Antique Mall Booth Rental Cost & How It Works (2026)
Renting a booth in an antique mall is the most popular way to sell antiques at close to retail without running your own shop. In 2026, booths typically cost $1 to $3 per square foot per month in rent, plus a 5% to 15% commission on what you sell. Here's how it works and how to make a booth actually profitable.
What a booth costs
| Cost component | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| Rent (per sq ft / month) | $1 – $3 |
| Small booth (10–50 sq ft) | ~$50 – $150 / month |
| Standard booth (100 sq ft) | ~$150 – $300 / month |
| Sales commission | 5% – 15% of sales |
| Optional credit-card fee | ~2 – 3% |
Bigger, better-located booths (near the entrance or on main aisles) cost more. Some malls also offer locked cases for small, high-value items at a premium.
How booth rental works
You rent the space, stock and price your own inventory, and keep it looking good. The mall handles the checkout, staffing, and hours, then pays you monthly for what sold, minus rent and commission. You get near-retail prices without staffing a store yourself — the trade-off is the monthly rent whether or not you sell, and the ongoing work of restocking and merchandising.
Booth vs. other ways to sell
A booth nets more than selling outright to a dealer (who pays 30–50% of retail) because you sell at retail — but you carry rent and do the work. Compared with consignment, a booth gives you more control and usually a better cut, but consignment has no fixed monthly cost. See the full comparison in where to sell antiques.
How to make a booth pay
- Location and presentation matter most. A tidy, well-lit, frequently refreshed booth outsells a cluttered one. Rotate stock so regulars see something new.
- Price to sell. Turnover beats holding out for top dollar when you're paying monthly rent.
- Know your numbers. Your sales need to clear rent + commission before you profit — track it monthly.
- Refresh often. Dead inventory is dead rent. Mark down slow movers and keep it moving.
Is it worth it?
A booth works best for people with a steady supply of inventory who enjoy the hunt and the merchandising. For a one-time estate cleanout, selling to a dealer or via consignment is usually simpler — see how to sell an estate of antiques.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an antique booth cost per month?
Most booths run about $1–$3 per square foot monthly, so roughly $50–$150 for a small booth and $150–$300 for a standard 100-square-foot space, plus a 5–15% commission on sales.
How does getting paid from an antique mall work?
The mall rings up your sales, and pays you monthly for what sold minus your rent and commission (and sometimes a small card-processing fee). You keep close to retail prices without staffing the store.
Is renting an antique booth profitable?
It can be, if you have steady inventory, price to turn over, and keep the booth fresh and well-presented. Your sales have to clear the monthly rent and commission first, so tracking your numbers is essential.
Thinking of selling? Find antique malls and stores near you to compare booth options.