The Business part of the antique business

Hi Larry,
I've got a question? I've heard a lot of good things about the Labor Day Antique Sale in Hillsvile,Va. but not a whole lot about the Memorial Weekend Sale.I hate to go all the way over there with gas prices as they are if it's a dud.I know there's no quaranty either way. But do you have any know how about that sale? My mom did a show this weekend at the Mount Dora Boat and Antique show and said they were spending lots of money there.Pam

Glad she had a good show and to know folks are buying...I'm not real familar with the show, but always heard pretty good things about it. I'll ask around and see what I can find out. Seems like Labor day show is the biggest I believe like a 4 day show..

Heard Nashville was slow this month from a dealer.

For the kind of items I like 2 good looking auctions coming up---BOTH on the SAME DAY...decisions-decisions...

Antique Business:
I've tried to listen to what some folks are saying about the local antique business. One dealer said he's glad he took another job recently because he said he doesn't really know what to buy-the items he normally sales are not moving right now.

Shows in the south have slowed down.

Local auctions seem to be hanging in there, attendance is still pretty good for some of them and sales are fairly strong on some items.

It been like this from time to time as long as I remember, not much different this time. Things that are good still sell well. Medium to lower end pieces aren't selling well.

As always it could be a super opportunity for collectors and buyers.

Let me know your thoughts

Report from Maine Dealer, group shop sales off about 15%-20%, which is not bad in right now.
7/7/08

Heard today from a southern dealer said high end advertising was still bringing a premium at auction.One Dr.Pepper sign he said brought $8500

I not familar with the sign so I can't comment.But just an update.

Talked to 3 dealers this weekend-one said the past 2 months at the Nashville Flea mkt. he hasn't covered his expenses.

Atlanta show said high end furniture dealers havn't been doing well.Vintage clothing dealer said she is doing fine.Smaller priced dealers in Atlanta are doing ok.

Georgia advertising/sign auction doing GREAT...

Buffalo,NY dealer said sales at his shop the past 3 weeks have been way off-he has pretty high end items.
Thanks...

12/03/08
Atlanta Market-high end furniture not moving.Vintage clothing selling fine.
Lower priced items doing ok.

From Maine Dealer-"dark color" furniture not moving well.

Nashville-One dealer said he's not made expenses last month or so at the flea mkt.

Glad you stopped by to take a look-please post, discuss and
> add content.
> I really would like for this to become a good place for
> information but I need help.
>
> Thanks again
> Larry
Hi Larry-
I'm an auctioneer in Ma. Our next auction will be in Jan. My wife and I run an antiques/collectables auction. She also has a booth in a local antiques mall. It's a lot of fun and we enjoy it. Talk to you soon,
Ray

Hey Ray, again thanks for stopping in. Boy, I've bought more antiques in Ma. than anywhere over the years.I started going to Brimfield in about 1979, my parents started going in about 1971. I just love that area.

Give me an update on antiques in the area, how's the auction and mall sales going in the area?

I've been asking folks when I can and posting on here-I really want a place so folks can find good information.
Thanks
Larry

Howdy Ray, -I've bought so much great stuff in your area. My family and myself have gone to Brimfield since about 1971. Too much fun...Met such super dealers up there.

I've purchased for Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores for 27+ years and my parents did that before me.

Update us on the antique business in your area, auctions and malls doing ok.

Do you go to Brimfield?

I've been asking dealers around the country and trying to give some honest information on here.

Please add your thoughts

Glad your here and Merry Christmas.
Larry
www.spiderwebantiques.com

Hi Larry-
Sales of furniture in our area are really slow. Now is the time to buy really nice things for cheap money. The lower end stuff is really going for little money. I'm not sure if that will change with the economy,i.e. People won't buy from the chain stores because of the high cost.
My wife and I just returned from Milwaukee, where we helped my sister and her husband hold their annual decoy auction. They own Decoys Unlimited, an auction house that specializes in fine art and decoys. That was 2 weekends ago.
Kathy and I will be having our next auction on the 10th of Jan in Swansea, Ma. We will be selling antiques and collectables, mostly low end stuff. We are just getting started and hope to move into the better items as we go along. Talk to you soon,
Ray

Hi Larry-
Sales of furniture in our area are really slow. Now is the time to buy really nice things for cheap money. The lower end stuff is really going for little money. I'm not sure if that will change with the economy,i.e. People won't buy from the chain stores because of the high cost.
My wife and I just returned from Milwaukee, where we helped my sister and her husband hold their annual decoy auction. They own Decoys Unlimited, an auction house that specializes in fine art and decoys. That was 2 weekends ago.
Kathy and I will be having our next auction on the 10th of Jan in Swansea, Ma. We will be selling antiques and collectables, mostly low end stuff. We are just getting started and hope to move into the better items as we go along. Talk to you soon,
Ray

Update on Renningers Market in Florida-last couple of shows where way off for dealer I know.

Cinncinatti,shop owner,super slow sales in Dec.

Dealer in Cinncinati today said his shop sales last month where slow but a private sale worked out really well on some nice high end items.12/29/08