February 21, 2013

"What Sells And What Doesn't: Antiques Mall In Minnesota"


Selling in an antiques mall in Minnesota



Hi, I am Deb From Garage Sale Gal, I was so excited when Carol asked me to share
 "What Sells And What Doesn't" in my antique booths.   

I started selling about 18 years ago and at that time I rented a book shelf. 



The first thing I sold was glassware! The old depression glass, although it was a great seller then, it's a tough sell now



A few years after I started selling, hubby got "bitten" by the selling bug and we now enjoy this "hobby" together. We get up very early most Saturday mornings and hit estate sales.  I think it helps to have "man stuff". A good variety is important. 

We have a good size booth at "AUNTIE M'S" in Hopkins, Minnesota and we also have a booth at  "Antiques Minnesota" in Burnsville, Minnesota.  
I work 2 duty days a month at Auntie M's and this helps me to save a little money on the rent and keeps me up on what is selling.  The added benefit is when people stop in to sell their treasures, since I'm working, I get the first chance at buying



 We have a locked case for "smalls" and items that are a bit more money or "unique"!


And open shelving for most of the "treasures". 

Working the booth is very important, we try to get in to fluff at least one day a week and restock every couple of weeks. 

Interestingly enough, different things sell at each of our booth locations, but these are items that sell at both 

What Sells:

Mirrors ~ Old Suitcases ~ Chalk boards~Vintage Toys ~ Seasonal Treasures ~ Ephemera including kids books~Holiday items~Old greeting cards~Post cards~Bingo cards~Old advertising items~ Unique, odd, or one of a kind items

What doesn't sell in my neck of the woods 

Glassware~Knick knacks~Tea cups~Roosters~Linen~Wall pictures~Hats~Newer books

We stock a lot of smalls and Most items are priced under 20.00. If we have furniture, it's small tables, as floor space is limited.

My Tips

Don't price your items to low, by pricing them to low you can actually devalue your merchandise.  We also don't sell any items that are chipped or broken.


Well, that's what sells and doesn't in my neck of the woods, thank you, Carol for asking me to guest post.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me, you can find me at Garage Sale Gal.

Warmly,
Deb

Hi, it's me Carol... Thanks Deb, I want everything in your locked cabinet!  I had the great pleasure of garage sale and antique shopping with Deb in Minnesota.  Here we are, Debs in the pink.



 I met Deb through blogging.  I grew up in Minnesota and I love to follow hometown blogs.  I met her in person when she was on vacation here in Orlando, and then again when I went "home" for a vacation in Minnesota.  We had THE BEST day (HERE) of antiquing in Minnesota and I can tell you, Deb has so many years of experience under her belt, she really knows her antiques.  She is someone I am honored to call a friend, one of the sweetest, nicest, people I know......Thank You Deb!

If you have missed any guest bloggers, would like to catch up and want more selling tips, I have put a tab at the top of my blog entitled "Selling Antiques" 

Happy Selling 
Carol


39 comments:

Maureen Wyatt said...

Isn't it strange how regional it is for selling antiques? It's so interesting to see what moves in different places!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I love reading these posts! Deb's hints are great...and you're right...she is a real sweetie!

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Deb,
You're so right! No selling tea cups and roosters around here! lol
I love your booth and never fail to bring something of yours home with me each time I visit Auntie M's!
You have a good eye!
Erica :)

Bente said...

Hi, I found your tips how to make ornament with plaster. That was so great. So much better than my way. Thank you.

Have a great day

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
Another great post! Isn't it funny how different things sell based on your location. She's got it goin on!!!

I hope that next year I can get in on your meme.

hugs
Sissie

Bluebirdbasketry said...

Oh, I would have a great time in Deb's booths! I can see so many things I want just from the pictures. I am surprised that linens don't sell, they are my favorites. That is what is interesting about this series.

Sue

Theresa said...

I am stopping by from Deb's Blog:) I could pack a buggy full from her shelves! Have a blessed day, HUGS!

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Hi Carol,

Another great and helpful post!

xo,
Amy JO

Diane said...

Interesting once again. The photos are very fun!

NanaDiana said...

I love, love, love this feature, Carol! It is so much fun to see what sells in different parts of the country and even from area to area in the same state- xo Diana

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It's always interesting to see what sells and what doesn't in the various parts of the country. Thanks for sharing your booth with us, Deb! I always spend the most time looking in booths like yours because there is so much to see and I don't want to miss anything.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Great article, Deb! I always love seeing pictures of your booths and I loved hearing what sells and doesn't. Very interesting! Twyla

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Thanks so much Deb for sharing what's hot in your neck of the woods. I really enjoyed eyeing all your treasures. Great picture of the two of you...how fun!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol,
Once again another wonderful feature from Deb who is a sweetheart. Love seeing your booth space Deb and all your wonderful treasures offered. I could have a lot of fun shopping here. What a walk down memory lane for me with this series.
How fun that you and Carol have met in person. Looks like you two were having fun shopping.

Happy Selling,
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am a fan of Deb's and came to see her guest post! Love your blog and am now following! Fun to see what sells in different areas! hugs, Linda

Urban Farmhouse Chic said...

It's funny what sells in different parts of the country. I have a booth at Queen of Hearts in Alpharetta and also in the Marietta GA location. There is even a difference is what sells in one location vs. the other location.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing, Deb! I didn't realize you had been doing this for so long!

Pricing will be the hardest part for me. I see such a variety of prices for the same items- even in the same mall. It makes it difficult for me to know how much to set a price for.

Thanks, Carol for this series! ♥

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Oh wow, I love Deb's booth! She is such a sweetie, wish I could meet her in person too! I just came back from Fla, after spending 8 days with my sweet blog friend Shari. We did the same thing! Thanks for the great tips Deb!

Debbie

PattieJ said...

I love hearing about what sells and what does not in different areas! What a nice booth!I wonder if they have something like that here where I live in Chicago... I would love to have a booth and sell stuff! Thanks for sharing Deb! And Carol too!

Pattie

Rosie said...

Carol, I just love this series you created on what does and doesn't sell. And I love seeing Deb's booth in its entirety. She really is a sweetheart!
rosie

Createology said...

This is the best series. Each guest has such great information and it doesn't only apply to their region of the world. Deb your booth is amazing. Thank you both. Happy Hearts are Creative Hearts...

Unknown said...

This post was so fun to read, as I too am from Minnesota! How neat that I can actually check out Deb's treasure's in person! Yee Haw!! Thank you Carol for sharing your blog with all of us. You are a treasure too!

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Love it. Very interesting...I am surprised at some of the "don't sells"....like teacups. Funny, huh? Love all of Debs things! I spotted cool salt and pepper shakers in milk glass with red and blue print! Love those!. What a cute picture of the two of you out garage-saling!! How fun!!
Karen

camp and cottage living said...

Carol
It's so neat to hear what's selling and what's not in all of the different regions!
I see a lot of goodies in Debbie's corner of the market that I wouldn't mind having. Too bad Minnesota's so far away!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

I sure wanted a "deeper" peek into Deb's cases, man! Awesome!

I've got my Dress Form Ball post ready!

See ya!
Kell~

Jane said...

So fun to see two of my favorite bloggers together!! Carol, this is a great series. I really enjoy reading what sells in other areas. And Deb, your booth space looks amazing...so many things I would buy!!
Jane

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

As a dealer for the past 14 yrs... I know what she is talking about! Depression glass kind of died...but lately if I find something unique in DG it sells.

Love your blog...keep up these fun posts!

Unknown said...

Ohhh thank you for this post girls!!! Its always a pleasure to get interesting tips! :) Lovely shop Deb, really the variety and beauty is staggering! :) Thanks Carol!

Hugs,

Perfectly Printed said...

This is such a great series! It is interesting what sells and what doesn't in different areas.

chris

Teresa said...

Lovely tips, Deb.
Thank you for sharing!
You know the most interesting people, Carol.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Teresa

Ann said...

Look forward to this post every week. Interesting how some don't sells are a "sell" in my booth like linens. I have been in this business for about 10yrs and have noticed a shift in what sells and the pricing is different. Thanks for this weekly venue.

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

LOL roosters and tea cups sell for me!
What fun to get to visit with Deb again.

Annesphamily said...

Amazing all the different favorites in different places! I loved stopping by. Always fun reading here. Thanks to Deb for sharing!

Stampindamour said...

Wonderful post! FABULOUS booth! ♥

-PaMeLa ;)

Heart Vintage Design said...

Loved your post, Deb. Like you, I started out selling tons of glass and while roosters were so hot for a while, I haven't even tried to see one in ages. I too, find that what sells varies by location. Love all of your treasures! Kitty

Something Special said...

Love this post. I would love to meet both of you. My hubby is from Litchfield, MN so I get back there occasionally. I love Deb too and have swapped with her. I did not know she had booths in Antique malls. Hugs to you!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hey Carol,
That was so much FUN and Thank you for letting share "What's" going on for me and my booths! Everyone has different things that sell and don't, this is just from my dealings in the business and it does change!
Warmly,
deb

Pam said...

Wow Carol, what a great guest post! In my town people think "old things" are just junk, but not I !!! My things, however would not sell in this small town of mine! xo Pam

Sharon said...

Great post, Deb!