The Hidden Work (and Joys) of Being a Vintage Seller. Most people imagine running a vintage booth is as simple as setting out a few treasures and waiting for sales to roll in. In reality? It’s a little more hunting, hauling, dusting, and rearranging—and a whole lot more joy. No two days are the same, but here’s a peek into what a “typical” day might look like for me as a vintage booth owner.
The Hidden Work (Back Home):
Most mornings kick off with a strong cup of coffee—or three—and then it’s out to the barn. That’s where boxes of treasures wait, packed up when I closed my store. Digging through them is like going on a little treasure hunt all over again. Every so often, I’ll uncover something I’d forgotten about, and it feels just like opening a chest of hidden gems.
Once I’ve picked the pieces that deserve a spot in the booth, they get a little TLC—cleaning, tagging, and double-checking prices. Then it’s time to load them into the truck. But of course, before I can do that, I usually have to clear out last week’s haul first. (The glamorous side of vintage selling!)
At the Booth:
Once I’ve gathered up my finds, it’s time to head to the booth. This is where the magic happens. I’ll unload, price, and tag new items, then rearrange displays so regular visitors see the booth with fresh eyes.
Sometimes it’s as simple as moving a vase to a different shelf—or giving an old crate new life as a display riser. I always make room for seasonal touches, too: pumpkins and autumn leaves in the fall, twinkle lights and ornaments come winter.
And yes, there’s always a bit of dusting involved. Vintage treasures may be old, but I like them to shine when they meet their new owners.
And The Best Part
Of course, the very best part is the people. I love hearing stories from customers who stop by:
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“My grandma had one just like this!”
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“I’ve been looking everywhere for one of these!”
Those little moments of connection remind me why I do this. Vintage isn’t just about objects—it’s about memories, stories, and keeping the past alive in everyday life.
My Final Thoughts
Running a vintage booth isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. It’s creativity, curiosity, and a little bit of elbow grease. It’s chasing down treasures, preserving pieces of history, and sharing them with people who light up when they see them.
If you’re local, I’d love for you to stop by my booth at Sugar Mill Mead and see what’s new. And if you’ve ever found a vintage treasure that brought back a memory, I’d love to hear about it—share your story in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by!
Nancie
📍 Find us in person at:
📌 Sugar Mill Antiques & Vintage Depot
📍 13788 Pacific Circle, Mead, CO
🛍 Booth #58 – Center Aisle, 2nd on the Left
You can also browse our finds in our FunkyVintiques Etsy store or LafayetteAntiques Etsy Store
