Dealer Space

Our Philosophy

Westside Antiques mall endeavors to offer superior customer service both to external customers and to internal customers (antique dealers) in the greater Madison area.

For dealers we continue to offer a clean, safe, and professional business environment in which dealers can display their goods for sale. We have over 100 reference books for dealers to review to assist them with pricing. We have a “Wish List” that we continue to maintain and update, that contains over 2000 customer’s names and numbers. We have successful sold thousands of dollars of dealer inventory from this form of customer service. Our customer base is now over 5,000 individuals and dealers who have made purchases at Westside Antiques Mall. Through a software data base, we contact these customers to make them aware of special sales and incentives. In addition, we offer free delivery in the Madison area for items sold that are $300 or more (limitations apply to weight). After 6 years as an antique mall we have not raised our commission rate, rent rate, or fees. Since we moved, our gross sales have doubled, and are incrementally growing with each passing month. Typically, summer months are supposed to be slower revenue periods than fall and winter. However, we have already surpassed last years’ record setting Christmas sales. While other stores are suffering due to high gas prices and a less than stellar consumer confidence rating, . We anticipate that our sales will continue to grow incrementally with each passing month. Exit 262 off the Beltline, Rimrock south, left on Nob Hill, right on Badger Lane in Madison, Wisconsin. |map|

We continue to offer the MOST ECLECTIC INVENTORY in the state of Wisconsin (according to Auction Action Magazine). We continue to offer inventory that reaches from the 18^th Century to Mid Century Modern and funky 1970’s items that are so popular right now. Following the market trends, establishing new customer contacts and maintaining good business relationships with all our customers, as been the hallmark of Westside Antiques Mall. Having the collection of Dr Bogdanowicz which includes 18^th century prints, Samurai swords and fittings, has added to our variety.

Size & Scale

We have upgraded to 23,000 square feet.

Where East Meets West

Exit 262 off the Beltline, Rimrock south, left on Nob Hill, right on Badger Lane in Madison, Wisconsin. |map| We do engage in “Price Protection Plus” ã, which ensures higher selling prices for dealers.

Dealer Rights & Responsibilities

Right to advertise others services they offer (i.e. refinishing, lamp repair) *
Right to advertise another location in which they sell (needs to be more than 6 miles away)
Right to have their business card displayed in their booth (if they don’t violate rules #6 and #7)
Right to have their property and person treated in a respectful manner
Responsibility to adhere to inventory policy
Responsibility to adhere to policy: refrain from purchasing items directly from customers**
Responsibility to sell through the store: not pursing leads “around the store”**
Responsibility to not pursue leads obtained from customers in the store**
Right to conduct business in safe, professional environment
Right to participate in seminar process on voluntary basis

* service requests that are obtained in the store need to be run through the store as a dealer sale

** violation of #6 is a breach of the lease agreement

Services must also be run through the store cash register if the lead is obtained in store

Inventory Restrictions

Because the Westside Antiques Mall strives to have one of the most eclectic inventories in the state, we have unique inventory requirements. We want to offer items that are investment quality and that also mimic local, regional, and national trends. To this end we offer inventory that spans from the 18^th century to the 20^th century. From old master prints to Mies Van Der Rohe Chairs, if it is a good investment, we want people to find it at Westside Antiques Mall

Therefore the restrictions are as follows:

No Beanie babies
No Franklin Mint collector Plates
No intentionally mislabeled items (i.e. labeling a chair as Chippendale even though it is a 20^th Century reproduction; it should be labeled as “Chippendale Style Chair”)
No unintentionally mislabeled items (i.e. No 1920’s insurance calendar with Audobon reproductions labeled as “Audobon” it should be “Audobon repro” or “Old Print”)
No items with absolutely no decorative, investment, or antique value (junk)
No items which can easily be found in a craft mall (crafts)
Appeals process is an open one:

Should an item not fit these stipulations, the dealer has the right to demonstrate otherwise. They need to demonstrate that an object has redeemable market value, has sold somewhere, at what venue, and at what value. If the mall owner agrees, the item can then be allowed. This process will be handled in a respectful and confidential manner.

Lease Terms & Renewal

Lease terms are on six-month terms. They renew to six-month terms. They are only in six-month terms. Unless the dealer gives written notice 45 days before the end of their respective six-month term, the lease will automatically renew.

Rent rates begin from $1.49 per square foot. Commission for rented space is a 8%. Dealer checks are written twice monthly, 5 days after a BI-monthly period has ended. Grace periods are allowed for weekends, holidays, and periodic travel days or severe weather.

Charity Work

Westside Antiques Mall actively participates in charity work. We have committed funds to the south side coalition, and have helped raise money for Madison Area Rehab Network. In addition, we have taken part in the charity auctions for Wisconsin Public television. We welcome ideas and requests to give back to the community we are in. We have successfully donated over $3,000 to Wisconsin Public Television.

Marketing & Promotions

We actively engage in marketing and promoting our dealers’ inventory. We have advertised in the following venues: Yesteryear, Auction Action Antiques News, Yellow Pages, The Antiques Map (Madison), Magic 98, and the Wisconsin State Journal. Our spending this year thus far on advertising alone has been $10,250 in 2007. Julie Hinds from Magic 98 has agreed to endorse Westside Antiques Mall, and has been very helpful to the credibility to the store. We met a goal of adding the Website in 2008 and will continue to develop our e-commerce. In 2009 we spent over $7,000 in advertising to bring customers to the store. It has meant that our dealers, even in a down economy have averaged three times their rent on a consistent basis. Some have averages sales of four to six times their rent.

Our 5000 name wish list is an excellent source of customer service related marketing. W were featured in ANEW magazine for women in 2006, Business Watch & Wisconsin Woman in 2008. Live music on Sundays has also drawn a greater customer segment to the store.

Safety & Security

We ask customers with large bags and backpacks to leave them in their car or we store them behind the counter. Completing a customer interaction with each shopped ensures that we have checked each person for items. We encourage dealers with small valuables to have them in a locked case. We have added 24 hour video surveillance and Per Mar Security systems to the store.

Sales & Lay-Away

We allow customers to put things on lay away only if the item is over $100. They must put 1/3 down and pay the remainder in 30 days. If they do not pay the remainder, the 1/3 is forfeited. However, because of our generous credit card policy, we seldom have customer take advantage of lay-away. Dealer sales are at their discretion so long they have a defined period. The front desk needs to be notified of the specifics.