Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Antique Ecconomic Situation
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
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
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Weller Sicard Vase
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
Here is a link on a TECO Vase
http://www.webs-best.com/ResearchItems/WellerSicard.htm
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sales are Good and Bad
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.
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.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Online Auctions
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.
In these harder economic times - all business need to change the way they do business and look for saving in anyway they can.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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."
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."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Inventory Turnover
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.
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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Stay Organized
After the first pass. I tried to only touch it once. Still got piles ---- only smaller.
Stay Organized
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.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Pig Scraper
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. Sunday, January 18, 2009
Issue Press Releases
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
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
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!
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!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hay Hook
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
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.
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