Name / Business name / Location:
Kristy Robb / Robb Restyle / Indiana
How long have you been a vintage vendor?
10 years
Do you have a booth in a store, do markets, or both?
We have done all three but prefer pop up markets.
What kind of items do you sell?
We curate vintage repurposed into home decor. In the past we have created wall art with vintage tin ceiling tiles, license plates, barn wood. We also love to repurpose furniture with paint. We are fanatics about things like old maps, globes, locker baskets, soda pop crates, and boxes. We find ways to repurpose them into home decor for either decorating or organizing your space.
How do you decide how to price your items?
Often we keep track of items we’ve picked at flea markets, thrift stores, or estate sales. If it is a vintage item that we simply curate, with no other alterations, we double the price we pay. That helps keep us thrifty, because we don’t buy a vintage item if we wouldn’t pay double for ourselves if we were shopping in a market.
What are a few Do’s and Don’ts that you would tell a new vendor?
Do plan for more space than you think you will need. When you finally get all of your items styled, you will realize that you need waaayyy more space than you estimated. 
It happens to all of us! Don’t try to set it all out. Keep some items hidden so you can fill the gaps as items sell. Remember, layering is great, but if it’s too perfectly styled shoppers won’t want to move it or pick out a piece to purchase. There’s a fine balance between styling it so the shopper can visualize how they would style the item in their own homes, and making it accessible to the buyer.
Do you have any quick tips for increasing sales?
Spend time on the little marketing details like price tags, email promotions, styling decorations, etc. It matters overall and can set you apart from other vendors. Also, remember that many shoppers have trouble visualizing what or how they would use a piece (i.e. vintage home decor) so try to give them ideas either with styling, photos of it being used in your home, or simply telling them in person. Go the extra mile… if you are selling a chalkboard, add some lettering or art. If you are selling a chair, style it with a pillow, etc. YOU are the creative one… and even though they may admire it in your booth, they need to know HOW they can decorate with it at home. That will seal the deal!
What kind of marketing do you do for your vendor business?
Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Email Marketing. I started blogging to help plug and grow our business. Make sure you have a business sign with a logo for booth or pop up market. Also, participate in any giveaways or other contests hosted by your market or shop owner.
What do you like most about being a vintage vendor?
Two things… #1 I love connecting with other vintage/handmade vendors. We are all artisans sharing both our creativity and also the overflow decor that we can’t fit into our own homes… because let’s be honest, we would keep it all if we could. and #2 I love sharing my goods with others and helping a shopper make their home beautiful with an affordable find. I want to provide inspiration so they can feel empowered about making their space pretty – ultimately sharing the JOY that is decorating!
*You can learn more about Kristy by visiting her blog Robb Restyle or follow her on Pinterest or Instagram.
