One of the most common questions I get asked is, “Where do you find all of your merchandise?” My answer is always, “All over the place!” If I could earn an accolade in this business, I would want it to be, “Master Treasure Hunter.” Finding merchandise to sell in my antique booth absolutely thrills me- it is honestly an amazing feeling. I feel delighted when I score an item to flip and make a huge profit, rescue and restore an item that was destined for a landfill, or connect a customer of mine with a treasure that they have spent years trying to find. If you are looking for ideas on where to find items to sell in your antique booth, here are my top ten favorite places.
If I could earn an accolade in this business, I would want it to be, “Master Treasure Hunter.”
1. Yard Sales
There is almost no other way that I would rather spend my Saturdays than going to yard sales! I use an app called Yard Sale Treasure Map to plan out my Saturday morning sales. I try to be strategic in choosing locations based upon geography and key words such as, antiques, collectibles, and art. Not only can you find great deals at yard sales, but if you are anything like me, you will have SO much fun! And, do not skip the church rummage sales- their selection and prices can’t be beat if you show up early to get the best deals! Check out some of my amazing yard sale finds:
2. Estate Sales
There are several benefits to going to estate sales, in addition to snagging a great item for a great deal. Here are two significant reasons:
- Learn more about item value. You can learn about the value of different types of merchandise by checking out the prices of items for sale and observing what people are picking up and buying. Listen to what shoppers are saying, and notice which items draw the most attention.
- Discover new display/design ideas. Estate sales are a wonderful place to get inspired for setting up your antique booth. In many cases, each room will be staged and decorated with furniture, décor, and collectibles.
You can find local estate sales by looking in the classified section of your local paper, checking Craigslist or using a specialized search engine like estatesales.org.
Interested in Estate Sales?
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3. Auctions
Once you begin to gain basic insights about what sells well in your local area, and at what prices, local auctions can be a profitable resource. You can find local auctions by contacting auction houses, searching Google, or using an website/app such as auctionzip or auctioneer. Tip: Arrive early to the event so that you can look over each item that is displayed and write down specific items that you wish to bid on, including the maximum price you will bid.
4. Online Sites
In addition to eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook, there are many online sites for sourcing inventory for your antique mall booth. Without endorsing any particular sites, I will share a few basic tips with you.
- Shop for items in ‘lots’ or ‘bulk’ rather than individual items. Buying several of an item typically gets you a substantially cheaper price per unit.
- Look at the seller’s reviews or ratings, as well as the number of items that they have sold in the past. It is in your best interest to deal with an experienced and reputable seller.
- Don't forget to factor in the shipping cost. This is an additional expense that will decrease your profit margin.
- Look closely at the pictures and comments for each item. Ask for more information or pictures if you need clarification. An item’s condition greatly affects its value.
5. Thrift Stores
You can find thrift stores almost anywhere. Whether you are at home or traveling, there is probably a thrift store nearby. Some of these stores even offer an additional discount on certain days of the week, or with a military or student ID. When I visit thrift stores, I usually look for small vintage tables to restore, crystal, depression glass, dish sets, or unique or handmade items. I also like to look for merchandise that represents my local colleges, sports teams, or tourist attractions- these are some of my best sellers.
6. Other Antique Booths
Don’t hesitate to shop in your own antique mall- or at other antique malls while at home or traveling. You will find that items are valued differently in different contexts and geographic locations.
An example of context would be a set of salt-n-pepper shakers that is deeply discounted because it is not selling from a top shelf in someone else’s antique booth. However, when you place those same salt-n-pepper shakers on a beautifully curated table setting in your antique mall booth, even at a higher price, they sell right away.
An example of geography is my ability to sell Southwest-style home décor very well. Horses, desert-scenes, cactus- they all fly off my shelves. These items typically do not sell well in other parts of the country, so I am more likely to find them at a bargain price elsewhere in order to turn a profit in your antique booth locally.
7. Local Vintage Markets, Craft Shows, and Antique Pop-ups
Check your local events calendar for these types of markets. In my town, there is an event every other weekend. Some are set up in parks or recreation centers, and others have a more permanent location. You might also consider participating in these types of events as a vendor. If your town does not have events such as these, you might even consider organizing something yourself!
8. Bulk Trash Pickups
I know it does not sound glamorous, but I have found some great pieces of furniture with "good bones," just tossed to the curb and headed to a landfill. With a little elbow grease and some loving restoration work, I have turned several pieces of “trash” into highly profitable treasures. It’s also great for the planet!
I have turned several pieces of “trash” into highly profitable treasures
Bulk Trash Roller Skates
Before
After
I rescued these 1950's JC Higgins wooden wheel roller skates from a bulk trash pile on a corner. I spent a few minutes cleaning them up, lined the inside of the case with some retro duct tape and sold them for $50 at my antique booth within a week! If only they had been my size...
9. Do Some “Picking”
If you have never watched American Pickers on television, you may not understand what I mean when I say “picking.” It means that you go out and find merchandise that isn’t necessarily listed “for sale.” For example, you see a barn nearby that is overflowing with rusty/chippy treasures. You call the owner and ask if you can take a look. You ask the owner if they’d be willing to sell anything, and you initiate negotiations for the pieces that you want. A little disclaimer here- please use good judgment, and NEVER do this alone. We don’t want anyone getting into trouble!
10. Sellers Come to You
Sometimes, sellers will come directly to the antique mall, carrying with them an item that they’d like to offer to the dealers. I have scored a few wonderful vintage and antique pieces this way! Sellers also contact me by sending messages through my business’s instagram and facebook pages. They know that I am a local antiques dealer, and they have something they’d like to sell. This happens often, and I love when it does!