It's definitely a way to make some extra income.
Other than breakage and theft, there isn't anything negative I can think of.
If you're doing it the right way, the worst thing you should have to deal with is keeping your booth stocked because you're selling everything :)
Honestly, if you can't break even in your first month, you're in a bad location, have the wrong merchandise mix, or the mall isn't doing well.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to sell at a very successful mixed mall in a neighboring city, more vintage than antique.
I owned a brick and mortar gift shop for 10 and have been in retail since I started working so I have a little more experience than most.
I don't sell anything that I can't mark-up 100% or more.
My booth is a mix of vintage and new vintage inspired items.
My booth rent is a very good deal, imo, at $2.15/sq.ft.
I don't have to work in the shop at all and the only other fee I have is a flat 5% for credit card sales which is more than fair, imo.
We get our checks on the 1st of the month which is absolutely wonderful.
My minimum goal is $100 per square foot in sales and I've never done less than that.
I've been there 10 months (after being on the waiting list for 2 years) and expanded to a larger booth last month.
I'll be expanding to the booth next door sometime after the first of the year.

There's an e-book available called 'Selling in an Antique Mall - a Beginner's Guide'.
It has some good information for those thinking about getting into the business and is worth getting.

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Selling in an Antique Mall' at Amazon

Junk Revolution has a pretty nice forum with quite a bit of 'booth' talk.
Here's a link to a search for 'booth' posts:

Here is a link that might be useful: Let's talk about booths....

I'm in Austin, and have a space in a local mall. It isn't a 'money making proposition', and I knew that going forward. For myself, as well as other dealers I have talked to, it's mostly a hobby, not about making money. All the dealers I know are retired and needed a 'hobby', and that's why they do it. It has the added benefit of being a social outlet and learning more about antique/vintage. It also keeps me aware of things going on in the area~estate sales, auctions, etc., and other activities.

I paint a lot of my pieces, and it's a great creative outlet for me. I've thought of exploring the possibility of wholesaling to a local boutique in the area. I could possibly make a *little* money. ;o)

Thanks so much!

There's a lot to consider, but I really think I want to do this. And I have a feeling like I could go months and months without having to actually buy any inventory, if I pared down a few collections.

We live in a historic town, so there's quite a few antique dealers in town. I actually haven't even been in all of the malls, so I plan to scope those out in the next few weeks. I saw that someone just opened a new shop close to downtown, too. I think that's rather hopeful in this economy, but I'll stop in and see what they're selling.

I don't have a KIndle. I saw that Amazon has some sort of PC viewer for e-books, though. That book does have really great reviews, so I'm going to try and download it.

You're welcome, franksmom!

You don't need a Kindle or Nook to read e-books.
You can download free Kindle & Nook apps from both Amazon and Barnes and Noble for just about any device - I have both installed on my laptops, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Free Nook Apps for PCs and other devices

Free Kindle Apps for PCs and other devices

I also meant to say 'Go for it!'
A new business in town is definitely a good sign.
Run around town, see what others are selling, look at prices, see where the customers are, and get an idea of what your particular niche and look are going to be.
It's a lot of fun but treat it like a business if you actually want to make money.

Best thing is to hone in on whatever it is you like since you might be stuck with it.

I call my stuff 'Romantic French' and paint all the furniture blue, as well as find things that are blue, or have blue in them so everything relates. My niche is also more feminine related items, so nothing rustic or masculine. I don't have things lined up on shelves, but tend to 'build' vignettes, which give the idea of a decorated room rather than just a 'booth with stuff'. Lots of eye candy w/lamps to light the space well.

I've developed somewhat of a following of women who love blue also, or are redoing a room/rooms, so that's helped. Since it is feminine, I try to take advantage of women w/daughters, and have small little rockers, and many cute things for little girls rooms. ;o)