Oh, Ok I couldn't Resist...Vintage Doll Furniture. Twig Patio Bistro Set. 1950s. Estate Find!

It's August and we are still here. Seems like March. Except, I am in 'Etsy School'. I am like the students across the land. In this case, being self-taught trying to learn as much as I can about Etsy, SEO, marketing etc. I love it. Progress is measurable with visits, views and orders. There is so much good information on the web for this.

Antique Station is open and busy. My last post showed all the outside dining available on Glassell. There are 3 antique malls on that street and a number of restaurants.  

Certain things I don't buy for vintage resale or I try to shy away from. Some things need a lot of research (coins, buttons, stamps). I guess I don't like items that are normally a low price but then there is that one that could be a big price. Time and research keep you from missing that one.  I'll pass.

Jewelry is another. It is the last thing I look at when at an Estate Sale. That is where a lot of people run first. I like it and do buy some to resell. It's good to have a niche for repeat business.  I like to sell vintage variety.

Dolls are more in a category like coins...well, almost.  Barbie and Barbie related sell well if you know your merchandise. Then it can be $$. I don't have a connection to Barbie. My childhood was a happy time of dolls (that weren't skinny) and doll clothes but no interest in pursuing. Until I find something irresistible like this patio set. Who doesn't like twig furniture even for grown ups?  I have another porcelain patio set in my booth at Antique Station. Who doesn't like red? So take a look.

Just Posted to Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/839845128/doll-bistro-set-vintage-doll-furniture-5?ref=shop_home_feat_3&frs=1

Displays, Vignettes, Props, Staging, Arrangement & More

In the Vintage Resale Business...Dealers like to search for their next treasure but  for me doing displays in my booth is my favorite part.   Sometimes, I practice at home.  I'm working on my photos to take better pictures for Etsy.  Trying to re-invent myself during this period of the pandemic.  Good to have multiple talents.

I started selling vintage in 1990, I learned from seasoned dealers that a space can be too perfect (esthetically) and it's a detriment to selling.  Customers just want to look, admire and not disturb.  You don't want a museum or a Macy's window.

Good product should always sell.  That is why some have white shelves lined with their wares that are viewable & reachable.  A colleague of mine had that style with all 1950s items.  Right place, right time.  It worked & he sold abundantly.  So timing and location are important too.  It's getting more complicated. Hmmm.

A space (talking in an antique mall) can be too empty or too full.  There is a fine balance.  Think of the jewelry in the window of a fine jewelry store.  There are just a few pieces arranged attractively.  Now think of racks of jewelry in a discount store.  Which looks better and which would demand a higher price?

Do you want the volume approach?  It works for McD. Then you have to buy appropriately before you can sell appropriately.  Do people make more small purchases or would a few large purchases get you through?  Amortize over the months.  One size does not fit all. Not for seller.  Not for buyer.

What spurred this post?  Monday, is June 1.  Antique Station (my booth #42) is re-opening.  It has been closed since early March.  Exciting?  Yes.  I hope you stop by.  I will post some more pictures of what is waiting for you there.

 Vignette at home.  Practice.

 Fun to do vignettes with your camera.

 Of all vintage, linens are my favorite.  I wash & sometimes, even iron before selling.

 Garden grouping.

 Look at the details.

 Patio.

 Tools & hardware.  I like the contrast between primitive & refined.

Curated.  Estate finds.