How to Diagnose and Fix a Problem in Your Antique Booth Business -- Antique Booth Tips

[@vintageladydesign]

I doubled my sales from 2021 to 2022 and I think it’s because I’ve gotten a lot better at displays. If I have a few days of down sales I go back and rearrange

[@katt6894]

It's crazy how just moving things around and freshening it up can stimulate sales. Congrats on your sales increase too!

[@deniseheupel8814]

I worked at a second hand shop a number of years ago and we noticed that as soon as we would pay attention to a particular area in the store, we inevitably would sell like crazy from it. It's definitely an interesting phenomenon!

[@countrysister700]

Regulars are drawn to things that are different from their last visit. I've had a "boring" white with just a tad if pink rose botanical print sitting too long on a high shelf. Relocated in easy reach with other honestly prettier pink things for ♥️day and SOLD

[@annbaker8851]

As always good advice. I am in the process of evaluating my sales for 2022. I gave inventory numbers to products by categories like a Dewey Decimal system; 100 paper; 200 Furniture; 300 art; 400 records; 500 what nots; 600 toys; 700 textiles; 800 Christmas; 900 clothing. Those are general and then I will break them down further when necessary. Because I was a Children's Librarian, this system works for me.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I love that! Fantastic idea!

[@frostygal143]

That is a great idea!!!

[@countrysister700]

Oh my gosh 💕. I'm ADHD and my overwhelmed brain explodes when faced with keeping up with inventory and sales. My mall just enters the brief description on my tag when an item sells but then forgets to add all the words. "Clear vase" 😑. Numbers it is!

[@Pam3las.]

I go tomorrow to set my fislrst booth. I'm nauseous and I'm so anxious

[@LostFoundDecor]

You can do it! Start slow and grow at a pace you can maintain. My first booth was tiny and cost $60 a month in rent. I spent $250 to start it :) You don’t have to dive in with a giant space to start

[@ReinventedDelaware]

Thanks for the info, Melanie! We have to constantly look at our businesses (and our booths) with a critical eye. I have found that I stop 'seeing' what others are seeing because I see it all the time. Great tips!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You are so welcome!

[@susanrandle2260]

Thanks so much for your helpful advice and encouragement! I was told many many years ago by an antique store owner that the more you "work" your booth, the better your sales will be. That has always held true for me. I'm not comfortable with using social media, but it is my goal for 2023 as I feel sure it will help me get more exposure and sales. Thanks so much again! I love your videos!

[@LostFoundDecor]

That is great advice as well! The effort you put in usually leads to a better result :)

[@PaintedbyDenell]

Great video with some good tips. I too have some under performers in my space as well. You are not alone my friend!

[@cindylally843]

Just caught this video.. so very helpful in many ways for a booth rookie.. and saved me from restless sleep trying to figure out strategies and a plan that works.

[@eternity6101]

This is all so helpful and honestly good advice for other areas of life as well. Thanks for sharing from your personal booth. I am really looking forward to learning and growing my business more in this new year. My booth sales have continued to grow and I’m hoping for more growth in this my second year! I’m kicking around some ideas to help people know how to use the items that maybe sit a little longer than I’d like. Thanks for all the tips, Melanie!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you have an awesome year :)

[@LoriAnnZachary]

Hi! I owned a Flea Market and Antique Mall so I have a different perspective. You are experienced and do very well because you pause and think about things. One thing I think may do well for you is make it a booth JUST for people that like to DIY so your paint and things that need painting. So the crafter can come to your booth and buy the Paint and an item they can upcycle themselves!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, that would be the ideal solution :) But for me realistically, I don’t have the bandwidth for more than one space and the other spaces available in the mall are all large… gotta work within what I can pull off :) But I agree that would be a good way to better manage the customers!

[@modfarmgirl5671]

Great video! Thank you for the good tips! Bummed Boot Camp is closed, it was on my “hope to do” for this year, but glad you are still giving us these great videos on KZbin! You always inspire!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you! Yes, it was a tough decision to close Bootcamp. The management of it though just wasn’t feasible moving ahead. Sometimes it’s time to say goodbye !

[@wildwindtreasures5450]

Thanks!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You bet!

[@scottcosta7119]

You've put your goals and intentions out into the world and now we are going to hold you to it. Which is a good decision on your behalf. Go get'm ! 🙂 Thank you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep, when I share them out loud, it helps me be accountable 😊

[@cindyhjerleid5005]

This was an answer to my prayer. Thank you Melanie. I didn't make rent last month!!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jannasmith7937]

Thanks for these great suggestions, Melanie! I always appreciate your practical advice!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You are so welcome!

[@hippiechickacres5490]

Stumbled across your videos. Thank you so much for these. You've helped me with my booth.

[@LostFoundDecor]

I'm so glad!

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

My sales are all over the place but I realize that furniture I paint and put a transfer on is a slow sale. So I’m going to just paint and do a little distressing, since that’s what is selling. I love adding transfers but I’ve reconciled that it’s not popular in this area.

[@LostFoundDecor]

That’s a wise observation! And thinking like a business owner 😊

[@thepelicangirls]

❤all the information, we had a booth and now have a vintage boutique, you must put in the work to grow/XO from Southwest Louisiana 🐊🦀🥰

[@LostFoundDecor]

Absolutely!

[@elainebolten5205]

Thanks! You brought up some things to try that I think will help me- I have 3 booths at our local mall and have always done really well but business has slowed up & my sales are down a bit - I have made a lot of physical changes to my booths & they have helped but I see where breaking down certain areas & items that aren’t doing as well as others will definitely help even more-

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@countrysister700]

We forget we're sticking and arranging for shoppers - their desires and convenience. I can craft a doggone gorgeous display with popular items at a perfect price point, BUT if no price is visible or if the desired picnic basket is at the bottom is a stack resembling the Tower of Babel, it's not worth the effort to many shoppers and they'll walk away. I also have non-sellers that when reset with like colors in a different location they're gone in a flash. Fill glass items with thimbles, seasonal candy, craft supplies and watch 'em disappear

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep! If I can’t easily see a price, I pass an item up

[@trash2vintagetreasures]

Great video love this very helpful 😊

[@memesfarmhousedesigns9254]

I like this! Be honest with ourselves!!

[@frostygal143]

Another fantastic video...I even took notes! I've said it before, and I will keep saying it...because of you and the advice you put out there I have consistently increased my sales. Thank you for that! This month may be my best month yet!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You rock! That’s so awesome to hear!

[@amandafowler7525]

Thanks for the video. :) It's helpful knowing that I'm not the only one that needs to be honest with themself! And your videos always help me to remember to see it as a business and not take things personally. I'm wondering, where do you sell your antiques online? (Etsy? Shopify? Ebay?) It kind of sounds like online is the best place to sell antiques from what I've heard. (I'm in Arkansas also)

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yep, we have to try and step back and keep our emotions out of it (as much as possible! I realize that’s hard 😊). I do FB live sales, sell a few items on Etsy, and also have my own online shop. I’ve got a video on the Antique Booth playlist that talks about FB live sales and also one that compares Etsy and Shopify (you’re own online shop), those me be a helpful resource for you :)

[@chandaharkins4418]

Thanks for this! Very honest and helpful.

[@LostFoundDecor]

My pleasure!

[@MikeHeidi1111]

So very helpful as always. Thank you for making this video Melanie!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vivianreid4575]

Great info for all businesses! Thanks!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You bet!

[@CreativeDIYPurpose]

Happy New Year!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Same to you!

[@sophiecapelle4059]

Thank you for this ❤

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome 😊

[@mitzicausey5675]

Great advice, thank you

[@melonmahfood2439]

Wonderful suggestions!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Glad you think so!

[@RayCondict]

Great video! 25:26

[@ChristineOlson-l5d]

Helpful video thanks

[@fluffyotter1601]

Thank you!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome!

[@uraniamelendez1351]

Super helpful!! Thank you What paint line do you sell?

[@LostFoundDecor]

You’re welcome! Fusion Mineral Paint is the line I carry

[@sharonblakely9101]

Hello, just found you today. I live in Rogers. I love to thrift but not yet into a booth and all the rules and requirements that ebay and having a booth requires. You mentioned "Selling on line". Briefly, how do you sell "on line"... do you have to use PAY PAL. I want to start small. Thank you. I THINK YOUR BOOTH IS WELL DONE.

[@traceysweeney5787]

I have recently rented a booth in a new local location. The rent is $245 a month plus 12% and cc fees. I hope I can make enough to make it worth my time and effort?? I’m worried the rent is to high?

[@tracymcreations]

How big is the booth?

[@kbeth4848]

We have 2 booths in a local thrift store. We worry every time we get a new area or new booth. I think it takes a couple few months at least to attract customers so they keep coming back every month. Also, use every square foot. From high on the walls to the ground. We have a step stool available so staff at the store can get something down for the customer. We also make sure we either have new products every week or at least change around things so it has a new place. You wouldn’t think it works but it surprisingly does! One last thing, I use fluorescent color poster shapes and write… “SALE!” or “REDUCED!” and place them on older items that don’t sell very quick. Hope this helps! 🙂 and good luck!

[@laurahazel6884]

My 10 x 10 booth in a high traffic antique mall in Coastal Virginia is $220, and 12.5% fees, so that sounds like it's in line with you. I sell antique/ Vintage items, some Mid century (hot in my area) and a little farmhouse primitive - never sell less than $800-$1000 in total sales per month. You should be fine!!

[@tracymcreations]

Mine is 8x8 for $240 plus 10% commission. I will be moving to a 14 x 8 in a few weeks. I'm hoping to do well in the larger space 🤞

[@LostFoundDecor]

That’s right in line with normal, but be sure to pay attention to your numbers! What is your average profit margin? Average monthly expenses? Also, your booth is just the springboard to the rest of your business! Use it as a way to build a customer base and then find other ways to serve them-personal shopping, teaching workshops or craft classes, decorating, etc :)

[@JoyceJohnson-p9i]

Hello there! So i moved my two spaces in my mall to another section in the same mall due to problems from the building. We had flooding and drips from the roof only going in my booth. So we moved at the beginning of the month! Mind you we have been at this mall since they opened almost 3 years ago. So now do I consider myself as a new booth owner? My booths look totally different from my old booths. I am advertising as always on FB, and i do say how my booth moved to a new location in the mall. I feel like my sales are slow! I have lots of vendors that love my displays! Am i not giving it enough time? Am i being impatient? However, I have sold items in the new booths that sat and sat in the old booths! I almost feel like I am starting all over!🤷

[@emmaburch391]

Great video!!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thank you so much!

[@kbeth4848]

We use every square foot. From high on the walls to the ground. We have a step stool available so staff at the store can get something down for the customer. We also make sure we either have new products every week or at least change around things so it has a new place. You wouldn’t think it works but it surprisingly does! One last thing, I use fluorescent color poster shapes and write… “SALE!” or “REDUCED!” and place them on older items that don’t sell very quick.

[@LostFoundDecor]

Thanks for sharing what works for you :)

[@FFUK23]

Thank you

[@iraessick1994]

Amen love ❤️ this

[@marthapoole9150]

I really do try to keep my booth nice, full and well displayed, but my sales aren’t where I’d like them to be. The crazy thing I’ve noticed, when I work the register at my vintage mall, is how much the cluttered, random booths sell!!! It’s so frustrating to see my beautiful curated items sit and sit (I do move and rearrange often) & then the cheap hodgepodge stuff fly off the shelves in some of the messiest, most cluttered booths😂😂😂

[@LostFoundDecor]

That is frustrating…. Could be an issue of being in the wrong type of mall for what you’re doing? That happened to me… my first location was set to appeal to “garage sale” customers, not higher end decor shoppers. They are different customers… changing malls made all the difference in the world. Just a thought!

[@carolepeck3829]

This issue might be with the venue. Some stores are antique/vintage. Some are antique/vintage/garage sale. These attract a different type of shopper.

[@benniececiliamattox7426]

I know exactly what you are saying. The booths that seem to be cram packed with hodgepodge ,and not even clean, seem to be selling things all the time! I hear customers talking about the booths that are pretty and straight and look nice, and how much they enjoy shopping in them. I try to remember that this type of store bring this in a variety of customers and and I can’t cater to everyone.

[@jackieblodgett2799]

I think you are either in the wrong type of store and/or the wrong city/area.

[@heartfuldesigns4you]

My booth is the exact opposite as yours. It isn't that my paint doesn't sell, it is that my profit margin is so low. All my other items have at least a 100 percent mark up. I am retired and would love to minimize my labor but my labor intensive products are my most profitable items.😁

[@LostFoundDecor]

Yes, my margins on paint are way less than my margins on my found items! Can you up the price of your paint by $1 or $2?

[@amyrichmond7663]

Thanks!

[@LostFoundDecor]

Welcome!

[@Valeriecc9805]

Thank you ❤

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome 😊

[@moaidacollective]

Thanks!

[@LostFoundDecor]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for the Super Thanks!