The Most Powerful Attribute in Antiques and CollectiblesWritten by Michael Temple
What can increase your sales volume and make you more productive day in and day out? You've probably heard this three word statement that seperates those who wish they could do better,from those who really do. Knowledge is power! This three word statement is more than just a great philosophy. The more knowledge you have about antiques, higher increase in your overall profitability...as long as you use that knowledge. Knowledge can literally make or break your antique business. Here's a difficult lesson that was taught to a high-minded museum by a shrewd, savvy antique buyer with knowledge. I love this story! It vividly illustrates difference between knowing and being in dark about antiques and their value. I was browing in an antique shop a number of years ago, when I struck up a conversation with owner. We talked about incredible finds that we had stumbled across over years. Her story topped anything that I had ever done...hands down! It all started when she attended last day of a weekend sale at a local museum. It seems that museum was desiring to remodel, and they were attempting to raise needed funds by selling off some antiques that had been found in carriage barn that stood on property. Obviously, she was not expecting to see anything spectacular because she assumed that sale would be "cherry-picked". And then it happened! While walking through sale, she discovered a large painting with a faded gold frame. Something about painting looked strangely familiar, and she thought to herself, "I've seen that in a history book somewhere." She quickly ran to her vehicle and poured over several large painting identification books that she had brought with her from her personal library. After taking 10 minutes to research, she was almost positive that this painting was a rare item indeed. She went back inside, and with a few minutes left in sale, she wrote a personal check for $125. and loaded it into her station wagon. Life took a sudden and drastic turn...for better! Upon arriving home, she began to dig deeper with her research tools. She "burned midnight oil", and as morning broke, her heart was beating faster as she came to realization that this painting was something very special.
| | Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find ThemWritten by Michael Temple
It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many antique buyers makethe mistake of mis-understanding process by which antique items are found. Many collectors and dealers waste valuable time searching in places where they believe that these items are in great abundance. But a true understanding of where antiques originate seems to have eluded many well meaning antique dealers and collectors.It's elementary Watson! If you want to find fresh-to-the-market antiques and collectibles, you need to go where they are in great abundance, and where they originate! Antiques do not orginate at auctions, or at flea markets, or at antique shows. Antiques originate in people's homes. This is a fundamental truth for 99% of all antiques that you will ever see. Another truth that many people overlook. The other simple fact, is that most antiques that you are most likely to get a great deal on reside in homes of people who are older. Young people do not, as a general rule have antiques in abundance that older people do. Why? Because older people came from a generation that saved everything, and you will find that a majority of time they have kept it all! From 1950's toys in closet to old toaster that was just too good to throw away, older folks still have most of everything they ever owned.
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