4 Ways to Jump-Start Your Antique Booth Sales

[@gatheringmoss5726]

I price everything in my booth, but not my infrastructure. I truly NEED the 2 shelves in my booth that are permanent fixtures, because the walls of my booth aren't secure. It took me 2 months to find the right size at a price I could afford - we can't have anything over 5 feet tall. If I sold those shelves, it would be like starting all over again. I don't put a "not for sale" sign on them. I intend for customers to understand that they are part of the booth. Every single other item in my booth is priced to sell.

[@MissMolly3377]

You are 100% right. People have no idea, anymore, what they are buying, is a precious antique, they are looking for decor, not something precious. It really is sad. I think the modern farmhouse community has really destroyed that idea. What I mean is they want what their neighbor, down the street, has, they want mass produced crap, and they really don't care about the beauty of an antique. Another reason I say this, is because if you look at people, who use other styles, such as mid century modern, they DO want the old stuff, because they know what is precious, they know what was unique about that style. This is what I have discovered, anyway, by watching videos of people doing the different styles. The modern farmhouse style really has no idea what real farmhouse was all about, which was actually decor that was, also functional. People who actually do real farmhouse decor, have real antiques, and they know that the pieces they use for decor, also has a function. I don't see farmhouse at all, when I walk into a home that does the modern farmhouse style, all I see is mass produced decor, from Walmart, or Home goods, or even Dollar General, and I call it soccer mom decor.

[@iraessick1994]

Just learned to let go and know you will find another one, great advice when you have too much lol, my hubby will love this!

[@iraessick1994]

Not just to collect but to decorate omg , brilliant love this so much , ty!!!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

It really does change the way you think about displaying and selling your finds :)

[@tambij]

I completely agree with you about adding greenery & flowers to a booth. I love adding small stools for night . But the manager where my booth is says “. No Fillers, Everything Must be Antique or Vintage. I took in some small battery operated led candles . I went back & they were all removed from my booth. I have so many ideas of what I want to do with my booth “ it’s not allowed “. It’s really frustrating!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

That is super frustrating :( The mall owner is the boss, so you gotta follow their rules. But if it was me, I would be asking the tough questions about if that mall is the right place for my business. The right location can make all the different!

[@carolepeck3829]

Great tips that I will Implement in my booth space.

[@Manda_Rinka]

Very smart advices! 😍👍

[@andrewfrosch7653]

Good morning! I'm a new booth vendor in Kansas City area. I'm in my first month and had 9 things "no sale" - went and changed it and they sold within the week. Thank you for your wisdom. Love your videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing 👏👏

[@chattykathie7129]

I love moving stuff around. I think if somebody doesn’t like to handle the items by moving them, in new exciting creative vignette, maybe they’re in the wrong business. You should love what you do, it’ll show.

[@annbaker8851]

I have found that if you move items around each week, that item that wasn't selling will probably now sell. I also enjoy staging with books, photos, pictures, sheet music and vintage ads that highlight the subject on the shelf, i.e. holiday, western, school days, kitchen ware, etc. If there are a number of mis-matched items, I will group by color. I would like to try your idea of a video.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I agree on those all! Moving items and keeping things fresh makes a world of difference :) Thanks for watching!

[@kimtyndall876]

I think you should show us how to do a live! There is a few steps to doing it. Loved the video!!

[@emilyclayton179]

Helpful ideas! Thanks!!

[@johnhenderson7081]

This video has come at the perfect time as my wife and I are going to start back in an antique booth after years being away.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Awesome! So glad it was helpful!

[@laurelmcgrath5823]

Great ideas!

[@ReinventedDelaware]

BEST COURSE OUT THERE FOR VENDOR BOOTH BIZ OWNERS!!!! Melanie, you are a great teacher and I know people will benefit from your course! I sure did!! Blessings to you!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you! I'm so excited to open Bootcamp back up this spring :)

[@doloresrose371]

Your ideas are spot on! I totally agree!

[@debrapiletz7882]

Love the live idea.

[@angkeats3685]

Great advice thank you

[@cindyrae2605]

Will you do an updated version of this subject matter now that there's raging inflation and a suffering supply chain causing many to stop shopping? Thank you.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi Cindy! Honestly, I don’t think I would share anything different! People still shop everyday, and are still looking for affordable ways to create a unique and beautiful home. We can’t control what’s going on in the world, only how we market and run our businesses :)

[@cindyrae2605]

@@LostFoundDecor less affluent areas may disagree.

[@mamapajama1273]

I’m catching this a year later, but thanks for sharing such helpful information about boosting sales! Love your down to earth videos!

[@MissMolly3377]

You're right about the price tag on something, I won't ask the person to figure out a price, I will leave it there, and I agree about the "NFS" stuff. Oh, and I just subbed. I don't have a booth, but I am going to start selling online, and everyone's tips can help me, I am sure. Thank you.

[@mpbenva]

You certainly know how to crystalize basic training.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I'm super nervous about doing the lives. But it's a great idea. I recently did start selling my displays. If it's something I don't really want to get rid of... I price it a little bit higher than I would normally. It's crazy... but I've sold those things. And like you said... you find more things to display with. I know I had pieces that I worried about selling because I thought I "needed" them. Well... they are gone and there is something in their place. I still need to work on fillers and making everything more cohesive.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Sounds like you’ve made some good moves and tried different things :) For what it’s worth, the live sales are always harder the first time you do them, but the more you do them, the more comfortable you get...and they start to be fun! You can do it!

[@countrysister700]

Thinking about taking the jump into this for a new business. I'm seeing in my wanderings is people guilty of all these. No merchandising, staging, not wanting to service their booth frequently. Love this video!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Awesome, so glad it was helpful!

[@kathyjohnson1911]

Great suggestions! As a customer and future booth seller, I 100% agree with you. Drives me nuts when sellers don’t price everything or have NFS on things. And I really believe that because so many shop online (I know I do), your booth needs to really draw in buyers. Thank you!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for watching Kathy and sharing your perspective, it helps us all get better 😊

[@kathyjohnson1911]

@@LostFoundDecor 💕

[@mindypetersen6024]

Love your content

[@b.l.wilson9724]

Yay, I just signed up for the boot camp. Thank you sharing your knowledge. I’ve been doing this for 2 years and I’m losing money each month.

[@mpatrick8673]

I've watched a lot of antique booth tip videos, and I really like your clear info and examples. I won't be able to start a booth for a little while, but I know I'll go in like a professional by watching your videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

I'm so glad they've been helpful for you! I wish you all the best when you get started--you will do great!

[@lauraparker3324]

Great tips and suggestions. But, the background music is in competition with your messages. Please take this as a compliment not a criticism.

[@MyBlessedNest]

Great tips! Ty! ❤️

[@Diane56ful]

I may try that live video. What have I got to lose! Thank you!❤️

[@LostFoundDecor]

Exactly! I love that attitude :)

[@classictraction1744]

I'm using a small display stand in my booth, which is only worth £1-£2 but I couldn't find one like it locally, so I had to buy it online and the postage cost me £3 but rather than put "not for sale" I've put a £5 price ticket on, so I can replace it without losing out if I need to. It's a bit of a dilemma !

[@LostFoundDecor]

It’s more so the really large, neat display pieces I think that customers are drawn to. The large cabinets and such. But I like how you are handling it-mark the price high enough that if someone wants it badly enough to pay for it, then you can replace it and not lose any $$ :)

[@hiddencityfinds2292]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Great tips Melanie!! I especially like the tip about Live video sales! I did this at the beginning of the pandemic last year and did really well. For whatever reason, I stopped do them! Agh! I needed the encouragement to do lives again! Thanks!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

They are a bunch of work, but I do think can really boost your sales! And I just have fun with them :)

[@melonmahfood2439]

Great video, thank you for sharing your suggestions!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@belindahatcher6192]

I went to my favorite antique mall yesterday and in one booth the first 3 items one being a piece of furniture were tagged NFS, I didn't even bother to look or buy anything from that vendor, it had some nice items as well.

[@LostFoundDecor]

😢 It’s so frustrating!

[@coastchickheatherjordan4891]

Love the layering on your display. I have 2 locations and TY chanel that keep me crazy busy. You are so right in this video. (Canva can help with good thumbnails)

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you so much!

[@angelawhite6296]

Such helpful advice! Thank you!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're so welcome!

[@RayCondict]

Great videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks!

[@mermaidtales3639]

You are so right with your points. I have 2 local antique malls near me that I frequent regularly. When I see something of interest that has no price tag, it’s a pain in the ass. It would involve tracking down the busy shop owner, who needs to track down the booth renter, who needs to get back to you, blah blah blah. I don’t have the time nor the patience for that so if I go to another booth. Sale lost. Also, the whole NFS thing: annoying as F. Some booths are stocked with 50% or more of NFS items. Like, WHHHYYYYY???? Again, not the time or patience for that crap. Unless it’s the floor, the walls, the ceiling etc., everything in a booth should be for sale. Period.

[@HopeForTheBestUG]

The point you made about not for sale items is so important, ALWAYS PRICE EVERYTHING! There is nothing so rare that it is unreplaceable. One tip I would add to the list is having your social media handles prominently displayed in your booth, I will often post new items on my Instagram and they will sell within hours. Also specialize in something very specific and relevant to your community. My booth is in a shop next to Chinatown, so it only contains antique Chinese porcelain, items made from jade, coral, elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn, or tortoise shell. My inventory is sourced from auctions and classifieds all over the country, then marked up 2.5x to create a convenient high quality curated shopping experience for my customers.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Great tips! Yes, branding and niching down can really boost your sales!

[@stonevintage4616]

Thank you Melanie:) I'm retiring and will be closing out my vtg thru a series of "eclectic garage sales". I'm going to experiment with my series of sales in my metal building at my residence. I have display foundation and the knowledge.. so why not liquidate my stock, displaying the items at their best... just as we would in a retail space? General garage sales.... no way to liquidate, auctions - too many hands in the sales pie. I don't expect to get even 1/4 if I sold online or in a booth.... but, I bet I'll get more than a dollar for each item. As you said, let them see how it can be displayed in their home.... plus it's fun to put the vignettes together!

[@LostFoundDecor]

I did a similar sale a long time ago, and it went well! I suggest making sure you market it well, and call it a "Home Sale" or something like that, so you don't draw the garage sale crowd. But kudos to you for giving it a go! I hope it goes awesome!

[@MissMolly3377]

Thank you for that tip. I am getting ready to sell online, I don't have a booth, but I have a big enough home, to set up a "booth" and I could do that right inside my home, in a spare bedroom, and just do online sales, right now. This is a fantastic idea. Thanks.

[@AbigailsArtfulAbode]

I’m taking your tip of pricing EVERYTHING!

[@janieporter6434]

I have a booth and doing okay but wish to do better. You have good points and I've done it all except video...I'm deaf and my speech isn't quite perfect so I won't do video besides I'm also an introvert but I still kinda like to do a video and how would I go about doing it nonverbal? Hope you can help me.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Hi Janie! Could you do a video just showing a tour of your booth space? Or film your hands holding your items? It’s tough for a live video bc you can’t use any music, however you could type in your video description that you are deaf and won’t be able to talk in your video, but would love to still share with your followers what is in your booth! Then you can answer them back in the comments and dialogue that way. You can also do short videos on your phone and edit them in iMovie (if you have an iPhone). There you can add music and some captions. Just a few thoughts!

[@themidcenturyzillennial]

I can't go live because my booth has zero - yes zero - service for anyone :(

[@LostFoundDecor]

That does stink :( I had similar issues inside my store

[@essentiallyleigha]

I would love for you to address booth spaces that are shelving all the way around and featuring smalls. I have a booth space I'm considering that is literally shelving (old pharmacy store is the location of the "mall" and my booth area would be in the old medicine shelving area). I do plan to create small vignettes on the shelving with possible small benches or tables scattered in the middle of the floor (have to be small to allow for customer access). Curious as to your thoughts. This is a space I'm CONSIDERING renting....not actually signed a lease yet.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Sounds like a neat space! I would still try and create vignettes in your shelving, like you mentioned. Layer your items, keeping in mind you don't want to make it too hard for a customer to get something from behind. Keep like colors together, have a theme maybe for one wall and then another. You can still make it look creative and cohesive :) Hope that helps!

[@salsalma6280]

Old praparty yannidam ulladu fone no plz

[@jaymariedesignstudio]

I need help with my displays and creating beautiful vignettes in my booth. One of the problems that I have is that I don't have many walls, one wall is all windows and a door, the other wall has a door in the middle and it is a short wall, the other two sides are open. Really need some ideas!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Are you able to build some wall space? Say on one of those open walls?

[@jaymariedesignstudio]

@@LostFoundDecor I can't build anything permanent but I thought about maybe trying to fashion something with doors that would be free standing. Also, thought about using crates. I saw someone that had a table with crates stacked on top that looked ok. What do you think?

[@juliegaudet7816]

My shelving is NFS. The ones that want to buy shelving are primarily other vendor from other store. They can get aggravated all day long...I DON'T CARE. They can buy someone else's display items if they wish. Display pieces are not that easy to come by. I have tables and chairs and other furniture for sale but inevitably we get vendors from a nearby town that only want our display shelves and get mad when a vendor is using it. Oh well. Go find somewhere else to get your shelves.

[@denisemcnabb]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Luellen.24]

Please turn the music off while your talking. Its distracting. Thanks. Love your videos. Tfs

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@dianefrazier7789]

Please turn your music down in your videos. Want to hear what your saying but the music is distracting. Thanks

[@LostFoundDecor]

Appreciate the feedback :) Thank you!

[@ileyburkett7814]

Loved your video music is annoying

[@kelleysaint8606]

I hate NFS !!!!!!!! It’s a turn off !!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Agree. Especially when it’s smaller display pieces or display items. I can understand a very specific display piece, but I’ve seen people mark bowls, trays, stands, etc NFS and that has never made sense to me

[@kelleysaint8606]

@@LostFoundDecor yes I have also

[@karleenferguson4884]

Great tips! Thank you!