Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"Booth Ownership 101 !!"

Hi Bloggerettes!  Peggie and I fluffed up our booth yesterday.  We added some new things and reorganized a little.  Wanna see?

It's very important to both of us that our booth looks good.  We both take great pride in finding and selling items that we love.

I've been doing this for about two years now and Peggie has been doing it for over 10 years or more.
We both have booths at Miss Minnie's Antiques and we
share Perfect Imperfections at Fancy Flea Antique Mall.

Let me tell you what I've learned about this crazy booth business.
(caution....long post, so you might just want to look at the pictures!)

Believe it or not there is a right and a wrong way of
decorating your booth. We're no experts but we both have experienced trial and error. So, I'm going to share some things that we have learned that might be of help to those of you just starting out or would like some pointers in "Booth Ownership 101!"   
If you want to attract as many buyers as possible then you have to work at making your space
appealing. 

Start with the bones of the booth.
Create interesting walls and dividers between your booth and the others next to it.  Have surfaces on which to display your items.
Have good lighting.  Create vingettes.

Just look at the idea used by one of the other booth owners.  She brought in a tree limb to use as a focal point in her booth.
We love it!



Leave an open walkway in your booth to invite shoppers to come inside and linger awhile.

Keep your booth well stocked with items that attract buyers.
Peggie and I can stuff a booth with more stuff than you can imagine!
If we don't have space enough then we go up,
  and stack as much as we can!  Tables on top of tables, stuff on top of stuff.
But, we do this by making sure that our displays are
fresh and different weekly.

One very important tip is to make sure your items are clean and presentable.  You know we love our chippy and rusty and crusty but we don't love plain ole dirt!


If an item has been in our booth for awhile, we rotate it.
and sometimes, we repurpose it or change it completely.


We keep our booth looking good by constantly reading the blogs, reading the decorating magazines and finding out about current decorating and crafting trends.

It's also important to have a focal point in your booth, whether it be  a special piece of furniture, a mirror or a shelf full of interesting items.


We think it's important to mix looks. Like juxtapostioning the soft shabby look against
the industrial chic look of the antique metal roll table. 


Mix in some primitive pieces with some shabby and romantic.
Add some bling and sparkle with some farmhouse pieces.



Show buyers what they can do with your wonderful pieces.
Set up vingettes that will appeal to their senses.




 
Have business cards printed and available in your booth.


Make sure that everything is priced.  Use pretty tags and ribbons and pay attention to the details.

Fill containers, bowls and urns with paper shred or straw.
Add crystals to your candlesticks.

Most of all, have fun!  Enjoy looking for new items. Go to auctions, flea markets and other places to find unique, one of a kind items.

There are no hard and fast rules just the experience and wisdom of those who have been doing this for awhile.

~~hugs~~




50 comments:

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

Thanks Sissie, I needed the pep talk. Your things are lovely and inviting. I just went in today to fluff. I need a total overhaul. judy

Polly said...

Lookin' good girls!! Great tips for all, even those of us who have been at it awhile, but need a little motivation during these cold months!

That armoire in Diane's booth is exactly what I am looking for for my bedroom!!!! Remind me Sissie, what state are you in? Could be a road trip if it's a doable day trip!

xo

Polly

. said...

Thank you Sissie!!

I've been tossing around opening a booth for a long time! I was finally close to doing it several months ago, and started building up my stock...but I think I am going to have to hold off for now. But I know I WILL open a booth at some point!

These tips seem like common sense to me...but I see so many booths that I don't even look at it because they just look like trash heaps to me. Booths like yours I take my time and I always want to walk away with something, no matter how small, so I can take that feeling home with me. :)

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great info, Sissie and those booths look wonderful.

mariondee-designs said...

Hi Sissie, loved looking into your booths! So many pretty things. I used to have a booth a couple of years ago but gave it away as I couldn't put my 'all' into it. I do miss it though and may get into it again at a later date.. or perhaps open my very own store!! For now I'll just dream. Loved all your tips. I used to find that even if I didn't have anything new to add to my booth, that just by changing things around, my booth 'looked' like I added new things! take care, Maryann

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hi Sissie, you are so right... you really have to work at it and keep it fresh, you had some really good advice, and your booth looks gorgeous!!! I will be getting out of the Mall I've been in for several years, because I just haven't had the time to devote to it... and my back can't take moving the furniture much any more, and just like you said it has to be something that you work often! I've been doing this for about 13 years now, but I have my website too and that's what I need to focus on right now.... and it is really needing attention too, I'll be working on new things to add to it later in month... so I'm excited about that! Hope your having a wonderful week!
hugs~~ Daphne

LemonyRenee' said...

Good tips. The one thing that will keep me out of a booth no matter how beautiful it is is if it is too crowded and I feel like I will knock something over simply by moving by it. I call these booths, "Booby Traps." LOL

Your booth is lovely -- that whole mall looks heavenly, actually!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

An awesome looking booth makes a world of difference when it comes to selling your goods...you have some great advice here for the ones in the business. At several of the shops where I was located the onwers always gave me the best spots because of how my booths were decorated...not bragging...just stating a fact...displays make a HUGE difference! Your booths always look outstanding and I'm sure that you sell a ton of stuff.

Blessings,
Linda

Char said...

I think I could stay all day. It's all so gorgeous, every where you turn, every where you look, Char

bj said...

I enjoyed this post so much. The photos of all the beautiful things are fantastic....

Patty Sumner said...

Just found your blog and I love it! One of my dreams is to open a boothe or a shop which ever the Lord may bless me to do. I love the tips...Keep giving the good advice... I will be back....come by and see me at My Mountian Blessings. Blessings to you Sissie

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Oh Sissie, It looks like I missed out on some of your postings.... you really put out great stuff to look at. Again I say your headers are always so appealing too and why wouldn't they be.... you are a natural in what looks good and so is your booth...... it's loaded with so many temptations. It's all about the packaging if you want things to sell and your the girl to do it right!

Have a Great Day*

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great peek inside how a booth works, Sissie! You've both got such lovely things! I really like how you said to make sure everything is priced. Many times I've seen something I like when I am visiting an area that has a market and no price makes me think it is too much for my pocketbook so I wind up not getting it and leaving. I do wish we had something like this here.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Great advice Sissie! Maybe one of these days I will get brave and try a booth. hugs, Linda

Annie Louise said...

Wow, thank you so much for all the wonderful information. Your pictures are amazing.
Take care,
Jeanette

Rebecca Nelson said...

What a fabulous post my talented friend. No kidding! You ROCK! If a Booth isn't physically appealing I sometimes don't even STOP to look at it. It is work but it is worth all the effort. Women scan things up one side and down the other in a nanno-second! You hit the nail on the head with what you do. LOVE IT ALL!

LOVE YOU, TOO! :)

Thanks for your sweet visits and for your compliments. Coming from you that means so much to me.

Love you again~

Rebecca

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I would love to do what you are doing one day. Don't know if it will ever happen though. I guess I will enjoy what you and others do best in the mean time!~Hugs, Patti

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Sissie, your booth looks gorgeous and is the type of booth that would draw me right in!

Such great tips! Thanks for sharing!

Lou Cinda

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

A gorgeous presentation, Sissie! Love the lace-trimmed burlap pillow and the green toile chair is making me drool again! I LOVE it! Great tips and ideas.

Blessings,
Sandi

Fishtail Cottage said...

Oh, sissie - you are living my dream!!! I see some goodies that i would love to inquire about - do you have an email that i could send you some questions about? xoox

Cindy said...

OMG, your little booth is precious... I see things i want in there! How much is that fabulous clock face....? And the little burlapy pillow with "Gouffe" on it, and the small white frame with the 3 buttons? They are all so charming...! I think I want all three!
The little corner you did with your recently redone side table and redone chair and little round suitcase is one of the prettiest corners of all...
Ok, totally off the subject, but has anyone ever told you that you resemble Doris Day , I LOVE Doris Day, and that photo of you really looks like her...

Hugs
Cindy

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

What lucky gals you both are to do something you love to do!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

great advice, Sissy, your booth looks fabulous!!!!
xo,
Debra

Wendy said...

Your booth is beautiful and looks like a place I could spend a few hours. Loved reading your post and your tips! You are so right, if it is inviting it draws you right in!

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Sissie, This is so helpful! I am a new vendor and have done some shows. I'm currently (today), setting up my shabby chic guest room as a showroom, so this is timely. Thanks. Have a great week!
~ Julie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Sissy, I looked through about 5 times, beautiful, you pack it well , I feel so bad when people show their booths and they look empty. Our owner won't let us put in business cards, guess she is afraid she will miss her 10%, everything is beautiful!!

Carol

Donnie said...

I really enjoyed this post. The photos are really beautiful.

Tanza said...

Hi Sissie,
WoW !! What a beautiful booth (booths) you have .. Soo much eye-candy, and looks to be something for every kind of taste !! that is important !! Sure wish I lived close by .. would LoVe to shop in your sweet place .. I see lots to want .. Kudos to you my friend ..

Thanks for sharing, and sure hope you have a wonderful rest of your week ~
HugS ~TeA~ xo

LuLu Kellogg said...

Sissie, you are just the Queen of Vignettes!! Your booth always looks so beautiful!

LuLu~*xoxo

Allison said...

If I lived closer I'd be shopping your booth on a regualr basis. It looks beautiful and everything catches my eye! You have the magic touch with this as well as creativity, talent and the know how. Congratulations on winning the sketch giveaway! I saw your name and am thrilled for you!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Just beautiful, how I'd love to shop at both of your booths!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

A+! I'm so tired now! Ha!

Simple Home said...

What a lot of work it is to make everything look beautiful. As I was reading this I realized that if the booths at the antiques mall I frequent don't have a clear walkway, I'm far less likely to enter and look around. I never thought about it before.
Your photos are wonderful!
Blessings,
Marcia

Tara said...

Great tips Sissie! I try to to follow them all!
Your booths look beautiful. I need to go in and do some fluffing soon myself. I sometimes wonder if the other vendors in our store think we're crazy always moving stuff around because we're the only ones that do it. Which is unfortunate I think, it helps freshen things up a lot.

Victoria said...

You are so funny telling us we can just look at the pictures, made me chuckle:) Your advice is wonderful! When I go to antique malls I always pass up the disorganized booths, it definitely makes a big difference when it's properly staged as yours is!

The Painted Cottage said...

Sissie, as always thanks for such great advice! Your booths look amazing ... as they always do! Can't wait to come back and visit them again! :)

- Lauren

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Sissie,
First of all, thanks so much for your visit!

Second, I want to tell you that I would just love to visit any of your booths and I would think I died and went to heaven!! Everything looks so beautiful and appealing.
Unfortunately, at the end of this month, I am giving up my space at the Co Op. In reading your post, I realize and have for some time that with my very busy schedule of working full time night shift, I can not devote the time to being a "shop" owner so to speak. Everything you spoke of is what I have no time to do so I am giving it up.....for now!
I will do 2-3 craft fairs a year and maybe go back to selling on Ebay and hopefully, when I am no longer working, I can reopen my own little " shop" somewhere.

You are superb at what you do and you have all of my admiration!!

Hugs,
Debbie

awal.ny said...

Your booth wisdom was right on, being a former shop owner and booth owner and knowing what I like to see when I am shopping for myself. Oh, and if I were anywhere near you, your booth would definately draw me in, great job.

Amy Chalmers said...

I loved these pics and the booths look like ones I would get lost in...one thing I hate is having to ask how much something costs. I love that pink bed with the music behind it. Are they hanging from ribbons? What is that?? So pretty at any rate.

Unknown said...

I've been doing this for almost 20 years and could not have said it better!
xojana

Anonymous said...

Sissie....I have a booth with a girlfriend as well. I agree with what you have to say. Always keep it fresh and inviting. I have a lot of fun with this. I'm not out to make a lot of money, just to have fun and hunting for items to repurpose or refinish is half the fun.

As always, your friend from Missouri
Linda

Sherrie said...

Boy am I happy. went down through your list and answered yes to everything!!! I guess I am doing something right. I love creating my vignettes and yes I change things out to always seem fresh. My biggest pet peeve is leaving a shop and wanting to wash my hands!! Thanks as always for providing inspiration.

Curtains in My Tree said...

You said it all to well . I miss having a booth very much especially after seeing yours.

It is sad every time I go to one of our antique malls booths are closing so no need to try it again for a while. I do enjoy setting up twice a year at an open air market

Janice

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You're a wise and savvy business woman, Sissie. The other thing you do in your booth is to show people how to display things in their homes. For whatever reason, a lot of folks can't imagine the 'how to' on their own. I wish I lived closer so I could shop at Miss Minnie's.

Dorthe said...

Sissie, you do everything so perfect, -I loved reading this post, and you are so right with all you say, which shows from the beautifull photoes,- it would be a dream, to se your booth,for real, once!
Hugs, and a lovely week-end to you, dear .
Dorthe

stefanie said...

super great advice, sometimes I just go in and dust my booth but just rearrange everything, that seems to help me.

NicNacManiac said...

Fabulous, so many wonderful treasures so beautifully styled!! You two must be quite the pair!! Thanks for the tips...they work well in your home too!! Happy Weekend xOxO

Shabby Jen said...

I loved reading your blog post. And all of your pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us!!

Charlotte said...

Thanks so much for the great advice on stocking a booth...I've had booths for many years in another state but since my husband has been transferred to MS I haven't opened one here yet....I'm working on painting some furniture and getting my goodies unpacked and repacked but now I have much more valuable information to use.... I've been following your blog for months and look forward to you new ideas.....Many thanks.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

GREAT tips for booth sales, Sissie! Having had 4 booths previously, I can add "AMEN" to each of your tips. I never did learn the fine art of going upwards, tho! You have it done, my friend!

Beautiful pics!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

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