We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenny Phillips a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jenny, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

To be successful,.I think you need to have patience because not everybody has the same drive as you. Setting several small goals is easier to accomplish than large goals. Being a team player is crucial to any business. The place I manage. I strive to make the customer feel appreciated. I don’t know what kind of day they’re having. I don’t know how much time they have to shop but by greeting them with a smile and offering my help. I like to think that I give them more of a pleasant experience within my store. I don’t live by the code that every customer is always right. I live by the code that every customer has the right to express their needs. I’m just here to fulfill those needs and if needed to educate. By taking those needs, those request, watch how customers act in my store. Watch what they are looking for it pushes me to make things happen so that the next time they come in their needs are met. In my opinion, to be successful in any business. You have to be willing to put the customers needs first. And do it so that it benefits more than just that customer. When I became manager of Vintage Garage Antiques, I listen to customers say how they wish that the isles were wider so that wheelchairs can get down the isles, how they wish they could bring their support pets inside. I heard how people would comment on the smell of the store and on the cleanliness of not just the store but the bathrooms. By making small adjustments to the vendors booths, my isles were wide enough for a wheelchair plus some. I have allowed pets in as long as they are leashed and stay with their owners. I have encouraged my vendors to take pride in their booths by keeping them stocked, resonably priced and clean. By doing all this plus more, we’ve expanded twice and have increased to a 115 booths with the waiting list of more than 12 people. I have earned the reputation of friendly customer service.
A clean store. And several reasonably priced treasures that people can come and purchase. Taking what customers request to improve is what it takes to be successful.

Jenny, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got involved with customer service at an early age, working at a local restaunt. As a cashier, I knew at an early age, that I was good with people. And I took joy and knowing that I brightened somebody’s day by either an act of kindness or. A compliment It wasn’t until I was much older married with a family that I began to play a role in management starting in a small retail store. And eventually ending up at vintage garage antiques and miles through time car museum. I had no knowledge of any kind of antiques or collectibles. But with all my vendors help. I have learned a great deal. Because of this all new knowledge, I’m able to assist my customers better. And they like the idea that I can help them find that perfect gift. In doing this job. I have learned Patience and problem solving. Some days are extremely hectic with customers coming back-to-back. other days. It’s dead as a door nail. I am proud to say that for both types of days. I have learned to handle it as a professional manager.

Vintage Garage Antiques is not just antiques. We have collectables and items that may have been forgotten in childhood. Prices are negotiable and set to move inventory. You never know what you’ll find. We live by the motto ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.

I love hearing customers say how surprised they are on how big our store is. It can appear overwhelming but once you start looking for items it feels like an actual treasure hunt. I especially enjoy hearing how clean and organized my story is that’s very important for me because I want everyone,no matter tje age, no matter abilit, to enjoy the same thing. And that’s finding that special item that makes you smile.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being a fair person to everyone. Within this business There doesn’t need to be favoritism. For any particular customer or vendor as a vendor each one has to be treated the same. Across the board. as customers. Respect for each one is very important. My reputation for myself and my store starts with giving respect to everyone keeping everyone on that same level. When it comes to being a vendor. whether it’s a family member,or a friend, they ate treated the same. a vendor or repeat customer. They all are treated the same
… with respect.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Social media. Facebook especially. The post are shared several times, reaching a number if ppl. I particularly like the personal interaction. Meaning when my vendors tell their friends about becoming a vendor and they tell their friends….its an endless cycle.

Contact Info:

• Website: vintagegarageantiques.com
• Facebook: Vintage Garage Antiques

Image Credits
Jenny Phillips