I'm just getting started and the hardest thing is stop buying things that I find super cheap when they don't match my goals for the booth! I'll get there some day!
Most people are using credit cards… and some are choosing gas over food. Or meds. It is a sad world we are in! we need to stay positive but it is very hard in this environment. Bless you all!
I went to a mall this past weekend. I found several items I was interested in purchasing across several booths, but the items weren’t priced. So many items unpriced. I understand that tags fall off or vendors run in and drop off stuff quickly and forget but if you actually checked on your booth regularly you would find this problem. I would say check and refresh is big part of successful sales. Yes, the cashiers can call but I am there on the weekend and people don’t answer their phones… super frustrating as a shopper.
My booth is on the struggle bus right now and I work in the shop I'm at 4 days a week. Yes people are buying things but even some of our big earners at the shop are struggling this month. I honestly feel like this is just the calm before the storm. Christmas is coming up and people are holding off this month so they can go all out for the holidays. At least that's what I'm hoping anyway. The best advice I have gotten from the owner of the shop I'm in is to 1. Move stuff around often. Customers come in often and are wanting to see new things. If your space always looks the same, they will keep walking. 2. Pack your booth full, the longer they stand in your booth looking at everything, the more likely they are to buy something 3. Work on your display. You can't just have a bunch of shelves and put stuff in there and expect it to sell. You need lighting, focal points, texture, contrasting colors. Make your space some place that the customer can see from across the store and want to go directly to your spot. Good luck everyone!
Absolutely! Moving things, compelling vignettes, all of that helps :) I would caution on one thing-the pack the booth full 😉 The longer you hold inventory that doesn’t sell, the worse your financials are for your business. I personally am moving into a more lean inventory so my bottom line can stay strong
@@LostFoundDecor In the shop that I'm in, everyone has their booths packed with stuff. I tried doing the cleaner look but it wasn't working. Like you said in the video, sometimes you have to conform to what sells in the shop and I had to switch and make my booth really full so it didn't look naked compared to everyone else's.
@@kelseewebb6822 for sure, I can understand that :) I’m just sharing from my experience, I’ve been told for 10 years by other vendors that my booths “need more”… and yet often those same vendors haven’t been able to tell me their business numbers- cost of goods, expenses, and total profit. I’ve run my booth differently, because I’ve always been needing a paycheck from it, so it’s that experience I share :) If you want to keep it full, then for sure just make sure you are moving things quickly and buying at the right price. I wish you all the best!
Oh, Melanie...there is no doubt...God has gifted you to be an encourager! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom, experience, and ideas. I have to admit, you convicted me on the point of accumulating too much inventory. Have been working on that recently, but still have miles to go...LOL!!! Keep up the magnificent work... I absolutely LOVE your videos!!!
We live in a pretty well to do part of Michigan. And I'm starting to see signs of stress in the market here now. One of the bigger antique stores just closed it's doors first of October due to poor sales of all the vendors. I went into the other bigger antique store in our area yesterday and talked to a vendor and she was worried because sales were down there too. I own a large greenhouse business and sales for next spring are being cut already We are getting more cancellations than orders. Yes you may say thats early. But understand we start our product in June of 2020 and grow it already now for it to be ready in spring of 2023. But I don't preach fear 😨. But rather to be mentally prepared for some harder times. And do like this lady says focus on different ideas 💡 and think out of the box 🎁. Never give UP! Grab a coffee ☕ from home instead of Starbucks and you already saved money 💰 to invest more into your booth 🙂 ROCK ON!!!!
Thanks for sharing what you’re seeing and experiencing. I just keep saying that we don’t need panic, but rather a plan :) Plans get you through the tough times. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for thinking about us and sharing this timely video to encourage. Summer was awful, but we have actually seen an uptick in our sales for October. Hoping that the holiday buying season helps everyone!
I really think for a lot of people above a certain income bracket, it truly doesn’t look as bad to them, but with the widening gap in classes the ones way lower down are getting hit the hardest and seeing the worst effects firsthand. For us the changes that might seem more mild up above, the couple extra cents here and there building up, may seem survivable but for so many it’s just not. The tent cities in my town are getting out of control in size, the shelters are overflowing, it’s insane :,( and very sad. The gas price rising or falling 50 cents is the difference between groceries or an unwilling fast day for many of my friends and more. One family I know has had their power shut off twice in the last 6 months even with three incomes, meager as they are. My family is on an awkward teetering edge between the two, getting held up more by my business these days. That being said, I’ll be implementing the limiting of overbuying ahead of time. I’m super guilty of not being able to pass up a deal 😅. Sales here in escambia county have been falling but I just moved this week into an incredibly popular and historic store and am doing outdoor markers so we’ll see if that helps! My brand and reputation is growing so I won’t be stopping the grind, economy problems or no ❤️.
Good for you! Keep at it! And yes, when you have little cushion, every penny matters. But there are plenty of people still shopping, and we can invite them to be our customers!
@@LostFoundDecor Exactly! I’m counting on the holiday shoppers this year for sure :). Everyone is gussying up the house for thanksgiving and Christmas guests and that’s good news for us!
My booth does just fine. Teach them that they can’t buy things at the Goodwill and expect to make money. You have to have actual antiques and hard to find items in your booth. Anyone can go to Goodwill And purchase the same stuff if that’s all you have.
Glad to hear you are doing well Kellie! While I don’t 100% agree on the must be true antiques, I do completely agree with not just selling anything. Offer the best, most unique things you can find, that’s a major piece of the puzzle
Yes! I've changed my strategy too for my booths and still making at least 3x's rent. I sell mostly small things, average sold price is $5. People are still coming in but they would rather purchase something small and fun than a large item. Mystery grab bags are a hot seller for me too.
Hi! Would you mind sharing a little bit about the mystery grab bags? For instance how do you decide what to put in them, how do you price them, and how do you merchandise them? Just curious.
Your analogy was spot on! Absolutely sell items that not always fits with your personal style. Although I love to shop for those items, but watch your own inventory and what has been selling. I needed to hear the big B word from you today.... thanks! BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET.
My location is popular with great social media. I sell mainly metalwares with a moody maximalist style. Metalwares cross all decor styles and appeal to everyone from boho to classic traditional. I am super picky with what I source. I only buy what are on my sales reports from the last year. All my items are equally functional as beautiful like vases, bowls, trays, napkin rings, candlesticks, frames, boxes, containers, etc.
I am now an antique booth dealer in an upscale antique gallery with wonderful foot traffic. I started my first booth last spring at my "second choice" mall (different clientele, different region) while I was on the wait list, waiting to move into the more desirable, upscale location. Wow, it is so true what you said - the difference in sales is night and day between the two. Now I make about 3-4 times as much $$$, for the same inventory and time spent. Lesson learned!! And I differ slightly from your advice to keep booth inventory really lean, or only purchase what fits in your current booth space. My booth comfortably holds a mix of 145-155 unique items. I limit myself to that number for "back stock" (and my plastic tub containers) and only buy ahead enough inventory for my next theme. It is sooo easy to overbuy, if you don't limit the containers.
I started this in April. I was dumbfounded to know that you could just put things out and not worry anot worry and they would sell quick no matter what it was. I have yet to not make rent and got paid pretty well. Not 5x or 4x my rental . Usually 3x. I just got a bigger booth this month. It is larger and in a better location and $70 more. I did it because I was in a very small booth and I have like you have warned bought so much stuff that it has taken over my garage and my basement and my bedroom ( only oil paintings bc they cant go in the other two. ) i gotta stop buying. You are correct! But i only do estate sale auctions and the prices are so good. I literally bought 4 baskets 2 or antique buttocks baskets the whole thing for $5 both baskets sold within a week i put 25 on each. ( i should have put 40. But I made money so will the buyer.) I get mirrors gold wood antique for 10 to 20 bucks its so hard to stop. But you are correct I need to stop buying.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Melanie. I always appreciate the content on your videos. While watching this video, it was like you were talking specifically to me. I opened a booth at a local upscale antique and consignment mall. I had hopes of selling painted furniture as well as a lot of upcycled items along with my other vintage items but it seems that the customers would rather buy MCM and anything other than upcycled, etc. The owner had showed me early on what seems to sell well for other booth owners in that mall so I took that into account and started buying more items that he suggested like barware. My sales were great in July and August but then took a nose-dive in September and are barely hanging on again this month. The one thing that I haven't done in a while is post the videos on Instagram so I can't help but wonder if that is part of what was fueling the better sales in July and August and the lack of business in September and again, this month. I was the only one that had my mixture of items for sale in the beginning but now i believe there are others in the mall that I'm now in competition with. I am going to get back on Instagram and start hitting it hard again and see if that helps.
Glad it was helpful Amy! If it makes you feel any better, my August was the lowest month for me in my new space ever, but then sales tripled in September and are on track for similar in October. So it can fluctuate! But yes… promote, promote, promote! We have to keep getting our businesses out there in front of people, we have short attention spans and can easily forget! So I would For sure press back into your Instagram 😊
Melody! I love your videos I’m learning so much and I really appreciate your work that you put into this. Could you please address those that have already over bought.? I am one of those that are just starting out and I’m definitely over bought what do I do now?
Sell, sell, sell! Move it around a lot, create great vignettes. Perhaps bundle items or mark some things down just to get that excess inventory gone. And moving forward, set a monthly budget based upon your needs to fill your booth that month, and don’t go over it :)
As a shopper who lives outside of Houston, Texas, I’ve noticed antique sellers suffering. There is an area near me that used to have about 14 antique stores, and a few antique malls. Four closed, and several have lost booth renters. Some have reduced the number of antiques and are selling candles, new “made in China” decor that is similar to big box stores, or food items. It’s sad as an antique buyer to see this happen. My Painted Tree store doesn’t have a single booth dedicated to antiques. I’m not sure why selling antiques is so difficult in my area, or if there is a lack of interest. I have purchased several items on eBay and Etsy because my local places don’t have what I’m looking for. This might be a good way for some seller with too many items to get rid of some inventory.
Great advice and encouragement. I put a 20% off sign up and it’s helped clean out a lot of small items that cluttered up my booths. People love to get a discount! I’m one of those people too!
I was a booth seller for about 15 years, I'm pulling out, and will try social media. For one year my sales were awful. I will go strong on branding myself, my shop owner has branched out to everything in her desperation, just too much of a jumble. Love your input so keep up the good work.
People are still spending on their essentials and addictions like groceries, gas and eating out some. Dealers are coming by to make deals on low priced or "not moving" items. People are buying small retro Halloween and Christmas decor. The vintage that moves is just unusual or highly collectible pieces (ex. My Frankoma pottery sits except for the mugs that are more rare; boomers arent buying things they know they have or can find later).
I kindly dissagree. If you are in a mall I believe you need to be able to blend in a bit. I have never been in a mall or peddlers setting where things are basically along the same lines. Different folks like different things. Your booth needs to be able to fit into a diverse setting. i don't think the mall/market needs to fit your booth. I'm on a small scale as so many of us are. I don't have lots of money to invest. I do quite welll with being able to offer a nice variety of items, some old some new and some hand crafted that are displayed well. My space is 5x3 feet believe it or not! I am able to meet my rent plus a nice income each month. I have fun stocking my booth and I am sure to have prices that fit into different budgets. Thats just my take. But then you are probably not speaking to folks like me.
I appreciate your perspective :) I do tend to share my thoughts for those looking to make income-level profits from their booths and who are treating them more like a business than a hobby. Just sharing what has worked for me for the 10 years I’ve been in business. Of course not everyone is in the same boat and there’s room for other perspectives!
🙋🏻♀️Guilty! I have lots of items that I have not priced for my booth or listed on Etsy yet. But it’s soooo hard to pass something up when it’s such a good deal! Thank you for this informative video. I need to apply it!
We’ve all done it Janna 😉 Buying is the fun part! Maybe you can set a goal to get 10-15 new items listed or in your booth within the next 7 days.. get them out there to sell!
I love your content and I'm just getting started. As far as the economy, people need to learn about the wealth transfer happening. Plus, the economy has a trickle down effect. Meaning, just because you don't see the doom and gloom results now, keep in mind, it does take time, and more time to see the economic results of what is going on under the surface. Having said that, don't let fear control your sales.
You have gave me great ideas. I have a booth in an Antique Mall and kinda stump what to do with it. I need to change it all around. I go about every 2 weeks to work in it but I think I'm going to reduce my price on stuff that hasn't sold to get rid of. Love your videos and jus found you 2 weeks ago. Have a great day.
The economy is on the brink of collapse. That's a fact. We are still buying food and coffee ect but we are having to choose between craft mall shopping or food...gas...utilities...mortgage and rent..ect..I just started flipping furniture from my home. Nothing big. I have sold a few pieces but I'm sitting on a few as well that are not selling. At first I thought the design wasn't right. I repainted ect. Still not selling. I see alot of people on offer up and fb marketplace that paint gorgeous pieces of furniture and they are not selling and they are dropping their prices too qnd not selling...I just pray that the good Lord look over us all through this recession we are in..and I really hope people come by ur booth..ur very talented
I think it really varies across the country. Some people are for sure struggling, others are still spending. My goal is to target the customers that are still happy to shop :) And then survive the lean times! Hope you can get some of your pieces sold, thanks for watching!
After watching many RU-vid videos I believe many Antique Store shoppers are now shopping the same Thrift stores where the Booth owners are getting their inventory. This helps us avoid paying the mark ups on many of the thrifted items that are being sold at the Antique stores!
For sure some people are :) But I don’t think everyone is! More upscale shoppers are interested in the “experience” of going out, grabbing lunch with friends, and shopping for fun, rather than hunting for a deal.
@@LostFoundDecor also, knowing what to look for is the trick. It's a gift not everyone has. I remember when I would go and thrift as a teen and make things. Somebody asked me why I didn't sell anything. I said, "why would anyone buy this from me, it's so easy?" It was my mom who told me, not easy for everyone. I can go into a thrift store with my mom and see something and know it would be great for this or that,but my mom will say "I never would have thought of that." Anyway, I figured out later, not everyone has an eye for these things and some will buy it.
Good morning, I total agree with you that people are still shopping despite what the news is telling us. I have two booths and in one booth the sales been down last two months but, in the other I made more in September than the whole time ever open which was January this year.
Interesting video. You make some good points. Especially that you still see people spending on nonessential things. I am sure that many families are struggling right now, especially the ones with children. But there are customers out there as you said. What I see happening in my area is a supply/ demand situation. There are just lots of estate sales and yard sales where people are downsizing to apartments. In many situations the children of these folks are in charge of liquidating a lifetime collection of things in a short time. They are pricing vintage items so much lower than I can because they just want it gone! People who would normally be in our booths are out at these great sales. Who can blame them? I recently went to a sale where the owner told me to take everything I wanted and give her $10. She said “Everything you take is something I won’t have to haul off. She was just over it by day 4. But yard sale season is wrapping up and I hope we see traffic returning to our malls. 😊
Wow, I wish I could find those estate sales! I’m not seeing those prices at all! I do think it can be different customers, especially if your booth/mall caters to more upscale shoppers. I have customers who would never think to go to a flea market or estate sale, just not their thing. They want the look, but don’t want to hunt it down themselves. Those are the folks I usually try and target as customers :) Perhaps you could try selling some of those incredibly priced finds online? If you’re getting great prices and potential for a high profit margin, there are areas (like mine) where supply is actually low and people may be willing to pay! Just a thought :)
@@LostFoundDecor Lol, I wish I could trade you some low cost inventory for some upscale customers. It must be that certain areas have older median ages. I follow Abbigail’s Artful Abode on RU-vid and am amazed at the things she finds in the Pacific Northwest. She gets bargain prices at estate sales, but she finds much more sophisticated merchandise than I do here in the Midwest. I really should sell online as I used to some years back. I may try to get back to it this winter.
@@deborahjohnson3876 My concern about selling online and shipping is that I'll be at the post office every day. And I also don't have space to store boxes of stuff that I need to ship. Your thoughts?
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This was an excellent and informative video. What great suggestions. I just signed up for a booth in a good location, just hope I have what it takes to keep it going and draw customers in. I will keep coming back to your videos for refreshers. Thank you so much.
Yes, yesterday actually. It’s discouraging! My husband and I are both self-employed, so we have to stay on top of our finances. We have no 401k, pension, company car, even group health insurance- we are 100% responsible for our family and our future. Even more reason why I am motivated to plan and be strategic in my business :) And why I share what I’m doing with others.
You hit the nail on the head with your words of advice and encouragement! For those who will take your advice to heart, we'll be the ones who weather this storm. When times are tough, the tough (creatives, wise, ambitious, etc) get going! Thank you so much 💓
@@LostFoundDecor We have several booths in that mall. I’ve considered reducing space but it’s a desirable and difficult to get in mall so I’m hesitant to give up my space. Right at end of and even as of August of this year our sales were $2500-3000. Last couple months have slowed down about half that so I really feel like it’s a sign of the times. The other locations are basically a different clientele so they seem to be hanging in there.
Thank you, your advice is always great and makes me think, I use social media but then as time goes by I start to slack off again. I need to get on it again!
I have been selling on Facebook marketplace and noticed a HUGE difference in just the past 2 months. The first time I started selling was about 2 years ago. I sold everything in about 2 weeks. The first couple of days most of my items were gone. I listed some fabulous items about 2 weeks ago and 2 sold instantly but everything else is just sitting and getting marked down and sitting and getting marked down again. I’ve been getting a lot of spam inquiries. A lot of people telling me they want items and then never following through. So the economy is definitely taking its toll.
I've heard similar things from many other sellers regarding FB Marketplace. Could for sure be the economy in play, but also could be overall less people on the social media platform. I myself stopped shopping on there over a year ago, and I think the FB platform as a whole is losing people every day
Good evening Melanie, new subscriber from Cape Town South Africa. Thank you for sharing. I agree, in South Africa people are struggling, the economy isn't the best but we are surviving and thriving amidst all of the craziness. Thank you for your encouragement. I am on this new journey of a new small business. I always loved antiques and anything second hand. Here's hoping we can end 2022 on a good note and begin 2023 on an even greater note❤️🇿🇦. Trying the instagram and gumtree route.
you see people NOW because we were locked up for three years. WE'RE sick of not having lives. The economy is horrendous. I was a statistician for the feds. You have no idea.
I agree with you! The economy is not bad at all! I'm doing fine in my booth. It may change but not yet. Actually we did fine throughout the pandemic too. Your recommendations are spot on.
I’m glad to hear you are doing well! I do think some areas are struggling, and like I said in the video-it’s not an ideal retail season for sure 😊 But the panic and negativity doesn’t help us-what we need is a plan, not panic. I know a dealer who had a $16,000 weekend recently at a twice yearly market, so there are still people buying, for sure!
The economy is not "bad". Lowest unemployment in decades, corporations are doing fantastic, people are still spending. I am having record sales at my artist markets. Inflation is a result of good economies.
Not to be negative or poltical... animal shelters and rescues are in desperate need. Selfish people still need their Starbucks. Let them eat cake? My little space is down 80% so I am giving away product and any money I make, I am giving to animal rescues. Forget quitting my day job.
