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Utilize a Craft and Antique Mall to Start your Business
By Marjorie Malone
So you are contemplating starting a new business or maybe you have already made
the decision to start a gift merchandising business but have no idea where or
how to begin to showcase your products or services. A good place to start is by
becoming a dealer at a craft and antique store. This is really how I started my
gift merchandising business.
Once I found the products I wanted to sale, I stumbled across this opportunity
and I found it to be the perfect medium for my products. Let me explain a little
about the store concept. Craft and Antique Malls are similar to craft and
antique shows except they are open seven days a week, all year around. A large
selection of crafts, antiques, and collectibles are displayed under one roof
from several dealers. Individual dealers are not required to be present to sale
their merchandise.
These stores provide pre-constructed booths for your merchandise in a wide
variety of sizes. You rent the size booth that will accommodate your merchandise.
Booth space may rent for as little as $25.00 per month. Typical booth sizes may
range in size from 1x2, 3x4, 3x5, 3x6, 4x5, 4x6, 4x8, 5x6, and 6x8. Other sizes
including display showcases may be available. Rent, of course, is based on the
size of the booth you select.
The store may require that you sign a six month leasing agreement paying the
first month's rent and a security deposit equal to the first month's rent.
Typically the type of merchandise you will find in a craft and antique store are
handmade and unique items. Manufactured items are allowed in most stores of this
nature but they should be of good quality and compliment the handmade items in
the store.
What is really great about this set up is that all you have to do is keep your
booth stocked. You don't have to be present to make sales. There is a professionally
trained sales staff present at the store that will take care of all your sales
including collecting and remitting all sales tax. You should be paid for sales
twice monthly. Detailed statements about your sales should be included with the check.
I've included some qualities that you want to look for if you are thinking about
pursuing a craft and antique mall for your merchandise.
- Look for a store that is open year around, seven days a week.
- A large clean shopping space. Look for several thousands of square feet.
- Excellent location in a high-traffic area.
- Preconstructed booths that can be painted and decorated to suit your merchandise.
- No work day requirements for dealers.
- Dealers are not required to be present to make sales.
- Frequency of payment and notification of sales. Shouldn't be less than twice a month.
- Leasing agreements – 6 month, 3 month, or month-to-month.
- Type of payments accepted – personal checks, major credit cards, layaways. A
good store will take the loss if a personal check is returned.
- Collection and remittance of all sales tax.
- The ability to fill your booth space with merchandise either in person or by
sending it to their experienced staff for stocking.
- A good advertising and promotion plan.
- Website
- Talk to other dealers about their experience at the store.
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