10/15/2026
I wanted to take a moment to talk about pricing and what goes into the prices you see at your antique shops and malls.
I am not sure customers always understand what all dealers go through to get the item in their booths and then when they make a sale how many fees the malls takes out, in many cases the profit is lower than you might think.
Dealers shop at Estate Sales, Auctions,Flea Markets, Garage Sales and other Antique shops, they pay for gas coming and going to search out items they feel they can make a profit on. Dealers may have to clean up the items they buy, they often buy new hard ware, paint, stain, wax etc to clean up the items before adding them to their booths / shops/malls.
Dealers often pay rent on their space, most malls also charge a % of the sale. Malls also run sales so a dealer has to build all of these into their final price to still make a profit.
The great thing about dealers is they have done all the work for you sitting hours at auctions, walking flea markets they are like your own picker!
If you feel a price is still to high most malls accept offers but most have a dollar amount the item needs to be before they will take offers.
Some malls charge the dealer if you use a credit card some pass on the charge to the customer as it’s their decision to use cash, check, charge we are starting to see more malls accept Apple Pay, Venmo to avoid these fees.
If shopping a flea market many do better on their prices if you bundle several items. They also in many cases have to pay for their spaces. All things to consider or understand.
This post isn’t made to start any big debates I, as a dealer think it’s important for the customer to understand what’s behind the price. I am also a customer I love shopping and finding pieces I ❤️ and it’s nice to find items that you can still buy and resale.
As a customer I SO appreciate finding rare items I have not seen and have to own because it is perfect to add to my own collections!
You often hear the best time to buy an antique (if you love it) is when you see it, SO true how many of us leave a shop to think about it then think all the way home I NEED this and then it’s gone. It happens way too often.
My last thought on the subject is supporting SMALL BUSINESS in our beautiful state is so important for each shop. They do appreciate your business it’s their lifeline.
Missouri is a wonderful state to antique in.
Missouri has so many amazing shops and malls, auctions and estate sales etc supporting each others small businesses promotes all of us the more quality shops we have in Missouri the more shoppers with come!
We also have so many other attractions, great hotels and restaurants to make your Antiquing trip full of fun and comfort!
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING MISSOURI!!!
