If you own a vintage booth, you know that the key to success often lies in the small details—literally. “Smalls” are those charming, budget-friendly treasures that are easy for customers to purchase on impulse. They’re also the lifeblood of many vintage booths, helping you cover rent and generate consistent sales.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand, source, and sell the best smalls for your booth, ensuring your space is as profitable and appealing as possible.
What Are Smalls?
Smalls refer to items that are both compact and affordable, typically priced under a certain threshold—often $20 or less. These items don’t just fill empty table space; they act as reliable revenue generators.
Why Smalls Are Essential:
- They sell quickly due to their affordability.
- They appeal to a wide range of customers, from casual browsers to collectors.
- They’re perfect for creating a visually interesting and layered display.
Many vintage booth owners say, “Smalls make rent,” and it’s easy to see why. Larger items like furniture have a slower sales cycle, but smalls provide the steady stream of income needed to keep your business thriving.
How to Price Smalls for Your Booth
Pricing smalls can be tricky, but with a strategic approach, you can strike the perfect balance between affordability and profit.
- Follow the 3x Rule: Price smalls at a minimum of three times your cost. For example, if you purchase an item for $2, you should price it at $6 or more.
- Research Market Trends: Check platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar items are selling for.
- Test Your Prices: If an item doesn’t sell within a month, consider lowering the price. Conversely, if something sells quickly, you may have priced it too low.
- Be Mindful of Your Audience: Your pricing should reflect your buyer persona. Are your customers budget-conscious, or are they willing to pay a premium for unique finds?
For more tips on pricing, check out our 5 Rules of Pricing.
Best Smalls to Sell in Your Vintage Booth
Below is a curated list of smalls that consistently attract customers and generate sales. We’ve categorized them for easy reference and included tips for sourcing and displaying each type.
1. Art Cards and Postcards
- Vintage postcards with travel scenes, holiday themes, or nostalgic artwork.
- Art cards featuring iconic designs (e.g., Picasso, retro movie posters).
- Examples:
Pro Tip: Frame a few to show customers how they can be used as decor.
2. Stickers, Pins, and Keychains
- Stickers: Boho, vintage-inspired, or trendy themes like mushrooms or movie posters.
- Pins: Fun designs like “What Would Dolly Do?” or retro cats.
- Keychains: Unique shapes like chapstick holders or boho-themed keyrings.
Pro Tip: Display these smalls near the checkout counter for impulse buys. These smalls are easy to find on Amazon or Temu.
3. Craft Supplies
- Sewing notions: Buttons, bobbins, and fabric patches.
- Embroidery patterns and vintage sewing patterns.
- Scrapbooking supplies: Stamps, stickers, and paper ephemera.
- Mini terrariums and beads for DIY enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Create a “craft corner” in your booth to showcase all crafting-related smalls together.
4. Paper Ephemera
Collectors and crafters love vintage paper goods. Stock items like:
- Vintage postcards and greeting cards.
- Old calendars, advertising leaflets, and magazine clippings.
- Stationery sets and vintage stamps.
Pro Tip: Use a card display rack to neatly organize and highlight these items.
5. Housewares
Small, functional, and nostalgic housewares are always a hit:
- Kitchen tools like egg beaters, cookie cutters, or butter dishes.
- Barware such as cocktail shakers, decanters, and vintage glasses.
- Teacups, salt and pepper shakers, and small serving trays.
Pro Tip: Set up a small vignette (e.g., a retro kitchen scene) to showcase these items in context.
6. Collectibles
Collectors flock to booths for rare and unique items. Popular choices include:
- Sports memorabilia (cards, pins, or mini trophies).
- Small antique knickknacks and curiosities.
- Marbles, toy cars, and vintage children’s books.
Pro Tip: Group collectibles by theme or era to create a cohesive display.
7. Home Decor
Smalls that add charm to any home:
- Picture frames and small mirrors.
- Candles and unique candleholders.
- Pottery and vases.
Pro Tip: Use lighting to highlight decor items, such as placing a candleholder under a soft spotlight.
8. Accessories
Small vintage accessories appeal to fashion-forward shoppers:
- Jewelry like rings, necklaces, and brooches.
- Vintage handbags, totes, or wallets.
- Scarves, belts, and gloves.
Pro Tip: Use mannequins or decorative hooks to display accessories elegantly.
9. Miscellaneous Treasures
Sometimes the unexpected catches a customer’s eye. Consider stocking:
- Old coins and currency.
- Vintage cameras and small tech relics.
- Musical instruments like harmonicas or tambourines.
Pro Tip: Add informational tags to unique items, explaining their history or functionality.
How to Display Smalls Effectively
Smalls can be challenging to display due to their size, but with some creativity, they can shine:
- Use Vertical Space: Hang items on pegboards or place them on multi-level shelves to maximize visibility.
- Create Themes: Group smalls by theme, color, or function to create cohesive displays.
- Keep It Organized: Cluttered displays can overwhelm customers, so make sure everything is neatly arranged.
- Incorporate Risers: Elevate smaller items to eye level using risers or decorative boxes.
Pro Tip: Regularly rotate and rearrange your smalls to keep your booth looking fresh and inviting.
Conclusion
Smalls are the unsung heroes of vintage booths, offering endless opportunities for creativity, customer engagement, and profit. By curating a diverse selection of smalls and displaying them thoughtfully, you can turn your booth into a destination that shoppers return to again and again.
What are your favorite smalls to sell? Join the discussion in our Vintage Booth Pro Facebook Group, where we share daily tips, success stories, and inspiration.
And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive seasonal planning guides and inventory tips tailored to your vintage booth business.
Happy selling, and may your smalls lead to big success!
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