What should I buy?
This, by far, is the most frequently asked question I get. The correct answer, in my estimation, is entirely subjective—but also a question of HOW subjective. My primary piece of advice is to always buy what you love and you want, particularly if you're buying for your home.
If, however, you're buying to re-sell, the same will apply. Of course, if you see a MAJOR steal, buy it and sell it anywhere you can. But, if you're selling a "look", I find it's better to stay within those guidelines.
After I'd been selling for many years at the Big Flea (and was largely all over the map), I finally got a booth at a local place. This shop at the time was entirely in the Rachel Ashwell vein. It was sweet and fun, and the owner and fellow vendors were GREAT! However, I never really did that well there, mainly because that's not entirely my style. I now know that my heart wasn't into that look, it showed, and my checks were puny.
If at all possible, narrow your "look". I favor the 30s/40s old lady look, which is broad enough for me to get away with a lot. If you dig 50s kitchenware or mid-century furniture, go for it. Personally, I find it easier, because you're less distracted by stuff that just isn't right for you. I also find that if you have a booth in an antique mall, it's really very advantageous to have a "rep" as having a different look than every other booth. I still get phone calls from my second location, asking me if I want to come back, as we were one of the only "shabby old lady" booths out of about 200.
What I like to do is cultivate that look, and telegraph to my buyers that I'm carefully selecting my items.
So, in a nutshell, buy whatever you want. I would NOT advise buying what everyone else is buying, however! Do you want sleepless nights agonizing over what you missed, or trying to get there super-early for every sale? Do you really want to turn prematurely gray? I advise you to buy unique, carefully selected items. If a sale has a lot of what you want, buy all of it though! Cornering the market on a hot item is KEY!
In addition, I would advise:
—don't buy vintage clothing unless they're in pristine condition, or you're willing to take proper care of them
—always look for a Made in China or Taiwan sticker (see previous posts). Then run away.
—don't buy ephemera or books unless you plan on really selling them, as they will take over your life.
—don't buy furniture unless you have room.
—don't buy upholstered furniture that reeks.
—don't buy damaged furniture unless you know how to fix it, or can repurpose it. (Bear in mind that some wood putty, Gorilla Glue, a couple coats of paint, and new knobs can salvage a lot of pieces!)
How do I know how much to pay?
This is really tricky, but basically you have to know what something is worth IN YOUR AREA (unless you're selling on ebay or somewhere similar)! I know that I have to (and do) pay a lot more than most of the other bloggers I follow (except those in the LA area), but I can get higher prices in my area.
If you're just starting out at estate sales, get out of that yard sale mindset NOW. You will RARELY find things for 25 cents. You'll still pay less than retail or at an antique store, but this ain't no thrift store. Similarly many estate sales are not the place to dicker/haggle/low-ball.
If you're re-selling, know what price you should be able to get (and factor in whether your shop automatically gives discounts—I learned that the hard way). As a rule, for me, I need a smaller markup on "smalls", but a much larger markup on major furniture pieces. Know what works for your area. I've also been known to buy something AMAZING that I know I'd have to sell at cost, just because it's so perfect for the look.
What should my budget be?
This, of course, is entirely subjective as to your finances, your geographic area, and whether you have someone at home that thinks you're nuts. Cody, thank god, is very forgiving, as long as I still have money for treats. In this economy, do NOT dig yourself into a hole.
{Side note: if you've made a colossal-blunder purchase, OFFLOAD. Sell it at cost. Sell it below cost. Have a yard sale or donate it. If your booth is stale, no one will continue perusing it. Many dealers I know have a policy of sending things to auction that haven't moved in a year.}
How do I behave?
Honestly, do I have to answer this question? No fighting, stealing, cutting in line, being a butthead. Pretty much what you learned in kindergarten.
Contrary to my normal everyday demeanor, I'm unfailingly polite, nice, respectful, and complimentary to the people that run estate sales. They are working hard, and are dealing with money-grubbing skinflints every weekend, all day. The nicer I am, the nicer they are to me. I get to know them, I chat them up while I'm paying, I have cash and/or my check ready.
Early on, I also establish a pile "up front" (and make sure the cashier knows it). I'll say, "Looks like I'm buying a LOT! Is it OK if I start a pile right here with you?" Now they know I'm a serious buyer, and they've looked me in the eye and remember me.
Even if I don't buy anything, I ask if they have other sales this weekend or upcoming sales, letting them know I'm a serious buyer. Notice that I don't ANNOUNCE "Hey, I'm here to buy!"? I might comment, "Ooooo, this looks like my kind of sale!" or whatever. Call me a sell-out, but I know it works a lot better than my normally snarky personality. Both today and yesterday, I got things thrown in for FREE because I suspect I was somewhat pleasant to deal with. One guy even told me about 2 upcoming sales and said I could show up for a preview.
Remember, they want to sell, but know that someone will usually pay the price. If you're a butthead, you're working against yourself and will earn yourself a bad rep. Similarly, with other shoppers/contenders, you'll get a bad rep. I can't tell you how many times other dealers have pointed out things that I missed because they know what I want.
As always, hope this helps to some degree. Next installment will be my personal experiences (per your questions): what's sucked, what's the weirdest thing I've seen, what's the most bizarre thing I've bought, and my m.o. when attacking an estate sale, as well as what I look for (viz. "code words") in ads. These were all specific questions I received.
I'm STILL soliciting questions, and will do a 5th post if I get more, or anyone wants more details. Feel free to email me directly through my blog, or post a comment!
XOX
Reading your blog is like reading my own thoughts! I completely agree with everything you say, I too am nice to the people running the estate sales and I don't complain or gripe about prices, I just say that's out of my price range and in return they will sometimes give me a lower price. Love reading your blogs, it helps keep me upbeat about treasure hunting and having a booth at the antique mall and has reminded me that I am not only in it for the money but to just enjoy what I do!
Posted by: Barbara Cassidy | 01 June 2009 at 03:08 PM
I'm so enjoying reading through your blog. This coming year I want to start a booth and need all the help I can get. Thanks so much for putting all this information out for us..I will keep reading through your tips while I prepare myself..Again, thanks so much.
Posted by: CC | 24 December 2009 at 03:49 PM