Small Biz Changes: Saying Goodbye to my Bigger Antique Mall Booth

A quick cell phone shot after the exhausting effort of tagging and filling the booth to the brim with merch.

I just moved into my larger antique mall booth a couple months back and now I'm moving on out! I'll miss it, but sometimes you have to try something before you determine it's not right for you. Here's some reasons why I'm giving up something I'd wanted for a long while:

1. Furniture Elsewhere: I sell furniture better when it's staged out front, in the store's common area, or via Craigslist. Paying a lot more for a space furniture isn't selling from is no good!

2.  Better Online: I can sell my type of groovy mod finds for much more online. A lot of my smalls will sell for 4 times or more than customers in Southern Crossing would pay! And because I'll sometimes have finds in Southern Crossing and in my Etsy shop at the same time (Yep, bad idea) I've had it sell in the antique mall for far less than online! Heartbreaking!

3. Damn. Exhausting: Filling two booths and an online shop with merchandise on top of side jobs and projects was draining. I still want to write my ass off and create more. It just didn't feel right. It's been giving me negative mojo, I say! I was pouring energy into the wrong area.

I will miss having a large space to brand and play with, but keeping my initial small spot in the best decision for me. It gives me a spot the brand and "advertise" my online shop and blog in Southern Crossing while making money from small and furniture bits scattered throughout. With small business these days when it's harder to make sales, you always have to evolve and try new things. Over the years I've learned to let go of what's not working and not feel bad about it!

How are your small biz adventure going? Running into challenges during these slower sales months? What are your strategies? Let's discuss!

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A Look at Owl Really's Kitschy Antique Mall Booth + Selling and Buying Tips

Right now I'm on my way out to Pimp-out my own antique mall booth, I'm so excited about making the booths match my brand better. What better inspiration than to look Jamie at Owl Really's adorable, vintage filled antique mall booth (#85) at the Tennessee Antique Mall - 654 Wedgewood Avenue in Nashville, TN.

Jamie's Top 3 Selling Tips:
1. Try to find a mall that fits your style but also where your booth will stand out among the others.

2. Stage and group items that go together. Pretend you're actually decorating your home when you add new items.

3. Magic Eraser works wonders on grimey vintage pieces!

Jamie's Top 3 Buying Tips:

1. Half price days. I'm notoriously cheap so I normally shop when items are 50% off, whether that's at a thrift shop or an estate sale.

2. Know the overall aesthetic you want for your booth and shop within that style. It's ok to venture outside that look, but if you keep your eye focused, your booth will feel more cohesive.

3. Always be on the lookout! When you travel, find a flea market to browse. (You can always buy a vintage suitcase at the thrift shop to send your new finds home in!)

Everything in Jamie's booth is exactly something I would pick up while out thrifting, we have an identical reselling style. I love how she's made use of the space in her large booth, grouped likes, and made it feel homey! The consistent white as a back drop keeps it from being too busy. I love Jay's and Jamie's space offer two different display style to consider!

What are your top 3 buying and selling tips? How do you like to stage your antique mall booths? What do you like to SEE in antique mall booths? Do share in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Learn How to Earn $1K Per Month From Your Antique Mall Booth with Jay

I've admired Jay's clean reselling style for years now, we're kindred dino-loving spirits! When he revealed that he's making over $1,000 per month from his antique mall booth in Arizona these days I had chat with him about his success and get a look at his inevitably spectacular booth:
 
1. Hey Jay, could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself and your resale shops? 

My name is Jeremiah and I have a resale booth in the Cortez Street Emporium Mall in downtown Prescott, Arizona.  I resell mostly retro or vintage mid century items with a focus on housewares, toys, and some military items.  I also have an Etsy shop, Vintique Homes and I occasionally sell on eBay as well.  I have a day job, so I resell as a weekend warrior.

2. Between reselling on Etsy and reselling in an antique mall booth, which do you like best?

 I enjoy reselling in the antique mall booth over Etsy.  It's easier.

3. I go back and forth with that myself. Hard to choose! You recently revealed you were able to get your sales up to over $1,000, what tactics do you feel help you get the sales up?

The main tactic is simply having more stuff to sell.  I've moved into a larger booth and have been able to fill it up with plenty of merchandise to offer.

4. You do have a nice, roomy space, I'm a tad envious! What's your audience like at this antique mall, what do the people here normally buy?

For the most part, it's mainly touristy, a lot of people visit our town from Phoenix, California or the Midwest.  There's some local shoppers, but most of my sales come during weekends and holidays, when the antique mall is filled with travelers.

5. What's hunt for merchandise like in AZ?

It's great, I live in a somewhat retirement community so there's a good selection of estate sales and thrift stores.  There's not usually a lot of high end items in my area but there's plenty of supply overall.

6. What's the local reselling market like in AZ?

 I've only been reselling locally for about two years and it has picked up since I started in 2011.  Mid century modern is slowly picking up, but the farm, rustic, and western cowboy look is definitely a trend around here.

7. What's your favorite part of the reselling process?

My favorite part about the reselling process would be the hunt for new items. I can go into a thrift store, flea market, or an estate sale and just get lost with nothing else to think about except finding that one item.  It's an affordable therapy session.

8. I think your reselling aesthetic and branding is admirable, how do you keep it cohesive? Tips to share?

I spend a lot of time looking at pinterest, or online for mid century modern decor, or even store websites like Anthropolgie for inspiration.  I have favorites stores on Etsy that I constantly visit and certain local resale shops that I peruse frequently.  I then try to emulate what I'd like from all those sources into the booth or in the Etsy shop.

9. What's are some challenges you've had to overcome selling in your antique mall?

The hardest part is the beginning.  Sales can be slow and it's difficult to find a niche at first. Also, it takes a lot of inventory to really make it worthwhile and to have consistent sales on a monthly basis.

10. Dinosaurs vs. robots, there can be only one! Who will win?

 Dinosaurs hands down!

I love a good success story! Chatting with Jay and looking at his selling space has me even more inspired to revamp my own space. Let's get busy and make those sales!

Tell me, what's reselling like where YOU live? What are the challenges you're facing with your antique mall booth, vintage shop, etc?

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Antique Mall Update and Reselling Confession: Sometimes I Wanna Quit

It's my second month of running two antique mall spaces at Southern Crossing. Neither are big enough to stage much furniture, but now I have much more space for storing merchandise and getting creative. The sale are alright, a little better than before but not by much. Today I wanna talk about the dark side of if it all. Lately I'm overwhelmed and I wanna quit:

Phone photo of my booth check-in yesterday. I like the new beaded curtain, makes it feel like a cozy closet.

I do enjoy staging the booths and I'm anxious to make them as professional as possible, but the antique malls are a hell of a lot of work for not enough payback.

One problems is that I'm not giving people exactly what they want in this mall, housewares and furniture of the best quality and lowest prices possible. But the more I think about filling my small apartment and merchandise room to the brim with furniture I don't have the space to store or time to fix-up, the more anxious I feel. This work makes me feel weighed-down by STUFF. 

I just wanted be frank with you, the dark side of reselling is often feeling overwhelmed by all the junk you have to sell. Your soul will be weighed down by THINGS. Things make me feel like I'm not location independent the clutter is unsettling to look at. I put it away at the end of the day but I still know it's there.

Selling online is a lot of time consuming work but I can track the metrics to increase visibility to and sales, there's a global audience and I make more money from it. One day I may switch to all online, but I like the local connection I make at the shops. I'll keep working hard at it to find a way I can fill the booths and makes sales without sacrafising my selling standards or sanity. That and working on as many community-building projects and nonprofit things as possible so I don't feel like a soulless retailer!

Feel free to vent, what's the bugging the hell out of you about reselling? Or selling online? Or your creative side job, blog, day job?

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Antique Mall Booth DIY: Chalkboard Sign Revamp + Thoughts

I have an ambitious plan for a bold new antique store booth revamp, but my latest temporary solution is working nicely until my new sign is complete. Like the last sign it didn't cost one cent, I used what I had around the house to craft a new look.

First I removed the letters from my old sign, then added hooks to the back of it so I could hand the letters however I want on the wall and rearrange them when desired.

Then I painted the back of the old sign with one layer of chalkboard paint so I could use it to write messages to shoppers and further connect my online and offline branding.

I spent six hours one day arranging and rearranging to fit in as much merchandise as possible and hanging new signage. I'm not completely satisfied yet, but I like how it makes me stand out from the other booths.

I missed getting out and spending more time with my brick and mortar space, it was neglected while I worked my ass off setting up on Etsy.

I've made some interesting connections with local designers, bloggers, resellers, and vintage buyers in just a couple of days lingering at the booth and trying to perfect the display. I'll admit there have been times I've wanted to give up keeping up and pursuing brick and mortar spaces and keep my brand online, but making that local connection takes it another level. I'm hoping to move up to a larger space at Southern Crossing really soon; can't wait!

How are your antique mall booths and reselling adventures going? Do Tell!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Booth Update: The Tale of Three Booths, Now One

This year I've made the decision to go back to running just one antique store booth. I loved my other two spaces and the opportunity to reach out to different consumers in various venues with my brand. I liked the flexibility and the ability to switch merchandise from store to store. It was time to make the hard decision and say goodbye to two spaces, here's why:

Too Much Shopping: I'm not willing to continue to buy, buy, buy enough merchandise to supply three spaces with the necessary amount of vintage to keep sales up.

Not Enough Profit: I thought I'd take a chance on two booths in lower-traffic stores, but my one space at Southern Crossing brings in far more traffic and profit. It makes sense to stick to the one that really produces.

Online Sales Trump All: I sell more via my blog and craigslist than any other option, and the only investment that takes is time. I had a successful first couple of months on Etsy bringing in several high ticket sales. This year I'll be focusing on my Etsy shop, eBay, Craigslist, and other creative venues.

I Don't Regret it: I learned lessons from being in each shop. I'm always going to innovate and try new ways to sell and make connections with other creatives and playful vintage lovers.

It's not an easy decision to move out of two booths, I really want to keep them. I've met wonderful people and even received an exciting opportunity from one of them that I'll write about in the future! But the stores are too great of an investment of time and energy and it's not working out, it's time to move on. I'm excited to pour that energy into my profitable booth, revamping the looks, making a new sign, and making it the best it can be!

How are your sales going online and in your booths? What are the pitfalls you're facing? Sometimes we have to quite to succeed.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: 3 Stores. 3 Months. 3 Trends.

Maintaining three antique mall booths is a tall order! Even though all three are on the small side, it's still difficult to tag and switch out all of the merchandise while keeping on top of everything else I need to for my business. But I'm learning with each mistake! Here's what I've learned while maintaining three antique mall spaces.

Resellers know: The process of obtaining and pricing merchandise, it never ends! 

1) It's Unpredictable: Many people ask me if I think their particular items will sell. I always answer, "Try it!" What will sell is truly unpredictable. We've all bough that one special item that we though would sell immediately only for it to sit on the shelf for months!

2) Each Store is Different: You have to get a feel for each store and what the audience wants, and curate accordingly.

I can't wait to revamp my spaces! I'll update with before/afters and how it effects sales.

3) Dare to be Unique: My off-the-wall quirky finds sometime sell the fastest. If it grabbed your interest, it will likely grab someone else's!

The Update, in short: Keeping up with my spaces is tough, but rewarding. I'm eager to keep learning and improving every day. Practice makes perfect and I'm getting better at it every day. It's time to get ready for the Christmas sales, so I'm going to be working as much as possible to get my booths and online shop (not yet launched, working on it) ready for the season!

What trends have you noticed with reselling? Let's help each other stay successful!

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Warning: Retail Giants are on to us! Vintage Reproductions, your thoughts?

In the photo above we even have some owl string art! Wow! Photo sneakily snapped with a smart phone.

Squint your eyes, there's blinding light from 1,000 lamps in this exotic territory. We're not in the thrift stores we're familiar with, we're in Earth Bound Trading Company, a retail titan not unlike Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie. You'd be lying if you said they didn't appeal to you, with their diverse array of colors and texture, impeccable branding, and perfectly staged merchandise. This is just one vignette of many revealing they're on to us!

Exact Made-in-China reproductions fill the shelves of stores across the world. The trend of seeking unique items from vintage shops, thrift stores, and online has been replicated effectively by retail shops, they're hitting us where it hurts! You can't even walk down the aisles of Walmart or Target without seeing a "treasure" that looks like what we seek in the thrifts. And sometimes you'll want it! Or buy it, fess up!

Some resellers and thrifters love it, some hate it. As for me, I'm ready to compete. There's no substitute for real vintage items made in the past, and people will pay to have it over a Made in China copy. In the meantime, I love browsing these stores for inspiration. They're borrowing from us, but it can go both ways! Bring it, Retail Man!

How do you feel about the vintage reproduction trend? Is it directly hurting our business? Do you love, hate it?

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Cheater's Guide to Antique Booth Victory: 6 Crucial Start-Up Steps

You don't know what will sell, or where to start. Renting space in an antique mall is an intimidating and rewarding adventure. I recommend it for anyone who wants their vintage, art, or hand-crafted merchandise to reach a new audience.

Cell Phone Photos: My Thrift Core Booth on the left and Rosaly's Old Skool Junk booth on the right.

Don't be scared, be victorious! Rosaly (Old Skool Junk) and I used our collective years of experience selling our wares everywhere to scribe this crucial start-up guide. Use it for profits and triumph!

1. Gather: Ensure You Have Enough Merchandise

Many antique malls will let you sell practically anything! Whatever you choose to sell (your vintage pieces, art, handmade jewelry or accessories, sky's the limit!) make sure you have ample stock to fill your rented space.

2. Select: Choose the Right Store for You

The right store for you is well-known and busy. Scope it out on the weekend and busy shopping days to ensure it gets decent foot traffic. The store will have reasonable rent within your budget.

3. Prep: Buy Supplies, Measure, Take Stock

Determine your limitations with merchandise and staging. Take detailed measurements of your space. Comparison shop for supplies, buy frequently-used necessities (like price tags) in bulk, make spread sheets, write your business plan, and take detailed inventory. Do all of this before you set up shop!

4. Design: Go With the Flow of Your Merchandise

Create unique displays that go with the type of merchandise you sell. Hold pieces in baskets, tins or suitcases. Hang hooks with easily-removed nails or double-sided tape. Strive to make quality, attractive displays and use every square foot you rent efficiently.

5. Customize: Think of Your Space as Your Own Shop

Dare to be bold! Name your space and use a sign that stands out. Use color and lighting to your advantage . Even something as simple as a carpet on the floor can make your space your own and draw shoppers in.

6. Adapt: Anticipate Ups-And-Downs, Adapt, Evolve

Sales, and exactly what sells, is unpredictable. Keep close track of your sales to determine what you should keep buying while you're out thrifting. Change your merchandise and displays frequently, slash prices if needed, evolve and adapt to stay afloat.

You'll never know if your merchandise will sell in a store if you don't try. Be dedicated, give it your best effort, and provide a superior experience for your shoppers and you will be successful.

Antique Booth owners- what are your tips for success? Got questions? Let's discuss in the comments.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: A One Month Three Store Update

Pictures taken with my new phone. Left: Treasure House. Right: Southern Crossing Antique Mall.

It's been one month since I've been juggling space I'm renting from three different antique stores. A lot of people have asked about it, so I thought I'd share an honest disclosure of how I'm doing with all of it and what it's like to rent space from three shops.

I've experienced the growing pains, and it feels like after today I'll finally have all three spaces tagged with the new tags (two out of three down!) and all the merchandise out of way and organized. For now the car has too much merchandise within and bringing boxes up and down 36 steep steps is getting old.

I'm still enjoying rebranding the spaces, creating new tags, and staging with balance and creativity. One space is outperforming the other two by far and I may focus all of my efforts on that space soon, but I want to give the other spaces more of a chance. I don't feel like I've given the other two my full effort and attention.

For now I'm addicted to the challenge. I'm going to keep working at it until I hit my goals! 

What are the challenges you face with your reselling methods? I think it's the same for many of us, balancing it all and increasing sales!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: Neon Novelty Merchandise Tags. Sexy!

I made my own DIY colorful Thrift Core tags before and absolutely loved using them for most of the year. When I ran out and lost the template I wanted to make enormous novelty tags that stood out when shoppers passed my booths.

Process: These tags are the same template I use for my Thrift Core jewelry which features a Transformers Comic Book panel I scanned. I took them to a printer, then cut 180 tags out and punched the hole on the left corner. From there I hand-stamp the gigantic numbers on the front and attach to my colorful merch.

Result: I can write much more information about each item I put in my shop, which I've always felt helps increase sales. Using Neon Astro-Bright cardstock paper in conjunction with the striking image and size should ensure the tags are seen from miles away- making it easier for customers to see the price and get information too. (Don't you hate searching for price tags? Many customers will just walk away.)

Resellers, speak up, what do you use to tag your vintage merchandise?

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Five Points Antiques: Thrift Core's Third Antique Store Space

I am now the lucky renter of three antique store "booths." This third space located in the trendy, bohemian shopping and bar district that is Five Points is nostalgic for me. As a broke teen I'd browse the stores for inspiration, buying the "smalls" I could afford in pricey shops. Now I'm providing the small for them to buy. Full Circle! :)

This is my hasty set-up. I ran out of time yesterday after hours of tagging and filled in what I could. I'll definitely re-arrange and perfect my roomy four shelves soon. Someone bought an item I've been trying to sell off for months while I was walking into the store, definitely feels like a good sign!

Five Points Antiques is the former "Rainbows & Stars," a gay pride an apparel store. I love that they've kept some of the merchandise in the store and continue to support the community. This really feels like the perfect location for me, my funky colorful mod finds appeal to the Five Points Demographic. I'll follow-up soon and keep you posted on my progress.

How are you doing with your reselling and thrifting goals? Let's discuss in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: Answering Your Top Antique Store Questions

If you're dying to rent space in an Antique Mall or Antique Store but don't feel confident yet, this is the guide for you. This is my second year selling goodies in Antique Stores, and I'm still learning every day. It's a unique challenge that keeps me satisfied while putting money in my pocket! It ain't easy, but I love it. 

Here are the answers to your top Antique Store renting questions: bookmark this post! It's your handy dandy guide to success!

Will people break your items? 

I've had a few breaks, but most of them were because I tempted fate balancing an item precariously... Don't be like me! Hang and present your items with care and you'll have few issues.  Oh, I'm also outlandishly clumsy and break my own things once a week or so...

Does the antique store give you tax forms? 

The ones I rent out of do not, it will be up to you to report your earnings to the IRS. (Need reseller tax tips? I answer your questions here!)  

How many antique store booths do you rent out of? 

Two. One in Southern Crossing Antique Mall and another in Treasure House. They are located next to each on busy, pretty Park St. in Jacksonville, Florida.  

How often do you visit your booths to switch things out? 

At least twice a week, and I'm getting in the habit of adding new items out front as often as possible. I live in walking/biking distance of my shops and have a flexible schedule so it's not too difficult for me.  

How big are your antique store booths? 

They are both very small, about the size of your standard booth shelves. My Southern Crossing one (below) has some space for me to place items on the sides as well.

[This is my booth fresh after changing out the merchandise for Father's Day. I can't wait to make plans and continue to improve it!]

How much do you pay per month to rent space? 

 I pay $53.50 at Southern Crossing Antique Mall and $36.00 for my space at Treasure House.  (See my Treasure House space here)

Would you recommend renting space at two different Antique Malls?

I'm enjoying it. Different stores have different demographics and rules. I like to switch items if they won't sell at one store and experiment.

Where exactly do you make all of your sales anyway? 

I sell in Southern Crossing, Treasure House, a little of Craigslist, and on this blog. I'm working on setting up my Etsy shop and an Ebay shop, but they are not finished yet. It keeps me busy! I am never bored!

Do handmade items and art sell well at antique stores?

Hell yes! Actually, some of my best months is when I had my quirky original toy art and other goodies in the shop. I definitely need to make more of it.

So what are your future plans for your antique store booths?

Total Rehaul, baby! I want to add more toys, bright colors, pop culture, and really make it stand out as the Thrift Core brand.

How do I find the right antique store to rent space from?

I've got a whole article on that right here for ya! If the price and foot traffic is right, go for it!

Any Tips for Improving Sales?

Absolutely! My friend Carla makes over four figures doing this! Read her tips here! The brilliant Becke of The Vintage Cabin has Expert Reselling Tips you should check out as well. Don't forget my 10 Action Steps to Improve Booth Sales, NOW!

Want more? You Can peruse all of my past Antique Store Wisdom posts here.


Got anymore questions? Tips to Share? Let's Discuss in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: How to Make over Four Figures a Month!

Sweet Carla is a frequent commenter here at Thrift Core. She's said my Antique Store posts inspired her to open a booth of her own (d'aww) at Southern Crossing Antique Mall along with me. When she revealed she made over four figures last month reselling at the antique store I nearly fell out of my chair. Talk about surpassing the muse, I've never made close to that! So I sat down to grill her for her secrets on making the big bucks have a friendly chat.

We've covered much of this before, but let's get back to basics and make that bank!

1. Focus on Practical, Utilitarian Items

In these harsh economic times (ha! had to say it) people are spending less on "creature comforts"- a knick knack that will gather dust on the shelves isn't a justifiable purchase- but a "useful" item may fit the bill. When you resell, focus on vintage items that can re-purposed in the home, like metal baskets.

2. It's a Numbers Game, Remember the Walmart Approach

Carla's sales add up in the end! She uses the "Walmart" approach, stuffing her booth with lots of low-priced merchandise.

3. Focus on Staging

I noticed Carla's booth before I ever knew it was hers. It stands out. She has a good eye for balance and design and stages her booth like a pro. She squeezes in as much as possible while keeping the brilliant tableaux accessible and attractive. Keep experimenting with your staging and find what works for you.

4. Be Unique Through and Through

We all gravitate toward unique items. Don't stifle the inner critic that tells you to leave something strange behind at the thrifts, buy it! You want to stuff your booth with unique finds. Likewise, follow your style to help your booth stand out at the antique mall.

5. Add New Merchandise Twice Per Week

You can't get around it! Add new merchandise to your booth at least twice per week, especially before the busiest days (usually the weekend) to keep things fresh. Restaging your entire booth from time to time doesn't hurt, either!

I know this all sounds trite, but it works, it really does. When I actually buckle down and work hard at applying these five tips I see a big jump-up in sales.

What do you find helps you make the most reselling? Spill! Let's help each other :) Don't worry, I have plenty more creative tips on making money from thrifting to share next time.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: Two Month Check-in. A Tale of Two Stores.

April marks the second month since I've moved into Treasure House, a new, eclectic antique mall. It's challenging, but I'm learning to milk the benefits and work with the unique experience.

I increased profits the second month, but I want to take sales and branding to the next level. These are my plans for April:

1. Create Custom Displays for both Spaces

I've got creative ideas for making amazing displays for both booths, time to get busy!

2. Brand! Stand-Out! Color, Color, Color!

I want to stand out in the antique mall and work harder on communicating quirky, pop-culture message.

3. Big Bang Sell? Get Rid of Some Unwanted Bits.

I want to clear out and sell many bits for $1.00. Who wants bits for a dollar? Everyone, that's who!

4. Better Schedule and Staging

I'm still trying to balance between stuffing the booth to the brim with merch and keeping it clear and organized. I also want a set schedule for switching out and adding merch to the inside and outside of the store.

5. More Dinosaurs and Robots. Always.

I usually keep my robots and dinosaurs for myself! But I added a robot to the booth and it sold quickly; I must provide the masses with the toy and pop culture fix and stop selfishly hoarding it for myself ;)

It looks like I'm going to work, work, work through the weekend on so many different projects! I'm excited to take hundreds of pictures, organize, pack, research, and get busy.

How are your reselling efforts going? Business or thrifting plans for the weekend?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Thrifted Collections: Vintage McCoy Pottery and Other Fun Planters

I mentioned Planters in my Top 5 Things I Can Never Resist at the Thrift Store post. You can tell from these pictures and thrift haul posts that I'm mildly obsessed with them: with so many sizes, shapes, and bright colors, who can stop at one?

I've continued to encounter them nearly every visit to the flea market; my collection has really stacked up! As much as I love admiring them at the house, I'm finally ready to let them go as a group. I rarely build up a big collection before placing them in my antique mall booth, so I'm curious to see how these will do in the shop.

I've filled four quirky ones with beautiful shade-friendly tropicals and left the rest empty. The picture above shows three of my planters sitting patiently on a bamboo table in Treasure House, waiting to go home with a fellow plant lover. I have a feeling these would do better online than in the stores, but it doesn't hurt to try it and see what happens?

What's your biggest vintage collection? Any Favorites? Mine may seem like planters but the biggest collection is probably books. Delicious, buttery books. I think I'll dive into one now...

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Antique Store Wisdom: Rebranding Progress. Sexy New Price Tags!

One of my big resolutions for 2012 was to work on branding my antique store booth Thrift Core style. I've made new merchandise, signage, and now these sleek new price tags. They're a big improvement on my plain white tags (seen here) from before and suit my colorful, kitchsy aesthetic.

The details really matter with your small business. I'm anxious to see if sales will increase from this small change, but even if they don't, I've been having fun choosing the right tag for each vintage item. The new price tags really help bring the whole picture I'm trying to paint together!

Resellers, speak up, what do you use to tag items? Buyers, what kind of details make you reach for an item while shopping for vintage or in a boutique?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Treasure House: My New Antique Store Space

I live near a busy section on Park Street in Jacksonville, Florida that's home to at least five eclectic antique stores, all practically side-by-side! Treasure House is a fresh new shop in the line-up. Shop owner Jackie used to rent space with me at Southern Crossing, but now she has a cute shop of her own.

The space I'm renting is the third bookshelf at the far right. I'm allowed to put items in front of the store as well, so I'll try to bring in some furniture.

I'm switching apartments next month and I didn't want to lug a bunch of vintage with me. This was a perfect time to try out a second antique store booth. I just moved into this space so I haven't had any sales yet, but I'm going to spend this week adding small ticket merchandise to see what happens.

It's going to be a little tricky balancing my time between this booth, my Southern Crossing Antique Mall space, online reselling, and stocking up on merchandise for the future Thrift Core brick and mortar shop, but I'm up for the challenge. I see this is as practice, and $36 isn't too much to pay for the experiment.

Luckily, there's plenty of vintage for me to find in my area to keep stocked-up. Let the hunt begin! How are your reselling efforts going?

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