1. What are your fees?
Do the owners charge monthly rent? Do you have to work a few times a month? Do they take a cut of your sales? Each store is different. I've called 4 antique malls in the past few weeks to find out their fees - each one had a different policy. One required that you work one day a week. But, if you don't want to work, you can pay another vendor $35 to work in your place. Another mall took 10% of your sales, but didn't require you to work. Every place is different - call around to find out which works best for you.

2. When and how will I be paid?
Most shops pay monthly, but may make exceptions if you sell a high-priced item. Will they mail you a check? Direct deposit? Do your fees come directly from your sales, or do you have to send your payment in separately?

3. Who pays the sales tax?
Some malls will pay the tax for you. Others will give you a detailed list of your sales and the tax that you will be required to pay to your state. Depending on the state you live in, and your business' yearly sales, you may be required to pay taxes quarterly or monthly.

4. How will you keep track of my sales?
I would prefer that a store kept track of my sales via computer. But most small shops can't afford the high-priced software that is necessary. Many simply keep track of sales through hand-written receipts. This can get messy by payday. Make sure you keep track, too, so there are no discrepancies.

5. What is the square footage of my space?
You need to determine if you have enough inventory to fill your space. Don't agree to a larger space unless you have furniture or other large pieces to fill the area. If in doubt, start out with a smaller space with the possibility of eventually moving up.

6. What do the other vendors sell?
You don't want to sell in an antiques mall that has 10 other vendors who specialize in the same area as you do. You also don't want to sell your shabby treasures in a store that only sells high-end Asian furniture. Just a brief walk around the store will give you a good idea of the store's style. Make sure your products complement the other vendors.

7. Can I use my own tags?
You will most likely need to tag each of your items with a special code to distinguish each vendors' products. Some stores prefer that you use their tag. You may prefer to use your own custom tags that have your business name and logo on them.

8. Can I sell new items, too?
Some antique malls require you to sign a statement that says you only sell antiques. Other may allow you to sell reproductions, or complementary products, as long as the items are clearly marked as new.

9. What are your days and hours of operation?
If the shop is in a popular tourist area, or an area well-known for antiquing, they may operate seven days a week. In that type of area, you want to make sure the shop is open at least on Saturday and Sunday, for weekend visitors. No matter what the location, it would also be beneficial if the shop was open at least 1 night during the week.

10. What security measures do you take?
This is the last thing you want to think about. You never expect someone to steal on you're your treasures, but it happens more often than you think. What steps is the shop taking to protect your products? Cameras? Security guards? Bag checks? Unfortunately, most stores can't afford to spend money on theft-protection programs, so don't be surprised if you don't get a straight answer.

11. What is your marketing plan?
You wouldn't want to sell in a shop that doesn't advertise in some way. Your monthly fees should include marketing - you shouldn't have to advertise your booth on your own. Where do they advertise? Do they have special events or open houses? Is there a website for the antiques mall with a directory of dealers? Bottom line….how do people find out about this shop?

12. If there are no spaces available now, can I be placed on the waiting list?
You may want to put your name on the waiting list just in case. You never know how quickly the vendors can change - a vendor could move or decide not to sell anymore. And the people on the waiting list may have changed their minds by the time the store calls them. You could be in your favorite antiques mall sooner than you think!