What is a vendor?
A vendor is a seller who rents booth or shelf space inside a vendor mall or antique mall, paying the store a flat fee in exchange for the right to sell their goods in that space. The store processes sales — usually at a central register — and the vendor keeps the proceeds minus their rent and any fees.
The word "vendor" also gets used more broadly in business to mean any supplier or third-party seller, and you'll sometimes hear it used that way in resale too — referring to a wholesaler a store buys from, or even a software provider.
How does the vendor model work?
Vendors lease their space — a booth, a cabinet, a shelf section — for a set period, typically month-to-month. They stock and style it themselves, set their own prices, and are responsible for keeping it presentable. The store handles transactions and may deduct a small [commission] on top of rent, though some shops charge rent only.
At the end of each pay period, the store pays out the vendor's sales minus what they owe. Because vendors pay rent regardless of whether anything sells, the financial risk sits with the vendor, not the store. This is the key distinction from [consignment], where the store only pays the seller when an item actually sells.
Types of vendors in resale and independent retail
Antique and vintage dealers The most common vendor type in many antique malls. These vendors specialize in older goods — furniture, collectibles, glassware, jewelry, etc. — and tend to be experienced sellers with established sourcing networks. Their booths often require more curation and display effort than other vendor types.
Artisan and maker vendors Sellers of handmade or locally produced goods — jewelry, art, candles, ceramics, and similar items. Their inventory is typically new rather than secondhand.
Resellers and pickers Vendors who buy low and sell higher — sourcing from estate sales, thrift stores, auctions, and yard sales. Resellers tend to be opportunistic and varied in their inventory. Their booths can be eclectic, and their stock turns over quickly.
Specialty vendors Vendors focused on a specific niche — coins, sports cards, vinyl records, vintage clothing. Specialty vendors can be a draw for collectors and help a mall develop a reputation in a particular category.