initial investment compared to traditional businesses.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a fantastic way for antique collectors to share their expertise, build a community, and generate income. By identifying a unique and profitable niche within the antique world, you could create engaging content that captivates fellow collectors and enthusiasts. This could include articles, how-to guides, top product lists, and more, opening up various monetization opportunities through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and even speaking engagements. If you want to know more about niche blogging, you might find this Starter Story guide on niche blog success stories useful.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion into profit by sharing your deep knowledge of antiques.
- Creating engaging content could attract like-minded individuals and potential buyers.
- A niche blog could open doors to partnerships with relevant brands and events.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform could be an excellent way to leverage your expertise as an antique collector. With your deep understanding of valuable collectibles, you could create a specialized online exchange that connects collectors and investors interested in alternative assets. By providing a transparent and secure trading ecosystem, you could build a dedicated user base while generating recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You could leverage your knowledge to create a unique marketplace that attracts like-minded enthusiasts.
- You'll provide an alternative investment avenue for those seeking to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional markets.
- By focusing on a specialized niche, you could stand out and foster an exclusive, loyal community of users.
To learn more about the startup costs involved in creating a niche investment platform, check out Starter Story's guide here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
6. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business is a fantastic opportunity for antique collectors to delve into entrepreneurial ventures. By curating and delivering unique antique items directly to subscribers on a monthly basis, you not only share your passion but also create a steady, recurring revenue stream. These curated boxes can include themed collections or rare finds, offering exclusive discoveries that customers eagerly anticipate.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could turn your passion for antiques into a scalable business model with recurring income.
- You could build a loyal customer base by offering exclusive, hand-picked items that subscribers can't find elsewhere.
- You could enjoy the flexibility and creativity of regularly curating different themes, which keeps your business dynamic and engaging.
For more tips on starting your subscription box business, check out successful stories and marketing ideas on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
7. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as an antique collector is an excellent way to supplement your income while indulging in your passion for history and collectibles. By sharing your expertise and adventures in the world of antiques, you can attract a dedicated audience of enthusiasts who are eager to learn and engage. Promoting your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth could help you build a solid listener base, paving the way for sponsorships and advertisements to generate additional revenue.
Why consider a podcast?
- You could establish yourself as an authority in the antique industry, attracting listeners who value your insights and expertise.
- With low startup costs, starting a podcast is a budget-friendly way to explore a new business avenue.
- A podcast could help you connect with a broader audience, potentially leading to new business opportunities and collaborations in the antiques community.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
8. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As an antique collector, starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative and exciting venture that supplements your income through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. By creating content focused on antique appraisals, restoration tutorials, or historical insights, you can engage a wide audience of enthusiasts and novices alike, while sharing your passion and expertise.
Building a successful channel requires dedication to producing high-quality videos and maintaining consistent uploads. Leveraging SEO for your video content and effective social media marketing can significantly boost your viewership and engagement. With time and effort, your YouTube channel can become a valuable platform for both educational and entertainment purposes.
Why start a YouTube channel as an antique collector?
- You could monetize your knowledge by reaching a global audience interested in antiques.
- You could establish yourself as an authority in the antique world, attracting sponsorships and collaborations.
- Sharing your expertise via video content provides a versatile way to engage with your audience and grow your brand.
For more insights, consider checking out some successful examples here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
9. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business could be a profitable venture for antique collectors. Given your keen eye for unique and historical items, you could capture high-quality photographs of antiques and collectibles. These photos can then be sold to businesses for marketing purposes, or to website owners and bloggers who need visually appealing stock images. By investing in good photography gear and honing your skills, you could build an impressive portfolio and earn passive income from your stock photos.
You may also want to check out success stories and marketing ideas for a stock photography business to learn more.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You have a niche focus. Your expertise in antiques allows you to create specialized, unique stock photos that stand out.
- Passive income potential. Once uploaded to stock photo sites, your photos can continue to generate income over time.
- Low startup costs. Basic photography gear and an online presence are enough to kickstart this side business.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
10. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As an antique collector, you have a keen eye for recognizing value, history, and quality, which are also essential traits when developing a health and wellness app. Leveraging your passion for meticulous details and curation, you could design an app that offers a holistic approach to health, combining personalized fitness routines, nutrition advice, and mental wellness exercises. By starting such an app, you're opening up a path to positively impact the well-being of others, all while creating a profitable and scalable business model.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could combine your attention to detail with innovative technology to create a high-quality, valuable digital product.
- This venture allows you to tap into a growing market that emphasizes wellness and self-care, maximizing your income potential.
- Your experience in antique collection means you already understand how to curate and present valuable content, skills transferable to developing engaging wellness plans in the app.
For more information on how to get started, visit Starter Story's health and wellness app success stories.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
11. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As an antique collector, creating a mobile app can be an innovative way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even start a side business. Think of developing a mobile app that helps fellow collectors identify, appraise, and connect with other enthusiasts or potential buyers. Beyond offering a unique service to the antique community, an app can facilitate instant communication, pricing updates, and marketplace integration, generating substantial revenue.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could tap into a growing digital market and reach a broader audience.
- An app provides a platform where antique collectors can easily share their expertise and monetize it.
- Leveraging technology, you could offer real-time updates and valuable information, enhancing user engagement and loyalty.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Starting an AI writing tool as an antique collector may seem like a unique combination, yet it offers a realm of possibilities. This digital enterprise utilizes Artificial Intelligence to simplify and enhance the process of content creation, which can be a game-changer for anyone looking to supplement their income. Given your appreciation for detailed historical knowledge and storytelling, you could leverage these skills to design an AI tool that crafts engaging narratives or detailed descriptions for various collectibles, enhancing their market value and appeal.
Imagine providing a service that helps other collectors write compelling descriptions for online auctions or marketplace listings. Your AI writing tool could also generate insightful content for antique blogs, newsletters, or social media posts, broadening your reach within the antique community with minimal effort. Start your journey by exploring this modern venture and witness how technology can elevate your business prospects.
Why start an AI writing tool?
- An AI writing tool can automate content creation, saving you valuable time for sourcing and negotiating antiques.
- Utilizing AI, you could generate high-quality descriptions and stories for your collectibles, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
- The AI writing tool could cater to other collectors and businesses, creating a new income stream as you help others enhance their marketing efforts.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
13. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business as an antique collector offers an innovative way to generate additional income by leveraging your unique expertise. You could develop niche plugins that cater specifically to antique collectors, sellers, and enthusiasts—for instance, inventory management tools, or auction and bidding systems tailored to antique items. By tapping into the vast WordPress ecosystem, you can reach a global audience and transform your specialized knowledge into a profitable venture.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- WordPress is widely used, making it a large market for your niche plugins.
- You could turn your specialized antique knowledge into real-world solutions, helping others in your community.
- Selling WordPress plugins requires low initial investment, allowing you to start small and scale up.
For more insights and tips, check out our full guide on starting a WordPress plugin business.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
14. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Embracing an AI-based business solution can be a game-changer for antique collectors looking to supplement their income or even start a full-fledged business. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could streamline various business operations—from inventory management and valuation to customer service and personalized marketing. This not only enhances your efficiency but also opens up new revenue streams, allowing you to focus more on your passion for antiques.
Moreover, many AI platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems, meaning you don't need a tech background to start. As demand for AI solutions continues to grow, this could be your opportunity to gain a competitive edge and innovate your antique business. If you're curious about how profitable this venture could be, you might find it helpful to explore success stories and marketing ideas here.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your time to focus on sourcing unique antiques.
- Customer insights provided by AI can help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies, boosting sales.
- Predictive analytics from AI tools can help you make informed decisions about which antiques to invest in.
Starting an AI-based business solution is not just about keeping up with technology; it's about leveraging it to maximize your antique business's potential.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
15. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As an antique collector, starting a lead generation tool could be an innovative way to supplement your income or even create a full-fledged business. By developing a software application that identifies and captures potential customer leads, you could automate the often laborious process of sourcing new clients. This would allow businesses, including antique shops, to focus on converting these leads into sales, saving them time and effort.
Integrating your tool with websites, social media, and other digital touchpoints would enable you to collect valuable data such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests. Given the high demand for efficient lead generation, especially from businesses eager to streamline their marketing, this could be a highly lucrative venture. For more information on what it takes to develop a successful lead generation tool, check out these startup costs and initial steps.
Why develop a lead generation tool?
- The market demand is high as businesses constantly seek efficient ways to find potential customers.
- Automating lead generation saves companies time and allows them to focus on conversions.
- You could leverage your marketing and tech skills into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
16. Start a drive-through convenience store business
If you're passionate about antique collecting and looking for a side business or a new venture to supplement your income, consider starting a drive-through convenience store business. This venture aligns perfectly with your interest in rare finds and unique items, as it allows you to curate a collection of antique-inspired goods for modern consumers. Additionally, your knack for identifying quality items will help you source and offer unique, vintage snacks, beverages, and other essentials that stand out in the market.
To learn more about the potential of this business, check out this guide on startup costs and profitability.
Why consider a drive-through convenience store business?
- It's a novelty twist: Your expertise in antiques will enable you to create a unique shopping experience, blending convenience with a touch of nostalgia.
- Low overhead: Drive-through operations require fewer staff and less space, making it a cost-effective business model to manage.
- Customer attraction: Offering unique products will draw antique enthusiasts and curious customers, creating a loyal customer base.
17. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business can be an excellent side venture for antique collectors looking to supplement their income. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. This business involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms. Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—pay you to save them time and enhance their social media presence.
Given the growing demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there is significant potential for generating extra income. For antique collectors with an eye for detail and a knack for technology and marketing, this can be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. If starting such a business piques your interest, you can explore more about profitability and success stories here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Efficiently manage multiple social media accounts, saving both you and your clients valuable time.
- Capitalize on the rising need for strategic social media to create a significant extra income stream.
- Use your unique insights as an antique collector to help clients better connect with niche audiences.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
18. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business offers antique collectors a unique opportunity to supplement their income or even launch a full-time venture without the hassle of managing inventory. By sourcing antique-style or vintage-inspired products from third-party suppliers, you could leverage your knowledge of antiques to curate a niche online store that appeals to other collectors and enthusiasts. Create your store on platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and focus on marketing and exceptional customer service to grow your business effectively.
Why consider a dropshipping business?
- Minimal investment needed: With no inventory costs, you could start on a tight budget.
- Flexibility and scalability: Easily add or change product offerings based on trends and customer demand.
- Leverage your expertise: Use your knowledge of antiques to select and market products that resonate with your audience.
For more details on starting a dropshipping business, visit Starter Story's dropshipping success stories.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
