The operative word in the title of this post is SELLING. What that means is that absolutely positively everything in your booth or space should be for sale – even that cool vintage display case and your antique French mannequin.

It’s not unusual for antique dealers – especially new dealers – to want to horde the good stuff. Obviously, if you’re in, or thinking of getting into, the vintique business means you probably love the stuff. That is not a crime. Neither is keeping things you really love. But, for Pete’s sake, if you don’t want to sell an item, don’t put it in your booth. It’s just that simple.

As dealers get more experience, see just how much stuff is out there in the world to buy and resell,  and the stuff piles up in storage units and garages, they’re usually more willing to sell their inventory. Selling the good stuff is also the point where a dealer’s business can really take off. I hope it isn’t news to you, but customers like the good stuff, too.

Make NFS (not for sale) tags and FDO (for display only) no-nos in your booth for a number of reasons: 1) Customers get a little pissed off when they can’t buy something they just fell in love with. They’ll leave and not buy anything from you. 2) You’re paying rent on the entire space. Make sure that the entire space can earn its keep. Wasting room on stuff that is NFS or FDO is just stupid business. I’m sorry if the truth hurts. Click here for a little primer on sales per square foot. Lamps, display cases, shelves, even dollar store decor you put up to dress your space for the holidays should all be for sale.

Will you regret selling some items? Oh yes you will. Even after years in the business, there are certain things that you will wish you never sold. It happens to the best of dealers. Sometimes the cash in your bank account makes up for it, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s just part of the business.

{ 1 comment }