Antique Store Wisdom: Don't Underprice Your Items

I'm thoroughly enjoying being a part of the Southern Crossing Antique Mall family. I know many of you are curious about selling vintage items in antique stores, so I'm going to keep everyone updated on my progress with Antique Store Wisdom posts. I'll let you know what works, and what doesn't.

My first piece of advice is: Don't underprice your items.

I'm guilty of doing this. If you have a piece of art or a vintage item that you feel is unique and special, don't price it too low. Be patient, and the right person will find your item and buy it.

For Example:

I sold this book on drawing retro fashions at the antique shop for $5.00. I should have priced it higher, the vintage illustrations inside are gorgeous. I should have scanned them all, too! I likely could have sold framed prints of many of the illustrations in the shop, producing FAR more in revenue than $5.00!

Imagine a beguiling shelf full of perfectly framed vintage illustrations, each one unique and lovely. I sold that opportunity for $5.00!

Another Example:

I sold three out of this set of five owl lamps for $25.00. Not too bad, but owls are so hot right now I could have sold them for more. At least I have two more I might sell for another $25.00.

The Coelacanth Lamp Story

This coelacanth lamp is a prized treasure. I purchased it for $30.00 from an antique shop, the most I've ever paid for a lamp in my life. This gorgeous lamp spoke to my soul, as a fish lover it was the crown jewel of vintage fish collectibles.

I would visit the store and check the dark and clandestine corner where the fish lived, every time I breathed a sigh of relief for it still being there. Months passed when I finally realized that this one- of- a-kind treasure could be snatched up by another and I'd never be able to "check in on it" again. I finally put down the $30 for the coelacanth and never regretted it.

The Cuttlefish Poster Story

My Cuttlefish Anatomy "poster" is another prized possession (If you can't tell, I'm obsessed with marine life, I used to dream of being a marine biologist).

This one cost a little over $100, so you can tell I truly love it if my thrifty soul could spend so much on one item. (Hell, I won't spend more than $1.00 on a pair of jeans!) Around Christmas, I asked family members if they could contribute to my "poster fund" instead of giving me gifts. In the end, I raised the funds, and the poster was mine. It is my precious. It's thoroughly "me" in every way, and that's the point.

Your Art will Speak to People:  The right person eventually comes along for it. It will speak to them, it will wrap itself around their heart with all the strength of a boa constrictor. They'll pay your price, so don't be afraid to price it higher.

-  - - - - Antique Booth Goals for February - - - - -

1) Get the rest of the merchandise in my home into the antique shop.

2) Finally choose a name, make a banner, and stage the shop to perfection.

3) Do what it takes to earn at least $100 after rent and fees.

In January: I made $106.00 gross in sales in Jan. $68.55 after expenses are accounted for.

Apron Thrift Girl's February Listing Challenge -  -  -  -  -  -  - 

I've joined Apron Thrift Girl's February Listing Challenge this month. It's a way to keep us re-sellers motivated and hitting our goals. Every Tuesday we'll check in at Apron Thrift Girl and share our progress.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.