VINTAGE BOOTH NIGHTMARE | The TRUTH About Closing My Antique Mall Booth

[@lanaschnekenburger2736]

It’s so great that you recognized what didn’t work for you and left that negative environment! Sometimes it’s harder to leave then to just suck it up and deal with the situation. As well, you seem to have a great head for business 😊 I also very much agree with the pee and smoke .

[@postcardsnmore-laura460]

Oh my gosh, I’m only halfway through the video and nightmare is the right word!! So many dysfunctional things going on and getting away from there should lighten your spirit. Glad you have a new plan for 2025 and hope it’s a great year!

[@debkincaid2891]

I really appreciate this video as I'm likely to approach a new vendor location within the next month. You brought up topics that I would never have even thought about. Thanks! ❤

[@debivancleave5106]

Very good tips! You're a good communicator. And honest. Thank you. And sorry about your brother and dad.

[@karendeturck8497]

One of the other things to look for in a mall is if they have a lot of empty booths or if they are filled up. If they have a wait list that means it a good place.

[@cherylmclemore66]

My dad had a business consulting firm. He always told me when you want to open a business, go sit outside the location to see how many ppl walk by. It was so true. I bought an antique store in a town known for antiques. We were on the street behind the main st. Very busy most of the time.

[@gulfcoastsunset5879]

That's EXCELLENT advice!

[@cherylmclemore66]

@ he was a great adviser to me. Thanks so much. 💖

[@Dianehussaini]

I’m sorry it didn’t work out Ann. With the attitude the owner has, I don’t think it will be around for very long. Love you❤️

[@heatherheather600]

So sorry for your loss. First vid of yours I’ve seen. Great info . Thanks 😊

[@tink1964]

Thank you for your honesty it will really help those thinking about it.

[@deannaladd5710]

yes love this - if they are going to have any business in this day and age constant social media, signs etc are a must - good for you for trying !

[@Nwladylaura369]

I love vintage especially Christmas and I have a lot of it. However, I am now a senior and I didn't get around to putting out my stuff this year. I have also stopped selling and need to do a clean out. I'm so glad you tried having a booth! Now you know and can make better choices down the road. No regrets. Plus you really did try to get the owner on a better path. You will do well as you move forward since your ideas are good! ❤

[@LostFoundDecor]

First off, please let me express my sympathy for the loss of your brother. Second-I’ve been there and have so many other booth owners and resellers I’ve helped. My first ever mall sounded like this ones twin 😅 A good booth can’t survive a bad mall. If the mall is cheap, you get what you pay for. For anyone thinking of getting a booth as an actual sort of income, you have to pony up and get into the best space in your area. Makes all the difference! Third- so irritating that they took advantage of you for the social media! I do social media for malls and my base package is $375 a month. It goes into the same mentality though of it being a cheap place, trying to do everything cheap. I hope if you offer your services again the future you will only accept proper pay for your time-your worth it! Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing your experience so we can all learn!

[@WellBehavedWallet]

Glad you clarified "Crocks" (not "Crocs") Sounds like a lot of lessons! Glad you were able to get out with minimal damage.

[@noreenburkett7800]

My friend and I just pulled out of a booth. There were 16 in all in this mall. This place was off a very busy road, but in a rural setting. Not a lot of foot traffic there and they were only open Tuesdays through Sundays for 5 hours each day.. I told my friend that I would give it one year. We never made more money than we paid out, so we had to quit.

[@ounitproductions]

"I dont want vintage Christmas!" Haha I'd be out of there so fast. Lol. Great video Ann, definitely a worthwhile learning experience. Location matters, management matters, its a lot. I love it though, going on 14 years strong. Very successful and a great complement to my business including e-commerce, booths, social media, and flea market. Four pillars. Good luck with whatever your next ventures within your business happen to be!

[@kingtreasures]

Girl! I’ve lived this journey even down to the social media aspect.

[@kathyhoward3961]

When in fleamarkets always take care of yourself, when you give out cards about your booth let the place where you are on there and this helps the whole fleamarket, we always had trouble getting ads up to get the name out there for people to know about the business, Plus when I would do festivals I had papers that I handed out with shoppers and that brought more people in. It was a lot of work and it took a long time to get going but I did well and now that I am out of it I don't miss it.

[@PumpkinBumpkin333]

Love you spilling the tea (respectfully)

[@seentheah3562]

Talking about lugging around inventory, have you ever sold at antique fairs? Now there's one exhausting and frustrating selling venue. Thanks for the useful tips.

[@im-gi2pg]

Why do so many people do it?? So much lifting and set up! Flea markets too!

[@joanpallatto3049]

I give you a lot of credit for trying

[@Cindy7777777]

Hey Ann, Sounds like they're in the wrong business lol Some people are just clueless lol Some people are just too close minded and want only their way, to do it. This day and time, no one wants to smell smoke for a cigarette!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@PumpkinPatchVintage]

IMO, antique stores need to expand their hours to make themselves available to people who work (such as myself). The majority of malls and stores only stay open until 4:00 or 5:00 pm, and limited days per week; this is catering to retirees or other vendors. I would stop at many of the shops in my area on the way home from work but they are always closed. Also, if they could put in a snack/cafe area and WiFi available, it would be a much nicer shopping experience.

[@AnnEckhart]

Most stores are run by the owners so only one or two people because they can’t afford to hire staff. That means they have to have limited hours. And in our downtown business clears out at 5 o’clock. I’m sure most would love to have longer hours, but they just can’t afford it.

[@danl.4565]

Agreed completely. They can just pick a single day a week where they open 10 to 7 instead of 9 to 4 and they would open up to working class people in their prime earning years.

[@Itsalllies1]

Lol the USB intro had me giggling ❤❤❤

[@apriltaylor3520]

Such valuable information. I'm building my 3 year retirement plan which will, by necessity, include side hustle income. I have hundreds of vintage table linens (okay, probably thousands of pieces) and this was my first instinct - to rent a booth that I don't have to man, just check on periodically. Of course, nothing is as easy as it initially appears. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I appreciate your tact and insight. You've given me a checklist of what to watch for, and before I sign on the dotted line I'll do an indepth comparison. I'm fortunate that I live in a populous Gulf Coast metropolitan area (4 million + residents) so even though Amazon is king, craft shows and antique malls still bring in pretty heavy traffic. I'm so sorry that your experience turned out poorly, but it sounds like it might not have been TOO costly financially, and you got out before it did. Thank you again for sharing and teaching. I wish you health, wealth, and awesome opportunities in '25!

[@travisw6378]

I have a good booth in a high traffic downtown spot in my area and its very successful, on average i do 4-5K per month after my 12% paid to the store and my rent is 125$ a month.

[@christiehoskins5044]

What type of items do you sell?

[@trinasthings]

That’s awesome! I’ve toyed with opening a booth & most places around here have a waiting list to get in anywhere reputable.

[@Itsalllies1]

Lol😂just watched it again. I love that face 😂😂

[@colleenkennedy]

I always enjoy your honesty.

[@cheriebrittin7627]

Bad mouthing is totally bad. Any place smells like smoke makes me turn around and walk out, because items purchased will too. Ashtray by the door total turn off. Eek! You stuck it out longer than I could. I’m so sorry your experience was not good for your first attempt with a booth.

[@nicholasknowles7036]

Cig smoke is a killer. In today's age so many people do not want that smell in their house and if they smell it, they will not buy. I get it about the labor it is hard work. I pretty much stop selling furniture but small pieces because it is so hard on me to move it.

[@0318kbear34]

Helpful information

[@pennytine3657]

I have always felt that antique dealing is extremely hard in that town. That store will likely not last long if they are unwilling to be part of the community.

[@AnnEckhart]

We are definitely known for the big box stores and national chains more than a town you go to for mom and pop shops and antique stores.

[@nightskye4641]

When you've shown clips of the store, it always looked to me more like a variety/collectibles store, rather than a true vintage/antique store. In my opinion, the stores that market themselves as vintage/antique stores but dilute their inventory with a lot of mass produced merchandise and modern collectibles don't ever really do that well, or last very long. Personally, I think that most people that go to a store these days want to see things that they can't find online, and in the vintage/antique market that generally means larger or more fragile items that people don't want to, or can't, ship. In my area, the only stores that are really thriving are the ones that focus on true vintage and antique furniture and home goods. Home decorating and cottagecore are the big things right now. When you sell online, you can focus on the niche that you enjoy because you have a worldwide audience, but in sticks and bricks retail you have to know your local market, and not just sell the things that you like.

[@leanndoolin4284]

It looked more flea market to me.

[@Twoexpensive4me]

I hope they see this video and learn from your valuable advice ❤

[@carontheroad]

I'm one of those walk around lookers. There has to be a decent restaurant nearby, too.

[@vikkiblue]

I stopped at that antique store during the summer. We ate at the Irish restaurant a couple blocks away. When we mentioned that we ate there, she said she thought it was a bad place. I was dumbfounded that a small business would trash a neighboring small business to a stranger's face! I then said that I have known the owner of the Irish restaurant since he was born, she tried to change her comment. I wasn't impressed. I hope she takes some of your suggestions and tries to improve her business, or it won't last long.

[@AnnEckhart]

She did that a lot. To bash other local businesses as a business owner is a death sentence because once word gets out, those businesses won’t send and business to you. I haven’t bern to Jamison’s in years - I need to make a point to go back!

[@bettymunguia2136]

I used to sell at a flea market back in the day and it is a lot of work 😢

[@gulfcoastsunset5879]

First time viewer here. WOAH ...SO MANY 🚩🚩🚩 red flags with the owner and her lack of business sense- the smoking, the puppies- YIKES! 🤦‍♀ Its really too bad she didn't take your good advice- very foolish of her! Everything you brought up to her was spot on! The majority of people I've come across, have said they just simply are not able to bring in enough PROFIT each month for the amount of time it takes to curate and "work" it, very few do. On that note however, I have wanted to try it for a while now and just can't quite commit. I've scoped out a place I was interested in, but rarely see any solid traffic and have seen multiple booths close in the last 12 months- so that's very concerning , and they were GREAT booths with beautiful inventory( IMO) so that tells me even more! lol Rent in my area is $325/ mo for a 8x10 in Greenville SC . YEAH insane.

[@carolsledgewalker6903]

I had a vintage booth for a short time and a lot of the things you discussed was also a problem for me. I am not able to do all the physical labor anymore and it is a lot of work. Hindsight is 2020.

[@thriftraider]

Thank you for detailing your experience!

[@redesign-hunter2853]

Great info! Thank you

[@147ILoveVintage]

We had a booth. It was last year it was a brand new place opening up has pretty excited about it because it’s the second location for this company. It just couldn’t get traffic. It just couldn’t get traffic place is closing today and I moved all of my vintage glass and Moore to our building has just sitting there just sitting there so sad. I just don’t even know what to do anymore. I’ve tried all your stuff I’ve tried so many different ways to sell it so now just sits there. I got some beautiful things. I got West Moreland Blanco cash so much stuff so I understand exactly what you’re saying.🥰🥰🥰❤

[@christiehoskins5044]

Where are you located? Those items sell great here.

[@147ILoveVintage]

@ petersburg indiana. Please come and look 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@chelsea7229]

Your situation sounds so terrible!! I have a booth and LOVE it, but my situation is pretty much opposite what you described. It can go either way for sure but if you’re interested in a booth go visit it several times during various times and days to really gauge how many customers there are. You can have the best stuff in the world and do all the advertising possible but if there’s not foot traffic, it will be really tough to do well.

[@lisakemplin5062]

I’ve noticed a lot of people closing down their booths of these antique malls the last six months

[@AvadoraMimouniOfficial]

❤ you are on point 🎉

[@charleneferguson7564]

Hope u find the charger😮

[@pummillsvintiquities]

Definitely not the right ingredients. So sorry. I have a few spaces and yes it is a lot of work. I am fortunate to be in some good malls with people who get it. I am not getting rich but if I did it full time I feel like it could be prosperous. Just a favorite hobby for now. I enjoy the booths because it gives me a space that is mine without all of the overhead of owning the brick and mortar. Enjoyed this video, made me thankful for my malls ❤❤❤

[@rubyred8845]

By the sounds of it you were smart to leave there. It doesn't sound like this business will be around too much longer!

[@nikimaas3294]

Hi Ann, 😢😢😢 I’m so sorry things didn’t work out for you.

[@RedRoadgifts]

I just started my Booth in Michigan.

[@hwy138]

my rent is 365 .00 for a 10 x 20 and a small wall area that has a small showcase and shelves. been in the same store for 22 years. Only Antique store in an area of 500,000 people. no foot traffic.

[@Nwladylaura369]

R U making any money?

[@christiehoskins5044]

So are you saying there isn’t foot traffic anymore? As in you used to have sales? That is the highest rent I have seen so far.😔

[@xjkbbls]

I half of a boith and just put stuff that won't sell on ebay hot wheels art prints, books. Makes a couple hundred a month in the very small summer town, winter is crickets

[@russiemcconaghy1702]

Terrible. Sorry you had to go through this.Some people are too thick headed to take good advice.

[@Jupefires]

I have a space at a shop and I can’t get over there often enough. I gotta do better.

[@cjbailey31909]

Everything you said is so important. I'm sorry you went through it. I did it too when I first started my booth I believed what the owners told me rather than do my own research. But I was naive. Now I know. But I also don't have a booth as an income source but rather it's a hobby.

[@janetpogue4970]

😢Such a bummer.!! You would have had an even worse experience in Nitch Lady"s The good Stuff. As i understand from nonprofits & venders when she abruptly closed

[@Freddybender123]

In my area it’s 200 a month plus commission 😢

[@gulfcoastsunset5879]

the one down the street from me ( that i have a strong feeling is struggling) is $325 /mo for a 8x10... NO wonder LOL

[@Freddybender123]

@ wow that’s insane!!..how can u make any money like that!?

[@jenettejackson8920]

I had one. I was there two years and the store closed. They reopened and called me back. It was only opened a year before it closed again. I put everything into storage. I have to get stuff listed.

[@christiehoskins5044]

Oh that is so much work and aggravation. Did it close due to lack of foot traffic?

[@vintagebodymindsoulradley9151]

The owner could do a FB PAGE for free, showing the various booths, specials, events. Sorry this happened Ann. Take care

[@AnnEckhart]

They have that page - I ran it for a few months. I was posting 3-4 times daily and trying to showcase the best items in the store.

[@Mia-C-Crest]

Ty!

[@lisawood2548]

LOL. I just shut down my booth and I’m missing a usb cord.

[@trinasthings]

None of the antique malls around here advertise & some of them don’t even bother to have a Facebook page but they’re always busy. 10:42 one of our malls is pet friendly & though I have 3 dogs of my own - don’t really want ppl having their animals around vintage stuff.

[@bettymunguia2136]

Hello Ann ❤😊

[@victorianantiquities]

People think they will get into this and make money. Not a hobby. It's a job. I own an antique shop, we sell nothing but antiques. Real antiques, not vintage not MCM , not cats or beanie babies, not clothes or junk but real antiques. I have people walking in all the time wanting rent space. We don't rent space, I don't want junk or vintage in my shop, that is not who we are. A lot of people listen to 'resellers' telling them they are going to make a lot of money. They don't tell you about accountants, tax liability, insurance , all the things you have to have if you are actually in business. Most antique mall today are jokes and actually just flea markets. We are open seven days a week. We don't close on holidays or take vacations. You have to put in the real effort to be successful and last more than a few years.

[@Nwladylaura369]

😮 Hope you have relief or weekend help!

[@laurapersinger3608]

Really sounds like you need a vacation. I hope you prioritize yourself in 2025💕

[@victorianantiquities]

@ I have a business partner, I have professional pickers, but when you enjoy what you do everyday is a vacation.

[@AnnEckhart]

You only sell antiques, so only things at least 100 years old?! Wow! It's hard to find real antiques these days.

[@victorianantiquities]

@@AnnEckhart We specialize in 1820 to 1920. Emphasis on Renaissance Revival and Aesthetic Movement furniture, 19th Century Art, Gas lighting and stained glass. We have people travel from all over the us, and we do design work for private clients, museum houses and the film industry.

[@GGOAT2019]

Where I live in Western New York, there are several mall locations between two counties. I tried a booth at one mall, one county over, and it was the year my dad died - I forgot I even had it and 6 months later they contacted me. :( As businesses have closed in this region, that mall has had to move twice. At their last location they were selling Nazi items. Now the mall has moved to a location near me but I haven't even been in to see how it is now that's it's moved counties. I'm not sure how our values align and if it would be worth going in to. I know what you mean about the advertising though, there's a smaller mall here that doesn't advertise at all. The location was once a general store but I don't think a location can rely on past reputation alone. You'd do well to run your own mall.

[@Nwladylaura369]

😮 Skip it if they have Nz stuff!

[@kittyvine823]

At least she tried.

[@lisakemplin5062]

Yeah, I think it’s best to probably go to somewhere that it’s established business but maybe has the passion for what you’re doing

[@margieyates4817]

The 1990s were the heyday of antique malls. Today online selling has taken over .

[@bettymunguia2136]

It was expensive for the small space, my opinion 😊

[@leanndoolin4284]

It's actually reasonable.

[@sweedon7]

wow----this business owner sounds completely clueless on sooooo many aspects of running a business and dealing with people. That combined with the location you described...it's only a matter of time before they fall under if they continue on this path.

[@cathyholoway722]

Hello Ann

[@neoanderson726]

yeah I never go to antiqu malls they are all over priced and most times I can buy on ebay and have teh same itemd elievered to my hous efor the same price or less

[@jeanwean5782]

The whole thing is grossing me out!

[@chuckwitt6431]

I think 'Antiques' is a dated word. The word 'vintage' and 'collectables' on a sign would bring in buyers for your items.

[@AnnEckhart]

Antiques is still the strongest keyword; I would use all three in advertising but "antiques" still ranks highest in the internet search algorithms.

[@kezza138]

There is only one type of person that owns an antique mall unfortunately.

[@sandyyockey7438]

❤

[@ShesInLosAngeles]

👍🏼

[@jolenegentile8108]

Sounds like they needed a tax write off

[@olgat3389]

Sorry it didn’t work out… you will definitely find the endeavour that will! ❤️‍🩹

[@im-gi2pg]

Good tips! Thanks!!!🎉