Holiday Wreath at Jazz'e Junque, Chicago
Antique and collectible dealers often get a lot of flack — which is totally insane. And I don’t just say that because I are one, or because my mom and dad have been in the business for a long time (and no one better knock my folks!); I say it because true dealers are your collecting friends.
At no other time of year is this more apparent than during the holidays, so I think it’s time to defend the defamed dealer.
Because real sellers of antiques and collectibles are professionals who have to profit after they pay for their inventory (your potential goodies) and pay for their overhead (be it store square footage, booth rental, or online fees), they have to be knowledgeable about what they are selling. They have to know authentic vintage items from simply used or previously owned things. They have to be able to tell authentic antiques from copies (both the legitimate reproductions and the out-to-deceive fakes). They have to know these things because their reputations, their livelihoods depend upon it.
You may complain about the “top prices,” but their knowledge doesn’t come cheap.
It comes from hours of squatting over boxes in basements, sorting the good from the bad while inhaling molds most people don’t want to know about…
From years of firmly holding ceramic and glass pieces while gently feeling for cracks and chips…
From decades of hefting fabric for weight while eyeballing fabric patterns, linings and seams for signs of desirable age and undesirable condition issues.
It comes from days of dollars lost to lessons in the cost of repairs and mends that when all is said and done don’t make cents in the final sale.
And searching and evaluating doesn’t include the other investments of time. Like the time spent cleaning and whatnot to make the items more presentable than when they were found.
Jazz'e Junque Kitchenalia
And there are the hours (and mileage) of driving followed by the stiff-legged standing in estate sale lines and then selling in the antique store. Those at antique shows and flea markets also have to pack it all up, put it into the van(s), trot it out on tables for the dog and pony show, and whatever dogs don’t sell, must then be packed up again and driven home.
The online sellers don’t have it much easier. Sure, they sit while they list their items, but those days are followed by the nights spent packing — so they can get up in the morning, stand in line at the post office and do their shipping before they go purchase more shipping supplies.
So, if you’re looking for authentic antiques and real vintage collectibles, in a presentable condition, get thee to the antique mall, shop, or show this holiday season. Or shop from credible dealers who know what they are doing. Sure, you may spend a little more money; but that still saves you the cost and trouble of buying actual junk. Plus you’ll save yourself plenty of time getting those perfect gifts to give.
You can put that spare time to good use by making me cookies. *wink*
Images via Cookejarlayde.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 PM
On behalf of antique and collectible dealers everywhere – thanks! It reminds me of times when I am an estate sale and one of the family members says “these are all lousy dealers!” Well, where would they be without us? They would sells less than half of what they want. It is a lot of work and investment in time and dollars. This put a nice spin on it – good job! Val P.S You should get some extra cookies for it.