31,000 Square Foot State-Of-The-Art Building
AAA I-70 Antique Mall is an air-conditioned, handicapped accessible, one story, newly built, steel building. The antique and collectible display area is carpeted throughout. All booths have electrical outlets. Locked showcases are conveniently in one area near the sales counter.
Abundant Parking
A new parking lot is adjacent to the customer entrance. Dollies conveniently load heavy items directly from the dealer display area to the parked car, van, truck, etc.
On Interstate Highway
AAA I-70 Antique Mall is adjacent to the I-70 on and off ramps at Springfield, Ohio (exit #59) with visibility from I-70. It is adjacent to the Clark County Fairgrounds, home of the Mid-West's largest monthly antique show and flea market attracting approximately 10,000 visitors each month.
Desirable Market Area
30,000 vehicles per day pass the site on I-70. Within a 2 hour drive are 7 million shoppers, with Dayton only 25 minutes away, Columbus 35 minutes and Cincinnati 85 minutes.
Booth and Showcase Information
Lease terms are month-to-month. We require 30 days written notice if, and when, you intend to relinquish your mall space.
Booths vary in size from approximately 100 to over 200 sq. ft. Two of the more common sizes are 8' x 13' (which rents $140 per month), and 10' x 12' (which rents @ $165 per month). The booth layout is open with an electrical outlet in each booth and a rough sawn cedar back wall.
A locked showcase (with 2 doors) 6' wide, approximately 7' high and 24" deep, rents @ $140 per month, while 1/2 showcase (with 1 door) 3' wide and 20" deep rents @ $80 per month. Each 1/2 showcase has 4 tempered glass adjustable shelves (20" deep x 35" wide). Cases are internally well lit using T8 fluorescent bulbs.
The mall charges a 6% commission on all merchandise sold over $20, and a 10% commission on merchandise that sells for $20 or less.
Computerized Sales System
The AAA I-70 Antique Mall pays monthly all sales taxes. On the 3rd and the 18th of each month a computerized detailed accounting (of sales, credits and charges) provides dealers with a concise sales report as well as a check for all net payments due.
AAA I-70 Antique Mall Guidelines
Our guidelines have been established to serve as a reference for our procedures and policies. We have formalized these policies so that everyone exhibiting at I-70 will be governed the same. Our fundamental merchandising policy is:
ALL REPRODUCTIONS, CRAFTS, FAKES, FASTASIES OR MISREPRESENTED ITEMS WILL NOT KNOWINGLY BE SOLD.
All mall exhibitors are required to abide by this basic policy.
Merchandise Quality
We are dedicated to provide the best in quality antiques and collectibles for our customers. To accomplish this goal, we need your pride, participation, and commitment.
Items manufactured after 1958 are not to be exhibited for sale, unless they are approved first by management. Items which may be permitted on a case-by-case basis beyond the cutoff date include toys, military and political items, lunch boxes, paper and advertising material, comic characters, etc.
Items of the flea market, garage sale, knicky-knacky type that have no collector interest, or with no backstop to establish manufacturer, or date of manufacture are not suitable for sale. Neither are items that can be currently purchased at gift shops or department stores, nor merchandise currently manufactured to be collected, ie. Franklin Mint and similar materials.
All merchandise is to be "room ready." This means no "rough" pieces, which include severely damaged, dirty or repainted items. However, these pieces will be judged on a case-by-case basis. If you handle primitives, please make sure they are clean and free from wood boring insects.
Items crafted form old wood or re-manufactured items are not suitable for sale.
Certain items may be used to properly accent an acceptable antique, but must be tagged as such. Items used for display must be tagged with you dealer number and marked "Display Only" or "NFS." These items may include: season decorations, new shade on antique lamp, new upholstery on old stool, sofa, chair, etc..., new frame for antique print, picture, sampler, etc..., new print in antique frame.
If you sell prints, please understand that knowledgeable customers are asking to remove the print from the frame, unless it is clear that the print is in the original frame and that the backing is undisturbed. If this is the case, mark the tag accordingly.
If you reframe a print, leave the backing paper off and use a minimal number of nails to hold the print in the frame so that it can be easily inspected by the customer.
Management may remove any item if it is in their opinion in poor taste, or is in any way objectionable, whether or not it meets out guidelines.
Merchandise in non-compliance with our guidelines will be removed from the exhibitor's space when found.
Pay Periods
Exhibitors are paid twice each month. Pay periods are from the 1st through the 15th, and the 16th through month end. Checks are ready for pickup on the 18th and 3rd of the month. If, for any reason, you wish your check to be mailed, please leave a #10 SASE at the desk.
We will always attempt to have checks ready on time. However, if circumstances beyond our control (computer failure, for example) occur, we will have the checks available as soon as possible.
Rents and Terminations
Rents are due and payable on the first of each month and they are later after the 10th of the month A $25 penalty will be imposed on rents received after the 10th of the month.
All agreements are month-to-month. HOWEVER, A 30 DAY WRITTEN NOTIFICATION IS REQUIRED SHOULD YOU WISH TO VACATE YOUR BOOTH OR SHOWCASE.
Inventory
Exhibitors are requested to please complete an inventory of all items in their exhibit ares in the mall. (These forms are available at the sales counter.) This list needs to be updated as items are sold and/or removed.
Booth Setup and Maintenance
Exhibitors are required to keep their display areas clean, the carpet swept and the merchandise dusted. Please work your booth pr showcase on a regular basis by re-arranging your merchandise and insuring that your merchandise is attractively displayed. Do not let customers or fellow dealers get bored with your display! (We have a vacuum for your use. Please provide your own glass cleaner, dusting product, paper towels, etc.)
Metal and rough wooden tables must be covered. Wooden tables are preferred because of their stability.
Locked showcases are not permitted in booths.
Removal of Merchandise
All merchandise leaving the mall will exit through the front door after being checked by a mall employee. All containers, boxes, etc. will be checked by a mall employee before leaving.
Layaway
Items over $100 may be held in layaway with 1/3 down and the balance in 30 days. No discounts are to be given on layaways. Remittance is paid to the exhibitor as payments are received. In most cases, should a customer default, the portion received is credited to the exhibitor and the merchandise is returned to stock. Exceptions to this policy would have to be agreed to by the exhibitor.
Discounts
A complimentary dealer discount will be given to customers, if the item has not been reduced and has a tag price over $20, at the industry standard of 10% (credit card purchase discounts are only 7%).
There are no discounts on items $20 and under.
Generalized discount sale signs will not be permitted. (ie. "Everything in this booth is 30% off). This type of sign lowers customer confidence, generates a less-than-professional atmosphere and will cause a customer to believe all the merchandise was overpriced to begin with. Individual items may be tagged at a reduced price with a tag that may include the old price.
Tagging
For security all exhibitors must use AAA I-70 tags. Place your dealer number on all your merchandise, display fixtures and anything else that belongs to you. "If it belongs to you, tag it." If you use plate holders, doll stands, etc. (and want to keep them) mark them "NFS" or "Display Only."
Please use your initials in your item numbers as a double check. (if your name is John Jones and your item number is 1205, then the item number on your tag should read JJ1205.)
Include an accurate description on the tag. (Tags without descriptions can be easily switched).
Give as much information as possible on descriptions including date and location item was made, if known.
Tags MUST clearly state the condition if the item is damaged. Any repair or alteration of the item must also be noted, including replaced hardware, mirrors or glass on furniture. Nonworking mechanical and electrical items must also be noted.
To prevent tag altering, use dollar signs and decimal points (or two zeros over a line). Don't mark over to correct a mistake or change a price. Keep your numbers clear. Don't run the numbers too close together. Example: Your $135.00 could be mistaken for $35.00 at checkout time. If in doubt, make a new tag!
Special Tagging (quilts, coverlets, tablecloths, and bedspreads)
These items must have a photo tag attached to them. The photo may be a polaroid, and must have the dealer number and price inscribed on the photo. We have found this the most effective method for preventing tag switching for these types of items.
Theft Prevention
We have installed a state-of-the-art security system to assist in preventing losses to exhibitors' inventory. However, your co-operation is also needed. A few hints which may help include:
Never leave keys in the merchandise. Furniture, clock, or any other key should be labeled and filed at the sales counter. Please indicate on the price tag of the item that the key is at the front desk and put the front desk key number on the price tag.
Telephone screw-on mouthpieces, oil lamp font covers or caps, cranks for phonographs, lamp finials and similar items should be labeled and filed also.
Tops to items such as cruets, bottles, jars, or any kinds of lids should be securely taped to the item.
Place a tag on each item of a set if possible. If one piece wanders away from your display, it is more readily identified and can be returned.
Electrical Hazards
-Do not use any fixture that has not been thoroughly inspected. Cords must not be frayed, cracked, spliced or taped. Metal lamps, etc. are especially hazardous. Be sure they are in good working condition.
-Do not use any extension cords. Use power strips with overload protection only.
-Do not use any multiple outlet plugs.
-Light bulbs may not exceed 40 watts. A maximum of 25 watts may be appropriate for smaller fixtures with shades that are in close proximity to the bulbs.
-If an electrical item is or sale (but is not plugged in) and has any damage, this may be noted on the price tag and marked "AS IS." The plug must be covered to prevent use in the mall. In addition, such items may be removed at management's discretion.
-Outlets may not be covered or obscured.
-Any infractions of the above may incur a fine of $25 each.
-Other restrictions may be necessary as situation warrants.
A Final Notice
We have distributed these guidelines for the benefit of all concerned. Please review them and if you have any questions, feel free to talk to us.
