Antique Dealers Blog

2011-05-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

1940's Advance Electricity Shocker Machine. Advance built penny arcade machines which gave electric shocks from the late 1920's up until around 1950. The machines remained in common use until the 1960's when the apparent danger of such machines to people with pace makers or other medical concerns was noted. This machine entices players by trying to setup a competition to see who can take the biggest jolt. A penny is inserted and the two silver knobs are held, one with each hand. The right hand slowly twists the right knob increasing the voltage (indicated by a mechanical guage on top) until the plater can take no more. Even though the electricity is high voltage, extremely low amperage, thus staying near the skin, the actual jolt felt is quite strong. This is definetly not a game for the weak of heart! A internal six volt battery provides power to a vibrator and step up transformer coil. The battery would have to be changed quite often on location. This machine has the very hard to find instruction marquee on top.

Test

2010-11-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

Item Paid Worth Selling For
Toy Allis-Chalmers Tractor $12 $59 $22

Selling Information
Item Number 101124

Starting an Antique Business

2010-10-24T03:42:00.000-07:00

Article

Article on selling Antiques

2010-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Multiple Sales Venues Needed to Succeed in the Antiques Business. by Harry L. Rinker

Neat New Site

2010-08-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

Vintage Indie

Blog title...

2010-02-17T03:43:00.001-08:00

Boy its emspensive in NYC

2010-02-14T02:24:00.001-08:00

Getting ready to go to NYC. Its my first visit.

What's Hot - Article Reprint

2010-01-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Antique market trends: Victorian styles are out, 1940s and '50s are in

Link

Victorian marble top furniture is out and vintage accessories are in.

In truth, there isn't much that is truly "in" in the antiques market. Like most retail categories, antiques have moved slowly in recent years. At the same time, the market is experiencing a generational shift, moving from the very old to the relatively new to accommodate a younger collector.

"People want what's comfortable, and the 1930s, '40s and '50s styles are what they saw in their grandmothers' homes," says Malcolm Anglin, a certified appraiser for Return Engagements in Phoebus.

"Shoppers, especially the younger ones just coming into the antiques and vintage market, are looking for those bright colors and unique pieces of the '50s and even the '60s."

Combined, the economic situation and trend toward mid-century modern pieces has created an interesting dynamic within local antique shops, where shoppers will see a mishmash of items for both the established collector and the entry-level buyer.

It also means there are plenty of bargains to go around.

"Items that are priced around $1,000 have been hit the hardest, because that's where the beginner collectors start," says Rick Griffin, owner of Griffin's Antiques in Phoebus. "Typically, people who would be in that category have less expendable income right now than they would have in the past."

And that's where you're likely to find a bargain, says Lark Mason, Jr., an appraiser for the PBS show "Antiques Roadshow."

He says that shoppers should look for deals on decorative English, American and European furniture, a category that's trouble for antique dealers because mass market retailers can reproduce the styles so easily.

Locally, mahogany pieces are best sellers in that category, says Anglin.

"The days of the Victorian marble top are gone," he says. "Mahogany pieces have that feel of quality and comfort, and they just match with everything you already have."

To make sure you get quality furniture, Anglin suggests opening all of the drawers. The best pieces will be made entirely of wood. Details such as dovetail joints — a way of interlocking wood so that mechanical fasteners are not needed — also indicate quality. The piece should be fairly heavy, as well, though some faux wood pieces can be extremely heavy, says Anglin.

If you're on the opposite end of the market as a seller — you've inherited an estate, for example — there are several categories where you can still collect a good portion of an item's value.

Of course, tried and true fine art works are considered good investments and have retained their value. Post-war artists are more popular right now, so you're likely to find a buyer quickly.

Fine jewelry and vintage pieces also retain their value in a stunted economy, because even non-collectors feel that precious metals are a secure investment.

At Return Engagements, Bakelite bracelets from the 1930s are popular with customers. The brightly colored jewelry is made from industrial plastic, and the pieces range in price from $45 to $1,400.

Tiffany and Carnival glass pieces also are hot sellers, as are wooden wall clocks.

But if you're hoping to get top dollar for your great-uncle's collection of antique kitchen gadgets, you may want to hold onto it for a couple of years while the market adjusts.

"It's a very exciting time for people who are interested in becoming collectors," says Mason. "The cost is at one of the lowest levels it has been for generations."

What's the difference?

An item that is 100 years old or older

Vintage:

An item that is less than 100 years old

Estate:

An item that was previously owned

How to research antiques
Experts agree that now is a good time to start collecting if you are able. Here are some Web sites that can help you determine how much an item is worth, whether you're buying or selling.

• Sothebys.com. The international auction house has a large database of recently sold items and items for sale. You can browse items by category to find specific antiques and their selling prices.

• Christies.com. This fine art and antiques auction house also has a large database of recently sold items and items for sale.

• igavel.com. Founded by Lark Mason Jr., an appraiser for the PBS show "Antiques Roadshow," igavel is an online auction house. You can search the database for sale items to get an idea of common prices.

"Ebay is no longer a good measuring tool," Mason says. "Anybody with anything of real value isn't using the site anymore."

• Artfact.com. The site offers the selling prices for items sold at auctions over the past year.

• Certified appraisers. Experts agree that your best bet is to use a professional appraiser. You can find one through the Appraisers Association of America, American Society of Appraisers or the International Society of Appraisers. Malcolm Anglin of Return Engagements in Phoebus will give you an estimate on your estate for free.

Article - Reprint

2010-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.antique-hq.com/where-to-sell-your-antiques-and-collectibles-1226

I get asked this question all the time. There are many options when it comes to selling your antiques and collectibles. Choosing an option all comes down to your personal circumstances.

In this article I have covered the most common ways to sell your antiques and collectibles. You can use this information as a guide to help you when making the choice of where to sell your items.
Private Sale:

Private sale is when you negotiate a sell between you and other parties. This can be done by yourself or through a broker. If you choose this option I would suggest using a broker. Brokers usually have a network of buyers and they also know how to negotiate in these situations on your behalf.

What types of antiques and collectibles should you sell this way?
You can sell any type of antique or collectible this way, however this works best rare or high-end antiques and collectibles.

Pros:

* You know where your antique or collectible is going. Some people specify that they want an item only to be sold to a collector, museum, or to someone that will not just resell it. This can be controlled in this situation.
* This option also allows you to take your time and negotiate.

Cons:

* You are limiting your items exposure; this can cause less interest in your item resulting in lower values (but not in all cases).
* You have to put in a lot of time going back and forth trying to make all parties happy in the deal.
* If you use a broker you will have to pay him a fee. This is usually a percentage of the sale.
* You will have to deal with shipping and refunds if the other party is not happy.

Other factors to consider:

* Time: In most cases private sales can take a long time. If you are looking to sell your item fast this is not the option for you (in most cases).

Remember: Even if you use a broker make sure to do your research. As much as I would love to say all brokers are honest, this unfortunately not always the case. The best way to protect yourself against a broker trying to get a good deal for his friend is to arm yourself with knowledge.
Auction:

I recommend auctions the most. This is a good all around way to sell your antiques and collectibles.

What type of antiques and collectibles can be sold at auction?
Anything can be sold at auction as long as it is not an illegal item or restricted item (e.g. endangered animal items.).

I would highly suggest using an auction house for any rare, high-end or medium range items. If you need help finding an auction house please read the following two articles.

* United States
* Australia

Pros:

* Your items are well advertised. This is usually done by catalogues, flyers or brochures that are mailed to the auction house mailing list. Most auction houses list their items on the internet as well.
* They have a large buyer base.
* There are experts there to value your items and help you with any information you may need.
* They take care of the shipping, handling and any refunds (refunds do not happen very often.).
* You can set a reserve price.

Cons:
This option is usually faster then a privet sell but can still take 2-4 weeks minimum. This depends on the auction schedule and if you have to wait for a specialty auction. This can sometimes as long 3 months to 6 months.

* Your items may go unsold. When this happens your items are either returned to you or relisted in the next appropriate auction.
* There is usually a seller’s fee; the average fee is 10-20%. This fee can go as high as 50%. You can read more about this in one of my earlier post Finding the Right Auction House to Sell Your Antiques.
* There can be extra costs such as transportation fees, photograph fees, reserve fees, and buyback fees if the item is unsold because of a reserve.

Consignment:

Consignment is when you put your item up for sale in a store to be sold for you. Many antique stores will take an item on consignment instead of out right buying the item. Once the item is sold you are then paid for the item minus the consignment fees. This fee is usually 10-30%.

What type of antiques and collectibles can be sold this way?
Usually mid to high end antiques and collectibles can be sold on consignment. In some stores they will take lower valueitems, but charge a higher consignment fee.

Pros:

* By having your items in a store setting you are insuring that the customer is a targeted buyer. This means the buyers are there to buy antiques and collectibles.
* Your help out your local antique store.

Cons:

* When an item is consigned it may take a long time to sell.
* You are limiting your market to the people that come into the store.
* You have to pay a consignment fee.

Remember: I can not stress this enough. Make sure to do your research. Even when an item is on consignment you have to put the price on the item. You don’t want to under sell your item or price it too high.
Yard Sale/Garage Sale:

I only have one thing to say about this option DO NOT DO IT. You will not get the value for the item. When I was working in the auction house we would always have people come in and say somthing like: “On my way here I stopped at a garage sale and picked this up for $12.00. Can you tell me what its worth?” In this case it was a Missen stein worth $1200.00.
Online Auction (eBay):

Since the 1990’s eBay has became a popular way to sell items. I tend not to use eBay and do not suggest eBay very often.

What type of antiques and collectibles can be sold here?
All types of antiques and collectibles can be sold here. I would not suggest selling and rare of high-end items on eBay, with these items I would suggest using an auctions house.

Pros:

* You can sell your items fast.
* You are paid for your items right away.
* You have a world wide buyer base. More people will see your item here. But this also causes the common market to get flooded, lowering the value of some items.
* There are many payment options

Cons:

* In most cases items sell for well under value.
* You have to deal with questions, shipping, refunds and people not paying.
* Some items are hard to sell because people see them as fakes even if they are not.
* Everyone is looking for that deal and expect to find it.
* You have listing fees and have to pay a % of the sell to eBay (last time I checked it was 6%)
* If your item does not sell and you relist it you have to pay the fee again.

Tip: Research research research. This is the only way to protect yourself.
Online Antique Stores:

An online antique store is a lot like a brick and mortar antique store (consignment). The only difference is you have the whole world as your customer base. I do recommend these types of stores occasionally.

What type of antiques and collectibles can be sold here?
This all depends on the store. If it is a specialty store it will be limited to the type of items they sell. This is a good way to sell things like Hummels, jewelry, and smaller collectibles.

Pros:

* By having your items in a online store setting you are insuring that the customer is a targeted buyer. This means the buyers are there to buy antiques and collectibles.
* Your customer base is world wide.
* You do not have to take your item to a store. In most cases you just need a good picture of the item, price and a discription.

Cons:

* When an item is consigned it may take a long time to sell.
* You are limiting your market to the people that come into the store.
* You have to pay a consignment fee.

One store I like to recommend is Ruby Lane. I have not personally used them but have heard good things about them.

If you have an online store you would like to recommend or a question feel free to leave a comment below.

* Share/Save/Bookmark

Similar Titles That You May Like

* Michael Jackson’s Collection to be auctioned in Beverly Hills California
* M.I. Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart – Hummel Price Guide
* Estate Sales: What you should know about them
* Best Antique Auction Houses in Australia
* Antique Appraisal – How to Appraise Antiques and Collectibles Like a Pro

2009-12-04T18:33:00.001-08:00

I just launched a new radio show. http://ping.fm/vAlEe let me know what you think.

2009-12-04T18:32:00.001-08:00

I just lanched a new radio show http://ping.fm/3UgmX . Let me know what you think.

ARO

2009-12-03T04:56:00.001-08:00

Established a position in ARO.

The Antique Ecconomic Situation

2009-11-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

Reprint from another artical.

Rinker On Collectibles: New Lessons – The Impact of the 2008/2009 Economic Crisis
in

Vintage Collectibles
September 10, 2009 - 4:08pm

When did the twenty-first century officially begin—January 1, 2000 or January 1, 2001? The great debate of ten years ago has reached “who cares” status. As a 2000 proponent, I am happy to see the null/naught decade end and the tens decade begin.

As the null/naught decade concludes, the antiques and collectibles trade is once again in survival mode, a far cry from the tentative optimism as the decade began. The trade required five years to adapt to the 1988-1989 economic downturn. The calm was short-lived. EBay’s arrival on Labor Day weekend 1995 caused a seismic eruption whose shockwaves radiated through the trade for almost a decade. As the twenty-first century began, the trade accepted eBay as a long-term player, recognized its positive benefits outweighed its negatives, and incorporated it as part of the industry’s business model.

The antiques and collectibles community enjoyed a buoyant mood as 2008 began. Sellers at antiques malls, shops, shows and flea markets reduced asking prices to the point where they were competitive and even cheaper than eBay. Attendance increased at sale venues. Auction prices were strong. While the number of collectors in many collecting categories continued to decrease, individuals buying for decorating and reuse purposes increased. Antiques and collectibles became part of the environmental movement.

Although a final judgment is ten or more years in the future, the 2008/2009 economic crisis appears to be having a greater impact on the antiques and collectibles trade than any previous event. The trade adapted to eBay in less than a decade. Its adjustment to the 2008/2009 economic crisis will take much longer.

[Author’s Note #1: I was tempted to use recover/recovery rather than adapt/adjustment in the two previous sentences. Since recover and recovery often imply a return to the status quo, I rejected them. The impact of the 2008/2009 economic crisis on the antiques and collectibles trade makes change inevitable. The good news is that the antiques and collectibles trade is resilient, a survivor. It will adapt and adjust. It will exist in 2020, 2050, and beyond. Whether the change required for survival is good, bad, or indifferent remains to be determined.]

A review of the lessons learned from the 1988/1989 economic downturn is necessary to understand the enormous impact of the lessons the 2008/2009 economic crisis is teaching. The general rule prior to the 1988/1989 economic downturn was that when stock values were high, antiques and collectibles values were low. Investors abandoned stocks and bought tangibles during difficult economic times. Antiques, viewed as tangible goods, benefited from this mindset.

[Author’s Note #2: Starting in the mid-1970s the value of antiques began to increase at a rate far in excess of inflation and stock growth. Investors viewed antiques as speculative commodities. When short-term investors sold in the late 1980s, losses far outnumbered gains. This added to the malaise in the antiques and collectibles market at the time.

The collectibles market was still in its infancy in the 1980s. Investors did not view high-end collectibles as a commodity on par with antiques until the late 1990s.]

Stock prices remained strong during the 1988/1989 economic downturn, a surprise to economists as well as those in the antiques and collectibles industry. Anticipated new capital did not flow down into the antiques and collectibles market.

The major lesson learned from the 1988/1989 economic downturn was that an object could price itself out of the market. Sellers assumed there was no limit to an object’s worth. As a result, many transactions were dealer to dealer sales rather than to individuals who removed the objects from the marketplace for a period of time. The answer to “is the winner the person who sells an object and has the money or the person who pays a price he will not recover in his lifetime” became the person with the money.

The general public’s reaction to increasing asking prices was to stop buying. Collectors, who had been ignored by the “if you do not buy it at my price, someone else will” dealers, were back in the buying driver’s seat. They took revenge for this cavalier treatment. Their selective buying contributed little to sustaining the market.

Dealers reduced inventory to weather the crisis. Dealer stock has remained low since that time. Dealer to dealer sales decreased by fifty percent plus.

The recovery from the 1988/1989 economic downturn, a return to the pre-downturn status quo, took less than five years. The 1995 antiques and collectibles market resembled the 1985 market on many fronts, e.g., preservation of existing sales venues and the type of objects offered for sale. Asking prices that had been adjusted downward were rising. Optimism was the order of the day.

As the American Dow Jones Industrial Average continues to approach 10,000 from its low of $6,469.95 in March 2009, it is time to assess the lessons the 2008/2009 economic crisis already has taught the antiques and collectibles trade. The crisis is far from over. When it ends, some lessons may need to be modified or dropped. New lessons may be identified. Ten current lessons to consider follow:

1. Consumer confidence plays a larger role than ever before in the economic viability of the antiques and collectibles marketplace. Antiques and collectibles are once again viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity. When discretionary income decreases or becomes non-existent, luxury sales decrease. Antiques and collectibles no longer sell themselves. Sellers now have to convince individuals to buy them.

2. When individuals save, sales decrease. Money in the bank is not money spent in the field. In addition, more and more individuals are curtailing credit card use. The move to live within one’s means is growing. “Do I really need it?” is becoming a common question, a question that does not bode well for antiques and collectibles.

3. The traditional collector and the categories he/she collected are disappearing. Young collectors are not replacing older collectors in most traditional collecting categories, i.e., those categories found in general antiques and collectibles price guides. Interest in the distant past has lessened. Many young people have no interest in family heirlooms. They do not value them monetarily (forget family value), have no interest in storing them, and see no use for them in their daily lives.

4. The value gap between the high-end and middle and low-end within collecting categories continues to increase. As the investor replaces the collector as the key player in many collecting categories, greater and greater value emphasis is placed on high-end objects. Investors have no interest in middle to low-end material.

5. The volume of middle to low-end material offered for sale has flooded the market. Once collector demands are satisfied, value disappears. Value requires a buyer. Many collectibles, albeit some antiques as well, have reached a point where they have minimal to no value. The list expands daily.

6. The market is global. The Internet expanded the global market for antiques and collectibles exponentially. Foreign markets offered a viable sale alternative during flat American markets. The 2008/2009 economic crisis is global. Many foreign markets, e.g., the Japanese market for antique American phonographs, have disappeared. The American antiques and collectibles market no longer exists in isolation.

7. The sale of antiques and collectibles for decorating and reuse continues to increase. As a result, what runs hot is trendy and volatile. Few collecting categories remain in vogue for longer than six months. When a collecting category loses favor, there is no guarantee interest in it will ever reignite.

8. Affordability, especially for the reuse buyer, once again plays a major role in the buying decision. Antiques and collectibles that are priced cheaper-than-new sell. However, even when prices reflect this, younger individuals prefer to buy new. The antiques and collectibles community faces a major challenge in combating the negative stigma attached to older goods.

9. Prices have fallen, even in the antiques sector, to a level as deep as twenty-five cents on the pre-2008/2009 dollar in some categories. Collectors, dealers, and others are raising the question: “what is a fair price?” They do no like the answer. The general impression is that some objects will never regain their pre-2008/2009 price level and those that do may require a decade or more to achieve this goal.

10. Change is continual. A return to the status quo of 2005 is impossible. The antiques and collectibles trade will emerge from the 2008/2009 economic crisis a far different entity than before. While the degree of change may decrease, it will never cease. Adaptation and adjustment will be continual.

The antiques and collectibles trade no longer controls its destiny. Outside forces, whether Martha Stewart or the world economy, determine our fate. The catch phrase used by the Borg of the Star Trek fictional universe applies: Resistance is futile.

Given the above, why am I optimistic about the future of the antiques and collectibles trade? First, the trade is resilient. It will adapt and adjust. Second, I live in the present and future and not the past. I accept what is. Third, I welcome change and the challenges it presents. I am living through one of the most exciting periods the antiques and collectibles trade has experienced, and I have no intention of dying before I see what happens.

Rinker Enterprises and Harry L. Rinker are on the Internet. Check out www.harryrinker.com.

You can listen and participate in WHATCHA GOT?, Harry’s antiques and collectibles radio call-in show, on Sunday mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Eastern Time. If you cannot find it on a station in your area, WHATCHA GOT? streams live and is archived on the Internet at www.gcnlive.com

SELL, KEEP OR TOSS? HOW TO DOWNSIZE A HOME, SETTLE AN ESTATE, AND APPRAISE PERSONAL PROPERTY (House of Collectibles, an imprint of the Random House Information Group, $16.95) is available at your favorite bookstore and via www.harryrinker.com.

Copyright © Rinker Enterprises, Inc. 2009

New Tv Cannel

2009-09-11T05:15:00.000-07:00

src="http://www.blinkotv.com/iptv/FB1210275919.swf?nc=20090720"
type="application/x-shockwave-flash"
width="460" height="515"
flashvars="settings_uri=http://www.blinkotv.com/settings/111478"
allowFullScreen="true"
bgcolor="#000000" >

My New Holly Hill Video

2009-09-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

2009-08-07T10:58:00.001-07:00

A great antique shop in Williamsburg, VA - Dovetail Antiques. http://ping.fm/7gaXX

It is hot!

2009-08-02T05:46:00.001-07:00

We hope you all are having fun buying and selling Antiques.

Its a Cold Spring

2009-04-13T05:48:00.001-07:00

Must mow the lawn today

2009-04-10T05:23:00.001-07:00

Here is a cute video from an associate in Nags Head NC. When in Nags Head NC or the Outer Banks - remember to do some antiquing!

Weller Sicard Vase

2009-04-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a link on a Weller Sicard Vase.

Here is a link on a TECO Vase

http://www.webs-best.com/ResearchItems/WellerSicard.htm

2009-03-27T03:01:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for a busy and raining weekend. We have the daffodil fest this weekend here in Gloucester.

2009-02-18T04:01:00.001-08:00

Cute little short video on primitives.

2009-02-17T16:37:00.001-08:00

2009-02-17T14:04:00.001-08:00

2009-02-14T17:32:00.001-08:00

This is a test using my Ping.fm I am finding this useful in updating my blogs

Sales are Good and Bad

2009-02-14T16:10:00.000-08:00

Reprint from the Iantiqueonline Blog

Introduction:

Everywhere you go, retailers are playing to the worries of frightened customers who have been hit real hard by the deteriorating economy. Even stores known for their already discounted prices are creating promotional displays with signs that read " item under $10.00" etc. There is a wholehearted effort operating at this time to sympathize with shoppers and offer them "a good deal".

Everyone Likes a Bargain But Is That The Wrong Strategy to Sell More Collectibles?

Sure everyone likes a bargain, but in the antique and collectibles business does constant "sales" and "discounting" actually hurt your business integrity and reputation?.
A look at the concept of "reverse psychology" may illustrate my point that sometimes the "sale" mentality can work against the seller. "Reverse psychology " can be explained as a Modus Operandi (M.O.) designed to coax the opposite effect of what is requested. In the antique world, it is better to convince the buyer that they are in good hands with an established and knowledgeable seller or store owner and that despite hard economic times...all is well. This is what I am calling the strategy of "reverse psychology".

More About Reverse Psychology

For example In one of Joel Chandler Harris's Uncle Remus stories, Brer Rabbit escapes from Brer Fox by repeatedly pleading "Please, Brer Fox, don't fling me in that briar patch." The fox does so, allowing the rabbit to escape".http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_psychology.

Reverse Psychology in The Antique World
So now lets extrapolate this idea to the business of selling antiques, art and collectibles. How does "discounting" and sales play out in the minds of buyers? Perhaps they feel like they are getting a bargain. But might they also be feeling (beneath the surface) that perhaps you the dealer were charging too much to begin with and you are now "cheating them" ?

If you want to convey to buyers that you have wonderful, fairly priced items for sale. Try a little "reverse psychology".

Ten Practical Tips to Help You Keep You Business Afloat During Hard Times Using Reverse Psychology

1. Price your goods fairly from the beginning.

2. Do not cross out prices on sales tags to show lowered price.

3. Freshen up old tags which suggest to buyers that the items have been sitting around too long.

4. Refrain from too many "sales". Keep store wide "sales" limited to expected 1-2 times a year only.

5. Convey to customers that business is solid (even when it is not). People want to feel confident about what they buy and will feel nervous if they think you are anxious for their business.

6. Substitute special events to increase traffic instead of "sales". For example, offer "Victorian Days", or "Free Appraisal Day" or "Old Fashioned Nostalgia Day" etc.

7. Refrain from telling people you have been sitting with an item for a long time.

8. If an item is damaged, do not announce to them or write on a sales tag "broken" or "damaged" or "stained" use softer language "gently used"., "as found condition". A buyer can handle hearing about "blemishes" when you remind them the object is over 80 years old. When you personalize an object they are more understandable.

9.. Share information about other stores in the area. Buyers like to know you are a team player. They will trust you more.When you "give" you get back.

10. Let customers teach you. Even if you are knowledgeable about a particular collectible. People like to be heard.Listen to your customers with interest. Rapport helps to seal the deal.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

Dianne is also a semi-retired Psychotherapist and mixed media artist.

If you would like to contact Dianne, email her at Dianne@CDianneZweig.com or visit her website at http://www.cdiannezweig.com/

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Online Auctions

2009-02-08T03:35:00.000-08:00

If you sell on EBAY - here are two sites you may want to consider. he two that I would like to high lite are Onlineauction.com and Seeauctions.com. Onlineauctions allow unlimited auctions for only $8 and the other charges nothing at all at the moment.

In these harder economic times - all business need to change the way they do business and look for saving in anyway they can.

2009-02-05T02:59:00.000-08:00

From another site Are Antiques a good investment. Finders Keepers Soquel, CA
www.craftersonline.com/articles/investment.html

Antiques remain good investments for knowledgable buyers.
Antiques, art, and old jewelry continue to hold their value as investments.

"People are buying good art and good furniture," Carolyn Patton, owner of Reunions in Black Mountain, said. "Antiques and art hold investment value, although it does fluctuate."

"I definitely agree with the advice," Patton said. "Buy what you like. Never buy any antique or piece of art just to have it as an investment. Also, make sure the dealer you are buying from is reputable, and one that you trust. Get to know the antique dealers in your area. There are some really good reproductions in antiques and art, and they are getting better all the time."

Debbie Morris, one of the owners of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, agrees with Patton.

"Antiques hold their value much better than new furniture," she said. "Also, I think the quality of construction of antiques is better than it is in some new pieces of furniture."

Judy Emory, also an owner of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, says she feels that antiques can still be purchased cheaper than buying new furniture.

"Always collect what you like, and purchase antiques that are in as good a condition as is possible," she said. "If a piece needs work, then if you can do it yourself; you are better off than taking it somewhere for restoration. Stripping the paint or finish off of a piece of furniture not only ruins its value as an antique, it is also extremely expensive."

Investment authorities recommend not putting more than 10 to 15 percent of the value of your investment portfolio into art and antiques at any time.

"A lot of people I deal with have a pay check to think about and not a portfolio to consider," Patton said. "They need to think about their paychecks carefully. Decide how much you can safely spend without depriving yourself and your family to purchase a special piece of history. Again, buy what you like and live with it, making it a part of your everyday life."

Morris feels that interest in antiques is steadily growing, especially in younger buyers now.

"Baby boomers are collecting toys," she said. "They want the toys they grew up with. Also, they want their children to have the same quality of toys they had when they were growing up."

Investment-quality art and antiques are expensive and usually not an option for the small investor. They are not "liquid" investments. Usually they cannot be resold quickly for a profit. One reason is that the market for such items fluctuates. Also, when you buy you usually pay retail price. When you sell, you may have to sell at a wholesale price or lower. To make a profit, you need to keep your antique items until their value increases enough to make up the difference. In the art and antiques markets, this can be a very long time.

Experts recommend that art lovers buy a range of works that appeal to them by different artists. The chances are that some will appreciate in value. Always think long term when dealing with art or antiques.

When investing in art and antiques, top quality items are the best choices. Reputable dealers have years of experience to offer, and most are willing educators. Auction houses rarely offer educational resources, and are not places for the beginning antique investor.

When you have developed a level of expertise, auction houses can be excellent sources of art and antiques. The chief advantages of buying at an auction house are the lack of retail markups, and lower prices. Remember, many antique and art dealers purchase at auction.

"When you purchase an antique, take the time to look it over thoroughly," Patton said. "Close your eyes and run your hands over every inch of the piece. Feel the joints. You’ll be surprised at what your hands can tell you. I never buy a piece of anything until I examine it this way. Find out all you can about who made the piece and how much skill did the craftsperson have. What is its condition? Does it have the original finish?"

Jewelry is another popular collectible now.

"It doesn’t have to be expensive jewelry," Patton said. "Costume jewelry from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s is very popular right now."

Authorities agree that when you purchase fine art, you need to consider the artist’s technical skills, the strength of the message conveyed by the artist, and the condition and degree of restoration the piece of art has to have. You don’t want to wind up with just an old picture.

Peter Temple, the author of "Superhobby Investing," recommends specializing in an area that interests you, such as ceramics, glass, clocks or furniture, and read up on the subject and talk to antique dealers to become as well informed as you can.

"Don’t expect all your antiques to make you a fortune," he says.

Antiques and art investments have to be protected. When you are living with investments, make sure you have adequate house insurance. An insurance oversight could cost you all of your investment.

Ralph and Terry Kovel are two of the top nationally recognized authorities in the antique circles, having over 40 years of collective experience. They recommend toys such as tin ones as the most popular ones, and then battery operated toys. Lithograph-paper covered wooden toys as well as Barbie and all her friends and accessories are very collectible. Then there is GI Joe, board games, model sets, space toys and the list goes on and on.

The Kovels point out that usable furniture of any style has kept pace with inflation, as have rugs and lamps. Advertising collectibles have proven to be good investments. Also, they recommend buying what a person can use and enjoy. They warn against buying collectibles as investments. They prefer to leave that area to antique dealers.

"Never buy pieces that have been reworked, refinished, repainted, repaired or altered," the Kovels say. "They have lost their antique value and have only a use value."

Patton advises buying southern primitive furniture and accessories, especially those locally made.

"Many of these are one of a kinds, and the only way the resale price is going is up," she said. "Primitives are the hottest things in today’s antique market. Pie safes, jelly cupboards, chairs, footstools, and other southern primitives are good investments."

Holly Hill Antiques Slideshow

2009-02-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Visit Holly Hill Antiques

Inventory Turnover

2009-02-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is a reprint of an article on Link

Why Inventory Turnover Is Important And How It Affects Your Profits

Posted on 27 January 2009 by Gary H
eBay Inventory Turnover

No matter where you live, if you walk through the business district of the nearest town and ask each succssful business owner what their inventory turnover rate is, they will likely be able to tell you right off the top of their head. The answers will vary, but if they’ve been in business for very long they will know what it is and you will get answers such as 3.7, 4, 5.2, etc.

They know because inventory turnover rate can determine whether a business just survives or flourishes; succeeds or fails.

What Is Inventory Turnover?

Inventory turnover rate measures how quickly you are moving inventory through your business.

In the simplest terms, inventory turnover rate is your cost of the product you sell over a twelve month period divided by your average investment in the product over the same twelve month period.

Lets assume that we have $6000 to invest in eBaysuccessful inventory and we spend it all on January 1st. At the end of the year, on December 31st we have sold it all for a gross profit of $12,000. We’ve turned or inventory over one time during the year. Our inventory turnover rate is 1.

But we don’t have to invest $6000 in inventory all at one time. If we invest only $3000 in inventory on January 1st, all other things being equal, we will have sold it all for a gross profit of $6000 by May 31st. Then on June 1st we invest $3000 using part of the revenue from the first half of the year. By December 31st we have sold that inventory for a gross profit of $6000.

At the end of the year we have still bought $6000 worth of inventory, still made a gross profit of $12,000, but we have invested only $3000. Our inventory turnover rate is 2.

What if we had only spent $1500 for inventory on January 31st and turned it over by March 31st? Over the year we would still have purchased $6000 worth of inventory, still made a gross profit of $12.000, but our investment would only be $1500. We would have turned our inventory 4 times.

Many people just beginning to seriously sell on eBay are trying to generate some extra cash to help with monthly bills or to build savings. They have limited funds available to invest in inventory. That doesn’t mean they can’t succeed. An initial investment of $500 in inventory that they turned 12 times would produce the same results as above on an investment of only $500.

Increasing your inventory turnover rate, combined with your return on investment and reinvesting part of your profits back into your business can grow your business exponentially over a short period of time.

Photograph by megan soh.

If you sell - heres a place to list

2009-01-31T18:41:00.001-08:00

Holly Hill Antiques

Stay Organized

2009-01-27T09:49:00.000-08:00

After the first pass. I tried to only touch it once. Still got piles ---- only smaller.

Stay Organized

2009-01-27T09:46:00.001-08:00

Stay Organized - This is a picture of a corner of my office. You can see I got a bad case of piles.

If I embarrass myself enough - maybe I can get this better. The two tvs have got to go.

Pig Scraper

2009-01-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

What is it? It's a Pig Scraper

Back in the old days everybody raised pigs. You could send them out to be butchered or you could do it yourself. After the pig was killed and the blood saved (all parts of the pig were used in something) you would haul the pig to a tub of hot (150-160 F) water and brush the pigs hair with a long-handled brush to agitate the bristles while the pig is in the hot water. After 5 minutes or so, you would haul the pig out onto the table and scrape the bristles hard and furiously with your scraping tools shown above. If the bristles do not come off easily with your scaper you would have to dip the pig again. NOw these items are used for decorations and this one is a nice primitive. The one pictured was found a small farm auction in PA. These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Anriiques. If you need one of these send us an email or call 804-695-1146 and we will see if we can help.

Issue Press Releases

2009-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt from a www.tias.com newsletter. The idea of a press release works for any business - online or not.

Twice each week, make sure you are using the TIAS press release system. Press release can be about a sale, new merchandise and special offers

b) Use the News-Antique.com press release system - This is a free service that allows you to publish press releases and articles that are 90% of the time picked up by Google News. Your article/release will also me included in an email that goes out to over 8000 writers, editors, clubs and collectors that cover the want info about the antiques and collectibles trade. This is the #1 site on the Web for "Antique News" and is viewed by over 60,000 people each month. If you need help writing a 200 word release, take a look at: http://www.bignews.biz/blog/?p=13
c) Write articles about antiques and collectibles that you are familiar with - Let the world know you are an expert by publishing articles related to your expertise. People find these articles than visit your Web site. More information about writing articles and where to publish them can be found here: http://www.bignews.biz/blog/?p=15

People Shop by Price

2009-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Sales are down all over. Perhaps evaluating your prices.

From a TIAS Email

Evaluate your asking prices - Is your merchandise marked at the current market value? - The market value is what items are currently selling for, not book value or what the items sold for last year at auction. To determine what you merchandise is actually being sold for in this market, you have to do what your customers are doing and run a search on Google as well as an eBay advanced search for recently sold items.

People are shopping by price and it takes them just a few minutes to do a price comparison across the entire Internet, so if items in your store can be found for less at another online store, you are going to lose that sale.

TIAS gets thousands of shoppers a day. Many of them are ready to buy now. The hard part is converting those shoppers into buyers. If while browsing on TIAS a shopper finds an interesting item, then runs a search on Google and eBay for that item and finds 2-3 other sellers with that same item for less $, who do you think is going to get that sale?

Successful dealers have told me many times that they make their money when BUYING their merchandise. The less they pay for it means that they can then offer it for less and sell it quicker.

Starting today, get into your store and CHECK YOUR PRICES!

Hay Hook

2009-01-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

What is it? It's a Hay Hook

Here is a real nice old Collectible Farm Tool, uses may include Hay, Straw, Meat, Ice etc. etc. The hook is 8" long and the handle is 5 3/4" wide. The metal hook appears to have pounding marks that may have come from the blacksmith or person who shaped it. I have no idea how old it is.These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Anriiques. We have several kinds of these and if you are interested we can send you a picture. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help.

Fence Stretcher

2009-01-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

What is it? It's a Fence Stretcher

This is a old time fence stretcher. To put fence up tight you need to put some tension on the wire before you staple it, I believe this one is used for a single stand of wire. If anyone has a different opinion please email me. The one pictured was found on Ebay as we do not have one exactly like this one. These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Antiiques. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help.