Stop Being Just Another Reseller

I know a lot of product-based business owners.

They're often Finders.

Resellers of vintage clothing, books, vinyl records, furniture, etc.

These businesses are wonderful and important, but they’re incredibly difficult to scale and differentiate from one another.

You've got to find the products—that takes time and energy.

The items are unique—you can only sell them once!

Another used bookstore? Dude, we’re bored. What makes yours different?

The secret to success?

Your expertise.

You need to be an expert in your field.

Can you show me why this Coach bag is authentic and how to spot a fake?

Can you mend damaged clothing? Restore furniture?

Show me how you grade a record's condition? Introduce me to a new band?

How do I identify a first edition book? Is that different from the print run?

How did they bind this?

Looks old!

Coptic binding!?

Wow!

Teach me something. Build my trust.

I'll spend more if you build my trust!

Personally, I prefer creating products—scalability and easier differentiation being huge reasons—and there’s still plenty of education and trust building there, too—but if you're thinking of being a Finder, consider what skills you bring, and how to improve your knowledge base.

What can you read, watch, and experience to make yourself a better business owner?