 |
The Most Powerful Attribute in Antiques and Collectibles
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 separates 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, the
higher the 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 the difference
between knowing and being in the 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 the owner. We talked about
incredible finds that we had stumbled across over the years. Her
story topped anything that I had ever done...hands down!
It all started when she attended the last day of a weekend
sale at a local museum. It seems that the museum was desiring to
remodel, and they were attempting to raise needed funds by
selling off some antiques that had been found in the carriage
barn that stood on the property. Obviously, she was not expecting
to see anything spectacular because she assumed that the sale
would be "cherry-picked".
And then it happened!
While walking through the sale, she discovered a large
painting with a faded gold frame. Something about the 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 the sale,
she wrote a personal check for $125. and loaded it into her
station wagon.
Life took a sudden and drastic turn...for the better!
Upon arriving home, she began to dig deeper with her research
tools. She "burned the midnight oil", and as morning broke, her
heart was beating faster as she came to the realization that this
painting was something very special.
The next morning, after more phone calls and cross-checking,
she gingerly loaded the painting and took it to a temperature
controlled vault in the same city where she urchased it. This
$125. painting later sold for several million dollars at a major
auction house, and this woman's financial future was changed in
dramatic fashion literally overnight.
The museum curator was appalled, overwhelmed and completely
flabbergasted!
Imagine that you are the curator of this museum, and you
placed the $125. price tag on this million dollar painting! This
tag sale had been held to raise money for projects around the
museum. If the curator had only possessed the knowledge to even
"check it out", the outcome could have been far more positive for
the establishment that he represented!
Knowledge and research made all the difference.
Aside from the curator, think of all the antique dealers,
collectors and enthusiasts that had toured this weekend-long tag
sale. Here was an item that could change their entire lives
financially, and they walked right on by. any one of them could
have sold the painting, banked the money, and just "fiddled"
around with antiques instead of trying to make a living from
them. And the difference was knowledge!
How to get antique knowledge.
With the advent of the Internet, research is easier to do, and
the knowledge is much easier to come by. There are literally
hundreds, if not thousands of sites that are dedicated to various
collectibles, art and antiques.
Visiting the library all day, once a month can be one of the
best ways to increase your knowledge of antique items. The
library is still one of the most untapped resources for gaining
expertise on a variety of antique subjects. Talk to the
librarian, ask questions, and dig! The human mind is like a
sponge, and someday you may need what you are learning today.
A methodical approach toward research and gaining knowledge
can pay huge dividends in your antique world. It's the secret
that can make a huge impact in the buying decisions that you
make!
Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer, speaker and the owner
of Antique Power Dealers, an antique and collectible business
resource. (http://www.antiquepowerdealer.com)
He is also the author of the report, "6 Costly Mistakes Antique
Buyers and Sellers Make...and How to Avoid Them!" You can own a
copy by asking for it. Send your request to: [email protected]
 MORE RESOURCES updated Mon. March / 08 / 2021
|
|
|
Related Hobbies - Crafts articles:
10 Slam-Dunk Crafts For
Little Kids -- And Bigger Kids Too!
Crafting with young children really isn't about creating
something in particular. Most young children don't have the
foresight to see what a project is going to be.
Wax Pencils, Stickers,
and Rubber Stamping in Your Scrapbooks
Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a
wax pencil. Wax pencils are soft pencils designed to write
on glass, plastic and photographs.
Family Fun on the
Rails
Imagine your are five years old. As your family arrives at
the train station, your hand slips free of your Mom's and
you dash over to the tracks.
A Brief History of
Japanese Daruma Dolls
Daruma dolls are representations of the historical Indian
priest Bodhidharma, a sage who traveled throughout Japan
and China in the 5th or 6th century AD. Bodhidharma is
credited with establishing Chan Buddhism in China and Zen
Buddhism in Japan.
Where Antiques Originate
and How You Can Find Them
It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many
antique buyers make the mistake of mis-understanding the
process by which antique items are found.
Stress-Free Scrapbook
Journaling Ideas
Do you find it intimidating when you come to journal your
scrapbook pages?You are not alone! Many scrapbookers find
it hard to get started when it comes to adding journaling
to their scrapbooking layouts.If you are one of those
people who go blank at the thought of having to journal,
don't worry.
Jar Lid and Jar Candle
Decoration
Supplies Needed: Most items can be found around the house or
in a craft store. Jar Candle with lid - with removable
plastic bottom. Craft Glue, Paint, Scissors. Decorating Candle Jars
and Lids is a fun and easy project for all ages.
Why Should You Collect
Cat Collectibles?
Let the cat out of the bag! True, you will know various cat
collectibles in here. No secret will be hidden, and no cat
collectibles you wouldn't know.
Saltwater Coral Reef
Aquariums - 5 Tips for Success
Do you dream of watching the natural beauty of the undersea
reef life while sitting in your living room?Whether your
goal is a nano reef tank or a 150 gallon aquarium with an
ecosystem of coral and saltwater fish, the following five
tips will lead you on your way to success.1) Commit! Decide
you are going to spend the $$ it takes to make a proper go
of it.
How to Use Feathers and
Dried Flowers to Give Your Scrapbooks an Artistic
Feel
Feathers make exotic and interesting embellishments and
borders. Feathers add an air of softness.
Amish Furniture for Kids
Summer Projects
Summer is coming, and the kids will soon be out of school.
Mom's and dad's everywhere will soon here "I am board; I
don't have anything to do.
The Choice Between
Electric or Nitro Powered RC Cars Can be
Overwhelming!
The roar of the crowd as the cars rush by, the sense of
excitement in the air. Is it the Indy 500? No, it is RC
racing! RC racing, or remote control racing also known as
radio control, is a quickly growing hobby segment that
appeals to both young and old, and men and women.
Russian Nesting Dolls -
The Beginning
According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in
Russia in the late 19th century (believed to be year 1890),
it was figurine of bold headed old man, Buddhist sage by
the name of Fukuruma, on the island of Honshu,
Japan. According Hakone Town Office, Japan, products such as
"Shichifukujin" and "Irokawaridaruma" have been created
from Junitamago.
How to Make Gel Candles
- 11 Easy Steps
Do you love burning beautiful, scented candles? And do you
know that you can easily make them yourself? It is exciting
and not at all difficult. Here are 12 easy steps to
creating unique candles that you can burn at home, give as
gifts, or even sell.
It is Possible to Create
All Kinds of Items with Hobby Metal Casting
Hobby Metal Casting enables the home metal craft worker to
create useful products to use around the:
-HOME-WORKSHOP-GARDEN or WORKPLACE- Or turn your skills
into cash.Yes,you could also make your own unique products
for next to nothing to sell at markets, direct mail, or on
the internet etc for big profits.
A Look at the Humidor
Plan
There are many styles of humidors that range from the
smaller traveling humidor to the large cabinet and even
walk-in room humidors. By far, the most popular humidor is
the glass top humidor also referred to as the desktop
humidor.
Embroidery Designs
Sewing
Denim is a twill weave and runs diagonally and any diagonal
weave is difficult to control, whether you are attempting
construction sewing or machine embroidery. Twills are
designed to give the wearer ultimate wearing comfort by the
natural "give" it has.
Beautify Your Stamped
Cards with Creative Coloring
Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because
there are so many different options that you can use to
enhance even the most basic stamp. When you look at some
colored stamped images, you may be overwhelmed by how
beautiful they are.
Craft Fairs, Bazaars
& Flea Markets? Oh, My!
Many names are associated with events such as these. Craft
Fairs, Bazaars, Flea Markets and Swap Meets are a few names
you can find.
Why You Should Race RC
Cars, and Not Just Bash
For those of you who have been racing your RC cars for
years, and have a friend or two who you have been trying to
get out to the RC tracks, this article is for you. Feel
free to forward it to them.
|
|
