Hey any Antique Dealer friends, got something to say blurb it out on here for all to see.
Going…going…gone!
When buying antiques, us dealers are often up at silly hours of the day travelling hundreds of miles whilst most people are still in bed sleeping the night away. We are always chasing those elusive pieces, which are becoming harder & harder to find, but occasionally the early bird can catch the worm! Speak to any dealer and most will tell you this business is addictive – what many of us love is taking gambles & risks, and is something we do from day to day. We get no second chances to mull over our purchases, because it could disappear before our very eyes!
Sometimes, when we’re speaking to a prospective buyer at one of our exhibitions, they feel they have all the time in the world – some play games, some like a bit of banter which is good fun & helps to relax both buyer and seller! Then next comes the haggle of all haggles… buyers attempt to beat you down to a miniscule profit (if any profit at all), and some still decide to walk away! This is incredibly frustrating – not only have you spent the best part of an hour talking about the piece, explaining its history, sheer quality and being haggled to the very last penny, but you may also have lost other serious customers. Often the person will return at the end of the day to buy the said piece, but realising it’s been snapped up by someone else. They then get that sinking feeling before being told it has just sold!
However, far from being put off, many of those customers will remember you and often return for something else which catches their eye, whilst recounting that regrettable day they walked away from the item which stole a piece of their heart! We’ve all been there, hence most of us in the business today will act on instinct and buy straight away!
If you want to learn more about your antiques, further a collection or are looking to buy something totally unique that’s not been mass-produced, then our advice is to visit one of the many antique exhibitions across the country. Most dealers have a small amount of free tickets available, so take the plunge & contact one of us – you’ll be sure to have a good time out and learn something too.
“A thing is worth what it can do for you, not what you choose to pay for it” – John Ruskin (1819-1900)…
Hampton Antiques’ upcoming exhibition information can be accessed by clicking the link below, and some free tickets are available to download.
I do hope that this becomes a true forum for people in the trade to discuss serious issues and not just a website for dealers to self-promote. Although Masterpiece was successful by any standards, and profitable from a personal point of view, it still has a few serious niggles which need be ironed out before the 2012 edition. I hope that people are prepared to raise their criticisms in writing without fear of any tutting from the stalls. It might help if you had a ‘grumpy old dealers section’ so that griping and venting could be viewed with humour and not disdain or derision.
Im sure its not possible to line up all the shows in London but if anyone has been in NYC during January they will know that having a number of shows, auctions etc in the same week or two is a major asset to the trade. Im sure Art and Antique week in London in June would be a massive boost to the trade in general…and at all levels.
Will the organizers ever talk to each other for the benefit of the trade…??????who after all are their customers.!!
After discussing with many other art dealers in Masterpiece fair, everyone said that it should be 2 weeks earlier, because clients are already in holliday, plus the wimbledon game, etc…
We have realy enjoyed Masterpiece in London and would love to put together a unique display of the artwork of Rene Lalique in the way of his Art Deco creations of the inter-war period.
Dear All
I to have the same experiance having lived in Kensington for many years nobody Knows about the fair and considering this is the richest Area in London Its such a shame to miss out Spoke to the PR who told me it was on local Web sites but nothing I saw
On another point Yes the fair was resonable well attended, the second week was a let down and Please dont forget that whilst Clarion seemed to have swung it around this year and were patting them on the back This is what we are paying for Lets have more local Advertising.
I had a woman in Chicago ask me to deliver to her wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Michigan a beautiful 18th c French Louis XVI Gueridon table. She was just sure she wanted it. We delivered it the last day of the show ourselves and stood around waiting for her answer with much chit chat. The piece was perfection and the price was right for her. She finally said she wanted it but as we were at the elevator she mentioned that the hubby would have to give his blessing on the purchase but she was certain he would. I mentioned the shipping would be her responsibility if she chose not to keep it. After a week, she calls and tells me that she does not want it. Holding my tongue, I told her I would get some shipping quotes. “No, I am not paying to ship it and what are you going to do about that? You want the piece don’t you?” So, I arrange to have it shipped back!…so lesson learned….and you can never judge a book by it’s cover either. She was most elegant but underneath a cheat!…..So, that IS VERY BAD BEHAVIOR!!!
This old grumpy dealer came into our workshop with two Leonardo’s. Both were on Dutch oak panels that had been belt sawn by machine, and the x-rays showed clearly the oval stamp reading Student Copy. The grumpy gerntleman, in fact a well known dealer was not too upset, for he had only paid £1.1 million sterling for both! What annoyed him was the valuations from two establishments and three authentication documents signed by learned experts. I dismissed the passing thought of Eric Hebborn.
The grumpy gentleman succeeded in selling both copies, at a small profit, not to an unsuspecting or ignorant buyer, but one who was pleased to have the ex-rays and other information we supplied.
The key word here is “old” for, in the past dealers, most of whom were “gents”, always left a profit for the next man.
I think you might find Mary Helen’s post is meant to be a tad tongue in cheek. Nothing wrong with a bit of humour, although I must say, I comepletely agree with many of MHM’s points.
She has forgotten one important visitor to shows behavioural aspect, that I am sure we have all experienced.
The world famous, infamous, extraordinary, universal and undeniable, ” BE-BACK BOOK”.
Oh yes darlings, if I had a pound note for every visitor who told me they were going to BE-BACK, I’d have retired three days after I was born.
I possibly should not be here, but amused by all the stories. When I die I want a good storyteller by my side- that seems to be my memories from childhood, Mum and Dad telling their stories.
Cheer up. Take a look at ART TOPPLING tobacco. You might find its unique quality refreshing.
Honestly, it sticks in my throat a little bit when I see auctioneers get so much credit, while dealers are left out in the cold. This article illustrates perfectly why a dealers knowledge is often better than either an auctioneer or an academic.
However, we’re terrible publicists! Many dealers are quite rude and anti-social towards the public. So many of us have a larger part of our business in the wholesale arena that the “bloody public” are treated as an annoyance which need not be tolerated. I know a number of dealers who have an outright disdain for their “ignorant” customers who “ask stupid questions” and call things “expensive”.
It’s time we all presented a more professional image, and got rid of the bad attitude.
I entirly agree, You’re so right. I purchased on behalf of a collector a Lalique Comete car mascot in 2010 for approx hammer price of £48,000 and when I went to pay I was in shock with the double-commissions, ending up at not far north of £61,000!
“Dealers – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” – Eric Knowles battles it out with John Cameron, see the episode on Wednesday 18th April when a Lalique Cockeral car mascot purchased in Paris is then sold to a Brighton dealer!
If I receive a call asking what something is worth, my standard answer is ‘Valuations £150 plus VAT, and why shouldn’t I? Have I got a sign on my forehead that says valuations for free, or, information bureau – enquire within? They run a mile when I mention £150 !
I remain on the fence concerning pricing on web-sites.
A friend told me that women in training to become hostesses had to practice giving the eighth- toothed smile- try it sometime- it’s not easy!
I would say the personalities pictured above for the Grumpy Dealers Section , have the Eighth- Wrinkled Frown.
Hampton Antiques
October 18, 2011
Hey any Antique Dealer friends, got something to say blurb it out on here for all to see.
Going…going…gone!
When buying antiques, us dealers are often up at silly hours of the day travelling hundreds of miles whilst most people are still in bed sleeping the night away. We are always chasing those elusive pieces, which are becoming harder & harder to find, but occasionally the early bird can catch the worm! Speak to any dealer and most will tell you this business is addictive – what many of us love is taking gambles & risks, and is something we do from day to day. We get no second chances to mull over our purchases, because it could disappear before our very eyes!
Sometimes, when we’re speaking to a prospective buyer at one of our exhibitions, they feel they have all the time in the world – some play games, some like a bit of banter which is good fun & helps to relax both buyer and seller! Then next comes the haggle of all haggles… buyers attempt to beat you down to a miniscule profit (if any profit at all), and some still decide to walk away! This is incredibly frustrating – not only have you spent the best part of an hour talking about the piece, explaining its history, sheer quality and being haggled to the very last penny, but you may also have lost other serious customers. Often the person will return at the end of the day to buy the said piece, but realising it’s been snapped up by someone else. They then get that sinking feeling before being told it has just sold!
However, far from being put off, many of those customers will remember you and often return for something else which catches their eye, whilst recounting that regrettable day they walked away from the item which stole a piece of their heart! We’ve all been there, hence most of us in the business today will act on instinct and buy straight away!
If you want to learn more about your antiques, further a collection or are looking to buy something totally unique that’s not been mass-produced, then our advice is to visit one of the many antique exhibitions across the country. Most dealers have a small amount of free tickets available, so take the plunge & contact one of us – you’ll be sure to have a good time out and learn something too.
“A thing is worth what it can do for you, not what you choose to pay for it” – John Ruskin (1819-1900)…
Hampton Antiques’ upcoming exhibition information can be accessed by clicking the link below, and some free tickets are available to download.
http://www.hamptonantiques.co.uk/events-fairs
Geoffrey George Weiner
January 6, 2012
Oii out there!… Why’s everone so grumpy! This is a great opportunity toget people (with a few bob) to invest in art, antiques, coins & colletables.
Nick Silver
March 28, 2012
I do hope that this becomes a true forum for people in the trade to discuss serious issues and not just a website for dealers to self-promote. Although Masterpiece was successful by any standards, and profitable from a personal point of view, it still has a few serious niggles which need be ironed out before the 2012 edition. I hope that people are prepared to raise their criticisms in writing without fear of any tutting from the stalls. It might help if you had a ‘grumpy old dealers section’ so that griping and venting could be viewed with humour and not disdain or derision.
Nick Silver
21st Century Jewels
http://www.21stcenturyjewels.com
Candlewood Yankee Fine Arts
April 21, 2012
Sorry ; ! am not grumpy !!!!!! I am Passionate !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have build a very good business and I love what i am doing and STILL managing a good living , doing what i love !
I been working in this since i was 15 and I am pushing 60 ( and Pushing Back , ha ha )
The Grumpy Old dealers need to lighten up !
Candlewood Yankee Fine Art Founder
James Stow
orioncontemporary
May 18, 2012
Quite!
Candlewood Yankee Fine Arts
April 21, 2012
Love this ……………………..
david
October 18, 2011
Im sure its not possible to line up all the shows in London but if anyone has been in NYC during January they will know that having a number of shows, auctions etc in the same week or two is a major asset to the trade. Im sure Art and Antique week in London in June would be a massive boost to the trade in general…and at all levels.
Will the organizers ever talk to each other for the benefit of the trade…??????who after all are their customers.!!
FELIX
October 18, 2011
After discussing with many other art dealers in Masterpiece fair, everyone said that it should be 2 weeks earlier, because clients are already in holliday, plus the wimbledon game, etc…
Felix Marcilhac
http://www.marcilhacgalerie.com/mg/accueil
Geoffrey George Weiner
January 6, 2012
Hi Felix,
We have realy enjoyed Masterpiece in London and would love to put together a unique display of the artwork of Rene Lalique in the way of his Art Deco creations of the inter-war period.
John Jaffa
October 18, 2011
Dear All
I to have the same experiance having lived in Kensington for many years nobody Knows about the fair and considering this is the richest Area in London Its such a shame to miss out Spoke to the PR who told me it was on local Web sites but nothing I saw
On another point Yes the fair was resonable well attended, the second week was a let down and Please dont forget that whilst Clarion seemed to have swung it around this year and were patting them on the back This is what we are paying for Lets have more local Advertising.
Mary Helen McCoy
March 14, 2012
I had a woman in Chicago ask me to deliver to her wonderful apartment overlooking Lake Michigan a beautiful 18th c French Louis XVI Gueridon table. She was just sure she wanted it. We delivered it the last day of the show ourselves and stood around waiting for her answer with much chit chat. The piece was perfection and the price was right for her. She finally said she wanted it but as we were at the elevator she mentioned that the hubby would have to give his blessing on the purchase but she was certain he would. I mentioned the shipping would be her responsibility if she chose not to keep it. After a week, she calls and tells me that she does not want it. Holding my tongue, I told her I would get some shipping quotes. “No, I am not paying to ship it and what are you going to do about that? You want the piece don’t you?” So, I arrange to have it shipped back!…so lesson learned….and you can never judge a book by it’s cover either. She was most elegant but underneath a cheat!…..So, that IS VERY BAD BEHAVIOR!!!
Best,
Mary Helen McCoy
http://www.maryhelenmccoy.com
Paul Congdon-Clelford
March 15, 2012
This old grumpy dealer came into our workshop with two Leonardo’s. Both were on Dutch oak panels that had been belt sawn by machine, and the x-rays showed clearly the oval stamp reading Student Copy. The grumpy gerntleman, in fact a well known dealer was not too upset, for he had only paid £1.1 million sterling for both! What annoyed him was the valuations from two establishments and three authentication documents signed by learned experts. I dismissed the passing thought of Eric Hebborn.
The grumpy gentleman succeeded in selling both copies, at a small profit, not to an unsuspecting or ignorant buyer, but one who was pleased to have the ex-rays and other information we supplied.
The key word here is “old” for, in the past dealers, most of whom were “gents”, always left a profit for the next man.
Paul CC
http://www.conservationstudio.org
Elliot Lee
March 16, 2012
Hey Andy
I think you might find Mary Helen’s post is meant to be a tad tongue in cheek. Nothing wrong with a bit of humour, although I must say, I comepletely agree with many of MHM’s points.
She has forgotten one important visitor to shows behavioural aspect, that I am sure we have all experienced.
The world famous, infamous, extraordinary, universal and undeniable, ” BE-BACK BOOK”.
Oh yes darlings, if I had a pound note for every visitor who told me they were going to BE-BACK, I’d have retired three days after I was born.
Best wishes
Elliot
http://www.graysantiques.com
Charles Sweigart
March 29, 2012
Quote;
“I’ll be back.”
Response;
“The show closes Sun. Shall I wait for you till Mon.?”
Fay Thomson
March 29, 2012
I possibly should not be here, but amused by all the stories. When I die I want a good storyteller by my side- that seems to be my memories from childhood, Mum and Dad telling their stories.
Cheer up. Take a look at ART TOPPLING tobacco. You might find its unique quality refreshing.
Fay Thomson
March 31, 2012
With grumpy people, there’s a smile in there waiting to come out. You always feel they are not serious – with the grumpiness I mean
James Baldwin
April 6, 2012
Honestly, it sticks in my throat a little bit when I see auctioneers get so much credit, while dealers are left out in the cold. This article illustrates perfectly why a dealers knowledge is often better than either an auctioneer or an academic.
However, we’re terrible publicists! Many dealers are quite rude and anti-social towards the public. So many of us have a larger part of our business in the wholesale arena that the “bloody public” are treated as an annoyance which need not be tolerated. I know a number of dealers who have an outright disdain for their “ignorant” customers who “ask stupid questions” and call things “expensive”.
It’s time we all presented a more professional image, and got rid of the bad attitude.
http://www.jamesbaldwinantiques.com
Fay Thomson
April 6, 2012
Honesty is always the best policy isn’t it
http://www.arttopplingtobacco.com.au
Geoffrey George Weiner
April 6, 2012
I entirly agree, You’re so right. I purchased on behalf of a collector a Lalique Comete car mascot in 2010 for approx hammer price of £48,000 and when I went to pay I was in shock with the double-commissions, ending up at not far north of £61,000!
Geoffrey George Weiner
April 6, 2012
“Dealers – Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” – Eric Knowles battles it out with John Cameron, see the episode on Wednesday 18th April when a Lalique Cockeral car mascot purchased in Paris is then sold to a Brighton dealer!
Elliot Lee
April 20, 2012
Dear Andrew
You make an excellent point.
If I receive a call asking what something is worth, my standard answer is ‘Valuations £150 plus VAT, and why shouldn’t I? Have I got a sign on my forehead that says valuations for free, or, information bureau – enquire within? They run a mile when I mention £150 !
I remain on the fence concerning pricing on web-sites.
Kindest regards,
Elliot
http://www.graysantiques.com
Fay Thomson
April 21, 2012
A friend told me that women in training to become hostesses had to practice giving the eighth- toothed smile- try it sometime- it’s not easy!
I would say the personalities pictured above for the Grumpy Dealers Section , have the Eighth- Wrinkled Frown.