Hi friends. I know it has been forever since we last did a blog post. I  can't even blame it on bad eye sight for  lack of updates. I had an eye exam last week and thankfully got a good report. Just know that we always have good intentions though. Speaking of eye exams... today, I want to share a post about True Vision Eye Care. I realize this is not booth or junk related, but in a way, it kind of is. Over the spring I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow junker and vintage dealer. Her name is Dr. Shara Draper Mays and she is one of the owners of True Vision. Shara and I have become fast friends. She is just the sweetest person you would ever hope to meet. I love it when a Doctor is great at what they do, but when they also have a great personality to go with it. That's always a bonus. To show you what a small world it is, we were in the same antique shop as vintage dealers last spring, but had never actually met.

I am a true believer of supporting local businesses and small Mom and Pop shops, especially those I love. So you may start seeing a few more posts like these in the future. Last week I went to True Vision Eye care located in Acworth, GA for my long overdue eye exam. They are in a new location now. And lemme tell ya...pictures didn't do justice to this place.

It is just BEAUTIFUL! From the moment I pulled in the parking lot I was impressed. Once inside, I felt like I had walked into a swanky boutique. Although, you knew you were in an Optometry office, it didn't feel all cold and sterile. It felt warm, inviting and like a place I would just want to hang out. They have state of the art equipment, or at least to me it was. Oh and did I mention what a knowledgeable and kind staff they have. They have a large variety of eye wear including designer names as well as sunglasses and contacts. I loved it so much I booked my Mother an appointment for next week. So I wanted to share some photos I took on my visit. Enjoy! If you are local to Acworth, GA or the surrounding area and find yourself in need of Optometry services please give them a call. You will be glad you did.

Happy Sunday everyone. I hope you all are having a great weekend so far. The weather has been perfect to get out and go junkin. We found lots of yard sales. I scored an antique chest of drawers from the late 1800's early 1900's. I can't wait to give it a makeover. And speaking of furniture....one of the questions we often get asked...is How do I ship furniture online?

So this blog post is for all of you vendors that have been wondering how to do this. We found a gorgeous shop on Etsy that sells furniture and we reached out to them for some info. We compiled a list of questions that we get asked  and, Dena the owner of Little French Farmhouse was kind enough to answer those for us. She also had some additional info to share after the questions portion. 




1. What shipping providers do you use for your larger pieces? We offer delivery (50 miles) and we use various east coast furniture movers. 

2. Do you the package the furniture or does the shipper? Professional movers blanket-wrap our furniture and offer white glove in-home delivery with indoor setup.

3. If you do, what preparations do you make for the provider? Smaller pieces ship FedEx or Greyhound, we box and pack as needed. 

4. What does a typical dresser cost to be shipped? There's no way to accurately answer this, as it depends on size, weight, and most importantly, distance. It will be less to ship from NY to VA then it would to ship NY to CA.

5. Where do you find your shipping supplies? (If you package your own items) Many local retailers sell boxes and bubble wrap. When possible we recycle packing materials as well.

6. Do you offer returns on your items? All of work is custom so our items are final sale. 

7. Do you include insurance? We require that all shipped items be insured for the customer's protection. Peace of mind is priceless!

Uship.com is the most popular option for shipping. They will connect you with dozens and dozens of shippers who participate. You choose the one that best fits your needs, this will vary each with each shipment. The site is user-friendly and many customers go with that option when making their own shipping arrangements. 

For cross-country shipping of larger pieces (queen beds, armoires, full dining rooms) we find these companies to be very reliable: Craters and Freighters  and Plycon.com -- their team arrives, they blanket-wrap the furniture, crate it (off-site) or whatever is needed, and ship it fully insured. They assume full responsibility for the packaging and transport. We are artisans, not furniture movers. We're good at what we do, and they're good at what they do -- we leave long distance furniture shipping to the professionals and find this always works out best.*

For local deliveries our own driver will blanket-wrap and transport the piece to the customer's home. It can be a one or two man delivery depending on the size and weight of the piece. For smaller items, say a vintage window or a chair for example, we wrap it in multiple layers of bubble wrap, add peanuts, then slip into a box and ship via FedEx or Greyhound. No loading docks involved. If we can't get it there, both offer pickup service. 

End tables aren't going to fit in a box, they are going via shipper pickup or local delivery. Greyhound has size limitations so not everything can be boxed and shipped. An exception for example... detachable legs could make a small table shippable, and it would be wrapped the same as a window; multiple layers of bubble wrap, and into a box it goes. 

Rule of thumb, don't bite off more than you can chew. If the packing/shipping process of any particular piece is overwhelming, then it's a job for the pros. They know what they're doing, the customer has peace of mind, and the item arrives undamaged -- this is always the priority. This is how we do it. I hope this has been helpful! We love creating amazing, unique pieces for our customers. We specialize in dresser-to-bath vanity conversions, and upcycled vintage furniture. We can paint YOUR furniture as well. All work is custom -- We bring your vision to Life!




Thanks, Dena. We appreciate you taking the time to help us out. You can find Dena online here:

Smalls. You either love em or hate em. There was a time when I didn't want to deal with them. I wanted to sell chalkboards, message boards, open back picture frames, hand painted signs and furniture. Those were my items. Needless to say I soon learned those things don't pay the rent. Smalls do. I also learned having a variety of merchandise with a variety of price points helps my bottom dollar. I now embrace smalls and look for them whenever I'm out junking. I usually have good luck finding these items at yard sales, estate sales, auctions, and thrift stores. 

The hot ticket items for me that always sell any time of the year are: old wire baskets, picture frames, chalkboards, linens, hankies, lamps, vintage luggage, skeleton keys, sewing notions, lace, ball jars, and almost anything rusty or chippy. 






Since we are all from cities and states, I was curious to see what other dealers were selling. I conducted a FB survey about a couple of months ago and these are the things that other dealers are selling: 

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Spring is just around the corner y'all. As the weather warms up and the flowers start blooming so does our itch to get out and soak up the beautiful weather. For most of us junkers that means it's time for Barn Sales, Antique Shows and Pop-Up Markets. Every so often we get an e-mail from a newbie wanting to know what to expect at these events. So we compiled a list of tips that may be useful for first time show going customers. These tips aren't meant for your first time as a vendor at a show. They are meant for your first time there as a customer. For you seasoned pros, you know the ropes by now and you might want to skip this post. I sure wish I'd had a list like this when I attended my first event.

Clothing & Shoes: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You will be doing lots walking, squatting, and bending. Layer so you can remove articles of clothing as the day warms up. If it rains be prepared for mud. I live in flips flops, but sneakers sure come in handy after a rain shower. Take a fanny pack. It is a life saver. 

Protect Your Skin: Since most of these events are held outdoors, chances are you are going to be spending a good portion of the day in direct sunlight. Make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Your skin will thank you. Pack an umbrella for those unexpected showers. You will also want to have some bug repellent for those muggy summer evenings.  
Survival Kit: Be sure to pack a tape measure for measuring larger pieces. A pen and paper for note taking. Some other things for your arsenal are: hand sanitizer, wet wipes, first aid, bee sting treatment, headache/stomach meds, snacks and water. I always like to freeze a big bottle of Smart Water the night before. Then I can sip on it throughout the day. Staying hydrated at these summer events can help you to stay focused on the task at hand: Junkin!

Take Cash: These days most vendors have the square to take your credit card payments.However there are still a few that don't. Remember cash is king. You are more likely to get a better deal if paying with cash. Also you will need it if you have to pay to park.

Take a Rolling Cart: These babies are games changers. They make shopping so much easier. Don't worry if you fill it up. Just take it to the car, unload it and repeat. I found my utility cart here.

Arrive Early: Remember the old saying "The early bird gets the worm" this certainly holds true for these events as well. 

Transportation: I really don't have to tell you junkers about this one. If you've been pickin for any length of time you know to take a truck, SUV or pull behind trailer. You never know what amazing treasures you will find. It would be a shame to have to leave them behind. 

Networking: Maybe this one doesn't necessarily classify as a survival tip, but if you are in the junking business it's an important tip nonetheless. Always have a business card with you to hand out. You never know who you will meet at these events. It's all about networking.

Misc: Be sure to charge your cell phone since you will not have an opportunity to do so at the event. Most of us love taking pics so you will want a full charge. Speaking of phones did you know some of the larger shows have their own app? These apps can be very useful. Just be sure to check the event website for more info. Last but not least take your support system aka bestie or a good junkin buddy. That way you have someone to help you carry your stuff and hold you accountable if you are working within a budget. 


Cat from Petticoats on the Prairie shared a couple of tips with us. And their show will be April 16-18 in Coleman, TX. Thank you, Cat for sharing these great tips with us.

Don't be afraid to make an offer on an item you love...most dealers expect it and price their items with a little wiggle room.

If you see it and fall in love with it-don't wait! Buy it right then because chances are when you walk away and think you will return later, it will be long gone.


Tips from our readers:

Shirley @Shirley's Archives: Take a show map with you to make notes and mark booths you like and want to revisit (and maybe where they are holding something for you).

If you have a tip to share please comment below. There are so many great shows and events coming up this spring. We have uploaded an entire album on Facebook with flyers for events all over the US. Be sure to click here to take a look. Stop back by next week because we will be sharing tips for first time show vendors.

Every age group and social demographic of men, women and children. There is no “typical shoplifter” profile. Nationwide, one in every 11 people has shoplifted; that’s approximately 27 million shoplifters. Shoplifters usually buy and steal merchandise in the same visit, and they typically steal $2 to $200 worth of merchandise per incident. NASP studies indicate that shoplifting is a compulsion; it’s addicting in the same way drugs are. The thrill of “getting away with it” releases endorphins in the brain that produce what shoplifters describe as a “rush” or “high.” NASP reports that it’s this high — not the merchandise itself — that compels shoplifters to steal; 57 percent of adults and 33 percent of juveniles say it is hard for them to stop shoplifting even after getting caught. ***This was a n excerpt taken from Antique Trader. Click here to read the rest of the story. It' is a great article. 




As a vintage dealer this is a business risk we all take. No matter how hard we try it's not realistic to think we can prevent all thefts. If someone really wants it bad enough they will take it. However there are some preventive measures than can be put into place to protect your goods. While these tips may be helpful they are not guaranteed. 


AS A BOOTH DEALER

* Place a "Smile you are on camera" sign in your booth
* Place a camera (real or fake) in your booth
* Place a locked case in your booth (give the key to the staff)
* Place smaller pocket-sized items in cello bags bags crinkle and make noise
* Try getting a booth closer to the front of the store or near checkout
* Try clear tape or clear bags for bundling some items together
* Rent showcase near the front for valuable items


AS A SHOP OWNER 

* Place "Smile you are on camera" signs throughout the store
* Place video cameras throughout the store
* Install Door Chimes 
* Hire extra staff to work the front desk
* Hire staff to walk the store isles and help assist customers
* Install convex mirrors throughout the store
* Ask customers to leave large bags at the counter
* Install showcase alarms
* Install anti-theft devices near the front doors





We posted a thread on Facebook yesterday asking dealers for advice on this topic. We are gonna share some of those comments here in case you missed that post. 

Leigha Young Burnham: Photos of inventory in the booth. Not just my inventory list. Then, at least I can locate it if stuffed in another booth by customers who change their minds or if I want to claim it as a loss.

Renae Hamby: he place where I rent has a locker at the front door. She asks the ladies to leave their purse in a locker and gives them the key. Usually doesn't offend. If it does, they take their purse back out to the car. At one point she stopped asking and immediately had a large quantity of silver stolen. So the policy is back. If you're not a thief, don't be offended.

Jolity at Antique Co op: This is a hard one. I've had many things stolen, of all sizes and all values. If someone is determined, they will find a way to take it. Not everything can be secured in a case. Customer service is key to prevention. Walking the floor and making your presence known will help a lot. Offering to take things to the register for them as they browse will also prevent items from being taken. Monitor cameras and approach people if you see something.

Rose Cauthren Jubb: You don't have to invest in a huge case either. I started out using a small jewelry storage display case that I got at a craft store in their paintable section. I popped two d-rings on there (one on the case side and one on the door) so they matched up and I could pop a lock through them.

Sara Cambreleng: I have always accepted the fact that a certain amount of theft and breakage will happen. I gave myself a number ( in my head) that I will 'lose' a year. It doesn't stop the loss but makes it easier to accept.

We hope these tips have been helpful. We would love to hear what precautions you take for your booth. Please feel free to comment below.