Where do I find items for my shop?

People are always asking me where I find items. There is no one good answer to that question. Since I own the shop I have a number of people either calling or coming in with things they want to sell. This is a good method of buying for me because I no longer have as much time to look for items.

Before I opened my store I had several booths in antique malls. At that time I did not get the option of buying from individuals who came in. When I had the booths I attended auctions almost every weekend. Most areas have a local auctioneer who does estate auctions. This is a good place to purchase vintage and antique items. You do need to have some idea of what an item is worth before you decide to bid on it. While there are bargains to be had, sometimes people pay way to much. I have seen people pay more for an item at auction than they are will to pay in a shop.

Flea markets are another good source. There are several here in Kansas that I like to go to. Usually, the dealers at the flea market have lower prices and you can pick up nice items for a reasonable cost.

Don't forget the antique stores. Not all dealers now what they have. I have made some very good buys. It is impossible for anyone to know about every subject and sometimes dealers have an item that they do not know much about and price it too low.

Last but not least is the Garage sale. I find a lot of items at garage sales and church rummage sales. They may not be worth a great deal but if I pay 50 cents for an item I can sell for $5 I feel like I got a good deal.

Happy hunting.

Try Shopping at your Local Antique store for a change

Every day it amazes me how many people comment that they have never been in an antique store before. I have come to realize that many people have no idea what they will find. Some assume they would have no interest while other assume that everything will be too expensive for them. Both assumptions are wrong.

Most stores carry both antiques and collectibles. That can be something really old or a current collectible that you would buy at the local gift shop. Our store carries all kinds of items. We have tools, toys, newer and old jewelry (both fine and costume), home decor items, sports items, glass, pottery and much more. There is something for everyone in an antique store.

Prices vary in this type of store. We carry item for under one dollar to items that are thousands. It all depends on the item. Many items that we use, like drinking glasses, are cheaper here than at your discount stores. Vintage and antique furniture isn't just unique, it is less expensive and better quality than you can buy anywhere else. Most of the furniture in an antique store is better constructed and made solid wood, not fiber board.

The next time you are looking for an item, try something new and check out the local antique store.

Starting a new booth at an antique mall

I have had my store for almost 5 years now. Before I decided to that I had booths in Antique malls owned by other people. Business has been a little slow so far this year so I have decided to put a booth in at the Abilene Downtown Antique Mall in Abilene, KS. It is a lot of work but the owners of that mall are willing to let me advertise my store in the booth I am renting. This week my days off are being spent looking for shelves and packing items for my new booth. I hope that any of you that are in either Abilene, KS or Salina, KS will stop by and see what we have.