I-80 road trip

Got back this week from a road warrior road trip across I-80 to Cheyenne Wyoming. Along the way we made more stops at antiques malls etc than for food! Des Moines: Brass Armadillo--as expected from this chain a ton of booths and showcases. Prices were decent and found a few sale items.

Platte Valley Antique Mall just off the interstate at exit 420 was the best stop! Lots of interesting booths,several sales and we took home a personal treasure. Good prices on Wyandotte Toy trucks and some other interesting trucks.

Exit 405 about Lincoln NE area for the Aarvark A.M. easy access from interstate. This had to have been a Brass Armadillo in the past. Prices higher and sales in individual booths were by taking a sales ticket for each item you wish to buy. No sales "ticket" no discount at register.

A dissapointment was the Sherwood Antique Mall in Princeton Illinois, might be nice for wine tasting but overall quality was down--yes there were a few good booths but the rest weren't worth a stop.

In Cheyenne one place was closed on a Saturday after 10AM and the other down the road we couldn't find the address listed in the phone book.

The Ogalla Antique Mall is exit 126 then SOUTH not north into town as mapquest and google showed. Found it on the return from a roadside billboard. Small size, high prices but some interesting items. I really miss the profusion of billboards we saw as kids. Now just field upon field, the boards did breakup the monotony and gave hope for what is down the road.

Walnut Iowa, the antique capitol of Iowa--Well for a town/village/city? of less than 1000 I suppose so. They tout 15 stores unfortunately most were closed on a Sunday in March! We visited 3--one was large and the lower level disorganized, prices reasonable; the second was out of this world prices--one sale would make a great week elsewhere, large selection of jugs and crocks.

the 3rd store was just right--nice selection pretty reasonable pricing and had the NASCAR race on radio.

Definitely worth a stop if you have the time while whizzing along the highway.

Great resource found

As I was searching my library's catalog I had to go to the statewide catalog and there I found a book I wanted but it was listed as an electronic resource--what was this? I found it was part of the Hathi Trust digital library collection (also partnered with Google) of digitized books etc. Found the book I wanted and was able to create a login and setup my "collections". For old books about antique categories I found several with full view of text and pictures. WOW! I don't need to buy these just return to collection whenever I want. Also found some titles for those doing genealogy and found a few books published by relatives.

This chaise was a quick seller at full price--I was at booth the day the buyer came to pickup and assisted to load it into his SUV! I knew it would fit because I carted it in mine.

Booth had a great December, January OK--but the snowstorms don't help with visitors/purchasers.

2 months of Retirement

Can't believe 2 months out of the rat race and I'm still trying to learn to relax. Of course I've been on the road to the market at Elkhorn WI, the Blue Water Yard Sale Trail, Springfield OH Sept extravaganza and TriState Market in Indiana.
For 2010 the spring extravaganza at Springfield was better that the fall. Blue Water was reduced in size and road construction didn't help. Elkhorn was forecast for 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms--It rained for almost 3 straight hours in the morning so the majority of dealers were wrapped up!
TriState was small but good variety and some dealers were exceptionally reasonable--of course overcast and temp in low 50's after a full day's rain on Saturday made the browsing unpleasant especially for the dealers.
I did get some "good" stock and hit several new to me antique malls.
I happened upon Volo IL --prices so-so, interesting setup with park, retail bldgs and museum. I visited Miami Valley Antique Mall just off 275 near I-75 north of Cincinnati--lots of great small booths with pricing at all levels. Heart of Ohio off I-70 just near Springfield was an experience--lots of floor help and multi sales stations, also a snack bar!
Now I have to inventory, price, wrap and pack stuff to get my house into shape for Thanksgiving dinner in NOV. Yes it will take me that long. Just keeping the kitchen table clear is on going battle. I managed to get pantry door painted and all but 1 kitchen cupboard repainted with new knobs etc.
Have to keep busy so I don't regret retiring early.

Spring sprang! Now it's napping

Feb was so-so in the booth and March was downright dismal. Forget beware the ides of march--just beware!

April has started strong with a 25% off sale and rent plus has been made.

Only small items sold--but they add up quickly. I need to get out and purchase low price stock so I can get a 3x or 4x return. This weekend has promise--one auction and a dozen garage sales/estate sales to visits.

I know sales have been down for many but what are the larger ticket items that sell? There is no rhyme or reason on the smalls. Seems like any vintage camera or globe sells eventually but most other items it's hit or miss. If there's a booth sale things go that sat last month collecting dust. I try to rotate out every 3 months.

Looking forward to retirement when I can take this on full time to hit more sales and auctions and perhaps work on framing items and creating themed displays with more stock rotation. Still want a 2nd booth in a 2nd location to rotate between but time is a problem now. Are malls off expressway exits best or a booth in smaller shop in a small city where there several shops?

EBay has gone flat--those shipping costs eat into profit too much if offer free shipping (as part of initial pricing) or once packaged and distance adds up. The 1 box 1 price doesn't work well for the variety of shapes and sizes. What about dolls--what really sells a particular brand--or age-- or composition? So many out there and the last few auctions have had large collections. I never liked dolls and wouldn't have any affection to "KEEP" one but the jaded attitude doesn't help when looking at them to know what will sell at a profit. Seems it's mostly collectors bidding.

Winter can go says the groundhog

I hope that rodent is correct. Though as I look out the window those pesky white flakes are swirling down!

These photos are from January and today. Then we had a decent snow cover but the river was clear. Today very little snow but the river is jammed with ice flowing down.

January at the antiques mall was BAD! Another dealer confided to me that she was nowhere close to rent by the 19th. Our neighbor across the aisle moved out and on. A new dealer was moving in yesterday, busy constructing shelving units and bringing in tubs of stuff. Another dealer working yesterday was chatting about the unknown of what a customer wants. There's just no rhyme nor reason. Everyone has that special someone they are seeking whether they are articulate it or just know it when I see it. As I went over my inventory listing I realized we are in need of fresh stock. Of course this weekend's auction listings don't show much promise for the box lot bonanzas. I'll have to check out any estate sales nearby. Last weekend I attended 2 in the high real estate areas and was amazed at the firm prices half way though the 2nd sale day. Needless to say not much was brought home!

The last few auctions had many newcomers and as one of the dealers who's been around awhile noted: this is so high "I can't even get in the game!" A banjo went for $800 that was only worth $500 retail!

2010 may become the straw that broke the camel's back. Thinking of looking for space elsewhere, but this mall is clean, well lit and appears to have traffic. I've identified a few I will not go to and others have closed down or have reduced floor space.

Fall in love with antiques

I wish more traffic was coming to the antique outlet. A 25% sale earlier this month was 90% of sales and that was all small items. I'm happy to have moved something and have some room for more. What sold? A golden yellow Lipton teapot with lid intact, a decorating book, a framed needlepoint design,, a chalkware sailing ship, a bait canteen and a neat china fish figurine along with a silver plated etched fish lid for perhaps a kippers server--these 3 went to the same person! A 1971 Indy car shape bottle/decanter. A tied together packet of old and new Antiques magazines. Just weird small stuff. I wish the portmierion coffee sets would go and free up that space.

Off on vacation to the Northwest next week. Hopefully time to visit some malls and find a good buy, but schedule is pretty tight with must see museums such as Museum of Glass in Tacoma!

Have you gotten carded at your LIBRARY?

Hearts and flowers

Now that the florists have increased prices for roses especially and other bouquets, too bad antiques malls can't have a time to artificially raise prices!
Over the weekend I visited 2 malls in Indiana. One was just outside of Indianapolis off s 65 and I can't remember the name. Nice multidealer shop with lots of different merchandise.--Oh yeah It was Southport. Nice people and most of it was easily accessible if one had a walker or wheelchair.
Attempted to visit Knighstown--after seeing all the advertisements and hearing them mentioned, unfortunately they are closed until weekend of Feb 28/Mar 1. this was a bummer as we maneuvered through town pulling a boat.
Then stopped at Webb's in Centreville off I-70 the billboards told the story of the market--1st sign over 500 dealers, next sign over 400 dealers within a matter of a few miles. Once there I'd say it may even be fewer that 400. Once again big ads that didn't live up to hype. All on 1 floor, lots of empty spots and water dripping so many places at one point I thought I was outside listening to a running brook! Good parking, great people! Some booths had deals though.
Almost partway through month and only half way to rent. Blast it!
Weather just has not cooperated this season, too cold, too snowy, too icy, too foggy!
I need to find better stock or I don't know what else. I move items around, i remove items and bring in fresh. I change prices, we tried a sale for January--not much results. Yes overall the traffic is down so shouldn't complain, but I want this to be a going profitable venture for a nearing retirement. How can one gross $1000 a month, I'm trying to start low to cover all expenses and take a profit monthly. I want to supplement future income at the very least. I try eBay but those shipping costs are getting too high for larger items! Come a nice warm April or May weekend a grand yard sale will be held. Even at yard sale we seldom make more than $300.
My thinking cap is on and I'm open to tips.

Springfield extravaganza

Travelled down to Springfield Ohio for the extravaganza flea market at the Clark County fairgrounds. Admission now $5.00 for entry after Noon.


Lots of outdoor vendors even with soaking wet sites. Crowd seemed reduced from last year but people seemed to be buying. I found a great piece of "folk" art-- a copper mushroom design about 12" by 24" backed with wood and nicely framed for a mere $3.00 it's a nice vintage 1960's piece--perhaps mystical mushrooms!


Plants and garden pots and iron decor were a big item with lots of people at each booth. Seating whether just chairs, wicker or a row of wooden "theater" seats were packed into SUVs, pickups and tied to the roofs of vans.

Most interesting pieces I saw were made of license plates nailed to wood and cut into the shape of a state, or small pieces such as LOVE made with narrow strips of 1 letter from different license plates!

Please visit your local antique malls and flea markets to keep the economy moving. Every purchase no matter how small helps keep a family afloat!

Home again, Home again, jiggedy jig!

Well the road trip of a lifetime is a fait complet.
Back to reality. Luckily April was pretty good at the mall and several pieces of furniture sold. Now yard sales are starting and I can hunt for those treasures and get a few pieces of furniture at auction. What a high visiting antique stores and malls along the way. Hit 2 Brass Armadillo stores--Kansas City and Denver. Both rate high above most other malls we visited.
If you are in Hays Kansas be sure to stop in at Northglen Antiques. Owner Susan McRae Bickle is delightful to talk with and her unique goods imported from her buying trips to Scotland are a rare treasure to find at good prices. You can visit her website at www.NorthglenAntiques.com

I was surprised I didn't find much Couroc and Calif Pottery in the shops in California.

Thank goodness for a laptop and wireless access at most motels. I was able to seek out some antique stops and the roadside billboards were great. Certainly an advertising expense well spent. Now if hours were on all signs that would be ideal. Stopped at a store in west Kansas--place where world's largest Van Gogh is--only to find store was closed on Sunday.

Millington Antiques in Albuquerque was a classy site and had a great conversation about shows and markets.

Gas was high everywhere--especially California, but it is as high at home as most places along the way. Don't put off a buying trip or vacation--economize on motels and meals. There are good buys out there. Spend that incentive check at antique stores!

Road Trip Blog

Check out
http://www.roadamigos.blogspot.com/ to hear about my April trip of a lifetime!

Acoma reservation New Mexico USA

certainly the Land of Enchantment!

Spring into ...

Spring is here somewhere besides on a calendar. We expect 1 to 3 inches of snow late today into Saturday. I was talking with a woman who has a sister in the "north of England" who told her she was out in the garden and it was so nice she didn't need a jacket! Weather is getting topsy turvy.

Hope in the next 4 weeks it clears up to a nice spring as we start our road trip west to Monterey.
I've thrown out any expectations of getting to a destination by a certain time or even day. Constraints now are when we leave and we get back. Luckily we all have 2 full weeks vacation time. I keep finding more and more scenic drives, bypasses, sites etc that I'd like to see and we have to stop in Vegas.

Despite the soaring gas prices we are GOING!. May cut into our motel budget and we downscale but, oh well. Carpe Diem!

EBay goes on hold as well as any other antiques business. I hope this could be a "busman's" holiday but I may not have time to shop--oh no, is that blasphemy?

ROAD TRIP OF A LIFETIME

I'm trying to finalize plans for trip west to Monterey CA. I keep getting sidetracked with other interesting places to see or scenic drives.

Anyone seen the Chalk Pyramid in Kansa? Acoma Pueblo, Santa Cruz area natural bridge and redwood state park?

I see there's a large Brass Armadillo antique Mall in Kansas City that will be a stop!
How are prices in Gallup New Mexico. Antiques in Las Vegas?

most interesting drive from Barstow to Monterey area?

How about a BBQ place in Memphis TN?

Winter can be gone any day now I just want to hit the road and ear junk food switching radio stations!

Road Trip Plans

My California road trip is scheduled for the last 2 weeks of April. Driving from chicago area to denver, down to santa Fe across to Az and Grand Canyon then up to Vegas and finally across to
Monterey CA. Any pros and cons about driving I-80, I-70 or the northern route?
What are some great free or low cost sites to visits? Any great diners or BBQ?
Most important ANTIQUE Malls or multi-dealer shops that are a must stop for great variety?
May try to drive a few remaining parts of Route 66
Any advice would be appreciated so I can plan for a variety or routes, stops or side diversions.
We're trying this on nearly a shoestring realizing gas will be a fortune but it has been a lifelong dream to drive across country. I've been south and east and now head West. Who knows maybe Alaska can be another long trip for retirement!

Happy New Year and new attitudes!

New Year and new goals rather than resolutions.

The point is to be positive and do something if only baby steps.
So here are my goals/plans:

Continue eBay sales
Drive to California and back--planned for April
Increase sales at antique booth
Attend auctions at new sources
Stay in my own frame of mind and not swayed by others
Keep it short and hopefully achievable!

Winter has never been a favorite time of year, I much prefer sunshine and warm temps about 65 to 80! Now if I won the lottery, look out Florida or another warm weather state, here I come!

Let's make 2008 great and do what we love as well as what we have to do, perhaps they can become one and the same!

eBay

Taking a leap and trying out eBay as a buyer. I'll attempt to be successful on several items and get that positive feedback. If I can hold back on buying everything I see, I'll create a sellers account and try to start an auction of perhaps 10 items--all non fragile, easily packaged.
Currently waiting for 1st 2 items to arrive so I too can leave feedback. Certainly creates handfuls of email. I did create an items I'm watching list to see if my pricing ability has improved. When I begin listing to sell I think it will be US only with choice of either USPS or UPS shipping. Also trying to save packaging materials.
Sales at the antiques booth are moving slowly, bit at least selling. Next month is an anniversary sale, so I'm picking through the items I can part with, to add extra merchandise and hopefully snag a buyer's eye. If the weather could hold fine for a full weekend and it's not a weekend I have to work I want to have a yard sale to make room for booth stock and get a cash flow.

Sales so far

The only good thing in the past days has been the weather, two great warm days unexpected in March. Broke a record from 1976 with high of 80. Of course these two days had to be the start of the work week.
Had a free of work weekend and attended 2 auctions. I was so tired both days that I didn't stay long as I was almost falling asleep on Friday night, and Saturday afternoon's had the items I was interested in up early. Seemed like a waste of time, as combined I spent less time at 2 than I normally do at 1 auction. Slim picking now through Easter Sunday.
Yard sale weather almost here and I hope to find some saleable items. I have sold enough merchandise to cover rent and close to what I have spent on new items this month, with 4 more possible days of sales.
What is needed to push sales to a level of $1000 a month? High end pieces with substantial prices? Items in the $50 to $125 range or attractive eye catchers in the under $25 range and focus on quantity?

Curiosities

The time has come the walrus said to speak of many things, of shoes and ships and sealing wax and cabbages and kings--or something like that from Alice in Wonderland.
Antique malls are just that to me. They are filled with curiosities.
I've added to the wonders with a small booth. I'll hope to make money in the long run but short run will be operating at a deficit. Pricing will be a challenge. I see items marked dirt cheap--where's any profit? to what I find as hard to swallow.
This isn't a high-end shop. Appears to be a middle of the road to rising quality.
I want to keep an eye on merch in other booths and see what moves. Is there a middle ground for pricing. I'm considered cheap so many things seem high to me. How much is a person likely to drop on a whim? I suppose if one is browsing in a mall they must, at least in the back of their minds, be considering the purchase of a treasure. If they are furniture shoppers will a $2,500 dining table, chairs and cabinet or server be reasonable? Not that I have one yet, or even enough guts to set that high a price. I'd be happy to double my cost, love a higher return, and may have to settle for a quick profit to turn over items to gain funds for new purchases.
I look forward to continuing business after retirement.