Choose your consignment store’s name carefully

I took one psychology course in college. The professor, either because of his age or his importance, never actually showed up to class. He videotaped all of his lectures. Interestingly, the only thing I remember was how he pronounced the word “déjà vu.” In typical Midwestern fashion, it sounded like “dee jah view,” meaning seen already. Sound familiar? Many consignment stores have used it to name their businesses. Take these steps before choosing your consignment store’s name. It will make a difference.

Step 1. The KISS Rule

Your consignment store’s name should always be short, easy to remember, and easy to pronounce. Follow the KISS Rule. Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Step 2. Communicate a message

Choose a name that tells people who you are and what you do. Make sure your name fits the type of store you’re opening. Think of your overall brand. If you’re opening a high-end consignment store, don’t name it “Betty’s Used Stuff.” Conversely, don’t use words like “curated” or “boutique” if you’re selling a wide variety of easy-to-afford merchandise.

Step 3. Is the Domain Name available?

Your domain name is your website address. Unfortunately, many common domain names have already been taken. Keep searching to find one that suits your business. A good place to start is GoDaddy.com. Just type in the name you’re considering and see if it’s available.

Step 4. Is your consignment store’s name being used in your state?

Obviously, research is a major part of choosing your consignment store’s name. Check with your state’s Secretary of State office to see if your name is listed. Although the store may not be in your same city, it can still add to confusion online.

Step 5. Test your name

It’s always good to get feedback on your name choice from family, friends, and even strangers. Have 3 to 5 ideas and see what they like best. Ask them why and if they have an idea of what you will be selling.

Step 6. Think of your future

Your consignment store’s name should comfortably fit you for 2, 5, 10, or even 20 years down the road. Something that’s relevant and a bit edgy today may not even make sense down the road. Think beyond opening day. Consider where you want to be.

Step 7. Take the SCRATCH Test

Alexandra Watkins, author of Hello My Name Is Awesome: How To Create Brand Names That Stick, invented the SCRATCH test. These are considered the 7 Deadly Sins to Avoid When Creating a Brand Name. S = Spelling-challenged. C = Copycat. R = Restrictive. A = Annoying. T = Tame. C = Curse of Knowledge. H = Hard to Pronounce. Read the article to find out more about each.

When you get ready to choose your POS system, remember SimpleConsign!

This article was updated from a previous one published in 2014

First impressions matter when you name your consignment shop

There are many factors to consider when you name your consignment shop. Often at Traxia, we can tell very quickly the success a shop will have based on the name the shop owner chooses. Awkward spellings, long names or names that have nothing to do with their actual shop merchandise tend to spell failure. Use the following rules and we’re confident you’ll have a name that’s memorable and marketable for years to come.

1.) Apply the KISS rule  (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

When you name your consignment shop, make sure the name you choose is short, easy to remember and easy to pronounce. As I said earlier avoid long names. Two to three words at most, if possible. If you try to be overly clever and tweak a common word by spelling it differently, people might just end up pronouncing it incorrectly. It must be easy to spell in order for people to remember it.

2.) Communicate your message

When you name a consignment shop, your name should tell people who you are and what you do. Common names for consignment shops include words like, “Again,” “Repeat,” “Second” and “Twice.” If you are starting an upscale, trendy consignment boutique, you probably don’t want to name it “Betty’s Recycled Stuff.” Your name must fit the tone for the type of store you are wanting to open. Conversely, don’t use the word “Boutique” in your name if you are not opening a small, intimate and carefully curated shop. Choose a name that fits you, as well as what you are selling.

3.) Is the domain name available?

More than ever before, you need to be able to be found online. A domain name is the name (and subsequent online address) you choose for your website. There are so many websites these days that it is hard to find a good, short domain name that people can remember. However, it’s important to match the domain with the name of  your consignment shop. A good place to start is Go Daddy.com. Just type in the name you are considering and see if it’s available. A “.com” domain is the most popular but it can be hard to find one. Be sure to check everything that might be available.

4.) Is the name being used in your state already?

Once again, this is where doing your research is vital. You can find out if the name you are interested in is taken through your Secretary of State office. Search online by going to http://www.secstates.com/ and find your state office listing. Make sure you Google your idea too. The last thing you want is to pick a name that is similar to 10 other businesses in your area or is associated with something disreputable.

5.) Test it

Make a list of the top 3 to 5 names you have in mind. Check each one carefully against the previous criteria. Consider getting feedback from family, friends and even strangers. Does it read well? Is it memorable? You want to know what feelings or thoughts your shop’s name evokes in the minds of others, but be careful not to weigh their thoughts too heavily. You know what you are trying to accomplish with your name.

6.) Think of the future when you name your consignment shop

Make sure this same name will sound good in 2 years, 5 years or even 10 years. Something that’s relevant and edgy today, may not even make sense down the road. Give yourself growing room. In other words, don’t name your shop “Repeat Purses” if you plan on adding clothing at a later date.

Finally, when you name a consignment shop be sure to take Alexandra Watkin’s “7 Deadly Sins to Avoid When Creating a Brand Name” SCRATCH test first.

Opening a new business? If so, you’ll want to read our Getting Started Success Kit. Sign up and start building a stronger business today.

Isn’t this the first question you asked yourself, “What am I going to name my resale shop?”

“Name my resale shop” is one of the top searches on Google when it comes to opening a secondhand business. It’s also one of the most important decisions you make. Your shop name is the beginning of your business. It’s the first action you take in creating your brand. Your logo, your signage, your image, they all revolve around your name. Make sure, when you ask the question, “What will I name my resale shop?” you’ve done your homework.

The 6 steps

I’ve put together an infographic to show you some of the steps you need to take when considering your shop name. This is only a partial listing. If you’re starting a new business, I encourage you to read, How to name your consignment shop in 6 easy steps. Do your research and you’ll develop a name that will last for decades.

Team Traxia wishes you success in starting and managing your resale business. Don’t forget the first web based software when you get ready to make a POS decision!