Featured Random Wisdom Thread

My grandfather always said never overpay for an item at an auction since 9 times out of 10 you will come across another one in better condition for less money. I've found this statement to be correct on many occasions and the exceptions to be few in number. A lot of stuff was mass produced and chances are there are likely several on the market somewhere at any given time. eBay has shown that many items that once were considered rare are actually not. Of course exceptions apply.

I agree with the comments above on the importance of quality and workmanship. Pieces that are not yet collectable but have exceptional quality may be sleepers set to become more popular as time goes by.

 

One of my favourites, and one which I've definitely noticed over the years:

Most antiques are not worth what you think they are.

 

If you are at an estate sale or garage sale and another reseller or dealer tells you, that item you have in your hand is not worth buying, take it with a large grain of salt-- if you know better. Go with your gut if you know the market and let the yenta just talk away.

 

Don't spend too much time, but always look through the costume jewelry. That gold may be real.

 

Realize you will make mistakes here and there and don't beat yourself up about them. Go with your gut feelings. Don't be afraid to offer less for an item. If someone says "Make me an offer," go as low as you can, don't worry about insulting them. Always be nice to sellers, you never know when you may run into them again. I carry a lot of small bills so I can make a deal quickly and move on. If you have time, be nice and engage in conversation.... you find out about upcoming sales. Just because you think an item is not attractive, someone else probably will.
Don't let go of anything...carry a small (or large) tote bag and keep your items in it.
If you see a lot of jewelry, just say "How much for all?" and grab it before anyone else comes up! Don't show others what you have, just leave quietly. Carry a loupe.

 

Yes I do but because it is dangerous to use.
I had a room in a separate building just for this but depending upon what it is you're treating a washer/dryer or refrigerator box can work well and be outside kept out of the weather. Anything you can mostly close up and be well ventilated safely.
The pro ones are not cheap but I waited and found a $300 one while out saleing for $10! That was a stellar find indeed.
Stuff came from my truck or car and went straight in that room for 24 hours, all of it. Any bugs got to die as well as any mold.

 

I by-pass anything that even has a hint of mold----I am highly allergic to it. There have been estate sales in homes I walked in and turned around and walked right out.

 

It's like carpentry - measure twice; cut once. Check something out if you like it, then give it some time and check it again. If you still want it, buy it. I know you might lose out, but rarely.

 

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A test for me is sometimes I'm not sure about an item and carry on looking round the fair, If while I'm looking around I start to worry that the item might be bought by someone else then I know it's what I want.

It can backfire however and be sold on returning to the stand.

 

I keep cutting it and it's STILL too short....

 

Another good point- carry a small tape measure! And a magnet. Yeah, I am not a glassware person, but I was at a fall antique fair and thought this pitcher was gorgeous and thought it was Czech glassware, and when I looked it up on the smartphone I was right, but it was gone. But I kept going and found a pair of sappharine and rhinestone earrings for $5, so I recovered.

 

The baby boomers are reaching their end ...& downsizing.....stuff is coming on the market that their kids don't want to keep , & will do so for years to come.......

More diamonds in the rough, I say !!

 

True, and when the younger generation realizes what slipped away you'll have a generation ready to be enthusiastic consumers.

 

Hope so....

 

don't lick thing from the thrift stores till you have washed it lol

 

Never leave dairy products or black fabric where your cat can find it.

 

Smartphones are great for checking out comparable prices, but your head is the best form of knowledge. I do buy reference books on jewelry, I think they have paid for themselves. Get up early, but even if you do get there late, LOOK and look again and ask for things you are interested in. Look down (under tables, booths, etc.) and look up (walls, ceilings, etc.) It may be for sale!

 

If you go to a sale or fleamarket and you see a string of pearls, you may be tempted to run them across your teeth to see if they feel gritty. I always do. I also wonder how many people have done the same thing before me. Rubbish expands to fill available. If anyone tells you they want to go into the antiques business and how can they learn, always reply "you learn by losing money"