View Full Version : Doing An Antiques Fair For The First Time...
Mr R and I are doing our first antiques fair soon. We've set all our antiques out and practised laying the stuff out and where everything will go (took photos so we can recreate the layout). We've got tablecloths and fold away chairs... business cards and flyers, etc. It's an indoor one so no need to worry about the weather.
Anyone got any tips for surviving a three day fair that starts at 7:30 in the morning? What shouldn't we forget to take?
It's bound to be boring after the novelty wears off.
Ribbit :D
Hi ribbit,
You sound very organised.
The things I would make sure I had where the bags to puts the goods in (also padding if nessesery) that you have sold and also enough change.
Good Luck it sounds great! :thumbs:
Mr Ribbit
08-11-05, 04:59 PM
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tact77 @ 8th November 2005 - 3:52 PM) 140796</div>
The things I would make sure I had where the bags to puts the goods in (also padding if nessesery) that you have sold and also enough change.
[/b]
Thanks Tact. :thumbs: On the subect of change, has anyone got recommendations on how much of a float is recommended for this sort of thing?
phantos02
08-11-05, 05:00 PM
Ribbit
I would take a very thick skin with you, I hear the antiques world can get very b*tchy!!
Also take a lockable cash box so that you can lock your takings away if people decide to buy lots of stuff in cash. Keep your eyes/hands on it at all times.
Good luck, be interested to hear how it goes :)
P x
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(phantos02 @ 8th November 2005 - 4:00 PM) 140799</div>
Also take a lockable cash box so that you can lock your takings away if people decide to buy lots of stuff in cash. Keep your eyes/hands on it at all times.[/b]
I might be more tempted to take a bag each. At least then you can both serve without worring whos watching the cash box.
Ribbit I have only ever done car boots and I always take about 40.00 in coins. This is obvouisly going to be larger sums of money but I think its always better to have too much change than not enough. Sorry not helpful at all. :bigeyes:
I've only ever done car boots too, but we found it better to 'wear' a bag each. This could be a very attractive 'bum bag' style :lol: or I use a little garden tool type apron. That way the money is always with you. People try distaracting you if the money is in one place and even with two of you it is really hard keeping an eye on everything.
A notebook and pen in case anyone asks you to try and find something specific for them.
Bags and padding as has been said.
A book or mag for when it gets boring :lol:
I love antiques fairs. We recently went to an art deco and art nouveau one. It gets packed out and I was terrified I'd knock something over or drop something :cry:
I hadn't thought about where we'll put all the cash when we sell loads of stuff (fingers, eyes, and legs crossed!). It's a big fair... hundreds of stands... so there will be heap loads of people.
I suppose we could keep a cash box under the stand (it's against a wall and enclosed)... that way anyone who wanted to pinch it would have to get on all fours and crawl under the table at the back of the stand to get it. Mind you, so would I when I want to get change :blink: ... but that might attract more customers I suppose. :lol:
Mr R likes the idea of a bag that he can wear around him... I have images of him with his cash bag strapped around his waist shouting "oranges, oranges, tuppence ha'penny a pound!" :lol:
The fair organisers give you carrier bags, and we've got a hugeeenormous big roll of bubble wrap. :thumbs:
Bought a couple of balls that light up from Ikea to go on the stand... better than spot lights because they make me all hot under the collar.
The thing that worries me most is having to actually talk to people. I've found that there are a lot of pretentious self important numpty know-it-alls in the antiques world (none of which are my customers of course :lol: ). I just know someone's going to ask me some really hard question just to trip me up and I'm going to go "doh?!" :lol:
Ribbit :blink:
phantos02
08-11-05, 06:20 PM
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ribbit @ 8th November 2005 - 5:07 PM) 140804</div> I hadn't thought about where we'll put all the cash when we sell loads of stuff (fingers, eyes, and legs crossed!). It's a big fair... hundreds of stands... so there will be heap loads of people.
I suppose we could keep a cash box under the stand (it's against a wall and enclosed)... that way anyone who wanted to pinch it would have to get on all fours and crawl under the table at the back of the stand to get it. Mind you, so would I when I want to get change :blink: ... but that might attract more customers I suppose. :lol:
Mr R likes the idea of a bag that he can wear around him... I have images of him with his cash bag strapped around his waist shouting "oranges, oranges, tuppence ha'penny a pound!" :lol:
The fair organisers give you carrier bags, and we've got a hugeeenormous big roll of bubble wrap. :thumbs:
Bought a couple of balls that light up from Ikea to go on the stand... better than spot lights because they make me all hot under the collar.
The thing that worries me most is having to actually talk to people. I've found that there are a lot of pretentious self important numpty know-it-alls in the antiques world (none of which are my customers of course :lol: ). I just know someone's going to ask me some really hard question just to trip me up and I'm going to go "doh?!" :lol:
Ribbit :blink: [/b]
Yeah the bum-bag idea is good, because the cash stays on you at all times. The only reason I mention a cash box is because it's generally got more space in it for all those piles of cash you will be making, and it's lockable. With a bum bag, unless you get a particularly deep one, you risk your punters seeing all the cash you have made every time you open it to put something away or get change. I guess it's personal preference.
As for difficult questions, I wouldn't be surprised if the other sellers quiz you a bit because you are 'new'. I'm sure you will be fine though, as long as you know enough detail about the particular items you are selling on the day then that's what's important.
I'm excited for you though, when is it? Will you let us know how you go? I'm sure it will be a success! :thumbs:
It's in ten days time, and the days are whooshing past now. We booked a couple of months back, but it's only become real this week for me. Had two months to prepare but have left everything until the last two weeks... now I'm all of a flap. :rolleyes:
I've spent all of today writing on those little mini luggage labels. It's been a bit like "playing shop"... but without the plastic cauliflowers and stones pretending to be spuds fresh from the garden. :lol:
Ribbit :D
Domestic Goddess
08-11-05, 07:07 PM
Mr DG says, to enhance sales, wear a low cut top, wonderbra and bend over a lot. Men will be so flustered they'll forget to haggle! (I assume he is referring to Ribbit and not Mr Ribbit!).
Comfy shoes are a big plus and don't forget chairs to sit on during the lulls. I would wear layers so you can peel off if hot.
Set up near the refreshments this will bring people flocking to you.
Take a look at experienced sellers and note any gimmicks they use. Pehaps if people spend over a certain amount that could get a 5% or 10% voucher off of their next purchase etc.
I hope that you have a great time and make oodles of cash!
Love
DG
We did antiques fairs for years, it was my parents business, so I grew up in the trade :)
Ok, a bag around your waist is a good idea - but very market traderish (not putting them down, my folks had a market stall too) most antiques dealers have a cash box, it's also a very good idea to take a cash book and write your sales down, then you know what you have sold and how much for, take off all the expenses etc, and you can work out your profits :D Keep the box behind the stall, out of view
Find out about the venue, is there parking nearby for traders, do you have to move your car after unloading? Will you need a trolley? We used to carry our stock in, in bread trays, one between two, but after an hour unloading, they can get very heavy.
Word will get around that you are new to the trade, you will get traders trying to intimidate you, making comments, people will flock round your stall seeing if you are flogging off Ming vases for a fiver :lol: Be thick skinned, smile, be pleasant, but remember, it's a cut throat world and you are all competing to make money.
OK, what to take, one thing very important - hand wipes - it's amazing how dirty your hands can get and loos at the venues are often quite a distance away (and you'll be so busy selling) and not very clean. I'd always advise you take soft drinks, preferably water, as these places get very drying on your throat, and take your own food, we've found food is extortionate at such venues :rolleyes:
Take your time laying your stall out, but don't make it perfect, you can look too professional. Plenty of signs saying "please ask to handle" and cover your own backs with an "all breakages must be paid for" sign, nice and prominent. Don't overload with signs, but a few well placed ones look great.
To price - or not to price - I never price my stuff up, why? Because then people can ask, and you can make conversation, plus, you put a sticker on and someone has the same as you at a fiver less on the stall next door, and it's obvious when you re-sticker your items :lol: If someone shows interest, smile, say good morning, make pleasantries, selling face to face is an art, that takes practice, but more than anything, relax and enjoy it :thumbs:
Can you take lights? How many sockets will you have, lighting is very important, highlight your best items, when setting out, every so often, stand back, view your stall as a punter, what do they see? Can they see everything properly? Are the best and most expensive items well displayed? Some fair organisers don't permit such things as kettles etc, check it out beforehand, you may want to take a flask.
If you're taking shelving, put it at the back, and clamp it to your table, I've seen too many people lean forward to grab something and knock a whole shelf unit down. Little g-clamps will do the trick, and some nice shelves (you can get great folding ones, easy to carry and transport) look great.
Wrap up warmly, you can take off layers if it warms up but (from experience) some venues eg sports halls are freezing cold, especially when the doors are open and everyone is setting up. Do you have until a certain time to set out before the public come in? Do you have to stay until a certain time before you can pack up? All worth finding out, best way, find a friendly trader, ask them, lots will be happy to help.
Plenty of carrier bags and wrapping paper are a must. Decide what payment you will take - cash or cheque with a bankers card - some fairs will take credit card on the door but the organiser often charges, say 5%, so if it's a card, decide whether you will do this (maybe up the price a little) or say no and risk the sale ;)
The public can be rotten, they all have one of those and gave it away, ignore them, we've all heard it a thousand times, if someone is rude there is nothing in the rule book says you have to be nice :lol:
You'll find there is one or two things on your stall people are drawn to, they pick it up everytime, have a laugh at this it happens - we call them the 3 P's - pick up, put down, p***off - better than the two P's though - pick up and p*** off. We once had a box that everyone opened, I put a sign on saying "I really am empty but you're going to open me anyway, aren't you?"
Just a few thoughts for now, I'm sure more will come to mind, the main thing is, it's supposed to be fun, don't take it too seriously, if you have a lousy day, laugh it off, there's always another day. Have fun, and (once you're set out, that's the worst bit) relax, and enjoy :thumbs:
:wow: Wow Eeyore! Or "O Encyclopaedically Knowledgeable One" as you shall be known henceforth! :notworthy: Thank'ee thank'ee :notworthy:
So much of that hadn't even entered my noodle! :blink:
There will be electricity provided as long as it doesn't exceed 300 watts (I think that was the amount)... so I've told Mr R "no baking a chicken in a portable electric oven, or trying to run a Stargate in the car park". :lol: We've got balls that light up, and the light isn't harsh... nice and welcoming. The hall itself has good lighting.
Luckily we've been going there to buy as "mere mortals" for a while, so we know there are very few people there who specialise in what we do... hopefully that'll mean I can talk a load of nonsense and nobody will notice (well, has anybody noticed here yet? :no: See how good I am at it :lol: ).
I've put together a book with every item listed... with the price, the amount we want to discount, and the amount we will discount if desperate, pushed, or if someone buys heapies of other things.
I am actually afraid of antique dealers believe it or not. I turn into a jelly when I'm around them. Mr R is really good at talking to people, but I take some serious warming up. You know the huge 20lb turkey that needs defrosting two days before Christmas Day... that's me. :lol:
I like buying the things, researching them, photographing them... all that stuff. And I'm looking forward to laying everything out. But it's Mr R who's the "dealer".
We have to get there very early the first day, and have hours to set up before they let the Trade in. That bit frightens me... Trade... scary antique dealers. Do you think I'm in the wrong business? :lol:
I think I'd feel more confident in a wig and dark glasses. :lol:
Ribbit (starting to wobble a bit now) :blink:
Lady Penelope
08-11-05, 09:28 PM
:lol: Wow Ribberty folk!! What an adventure....you lucky things....can I come? :lol: Sounds like it's going to be really good fun and you've had great tips...Eeyore's a dark hey :o . :lol:
I can't add any more tips, exept maybe to take some loo roll just in case they run out...imagine :wow: and Mr Ribbit remembers DG's advice, wonderbra and low cut top darling...remember to stoop too a pert bum bending over can be quite attractive too :lol:
Ribbit sweetie, don some gorgeous sunglasses....you won't feel the least bit intimidated behind those :)
LPxxx :flowers2:
Lady Penelope
08-11-05, 09:43 PM
.... :thumbs: :lol: :P ...nah! you forgot BM's wig and me :lol:
LOL you guys, you're welcome for the advice, here to help :D
You'll be fine Ribbit, being a trader doesn't come naturally to everyone but remember, you are a team :thumbs: Let Mr R do the deals until you get more confortable. Mr Eeyore came with me, but he used to carry the boxes, set up the lights, set up the shelves etc, then he'd wander round, he wasn't into the selling side as it's not his thing, Eeyores mam and I are naturals, we've done it for years - who said we have the gift of the gab :lol:
Oh, another thought, you may want to take some extension cables just in case, sometimes the sockets are quite a way from you, so if you're light cables aren't that long, some extension leads are handy (we used to always take them), and it saves cables being stretched to the limit. :)
Don't be afraid of the dealers, they're just normal folk. Some are lovely, some are snooty, some think new people shouldn't be allowed, some will welcome you, it's like life really, you can't get on with everyone :lol:
I wish I was going with you - good luck
Eeyores mam
09-11-05, 11:10 AM
Eeyore seems to have covered most of the joys of antique dealing.
When you say there is loads of time to set out don`t bank on it. The other traders will be round your stall like fleas on a dog. Don`t be afraid of elbowing them out of the way with a nice smile and sharp jab then the apology. You will put things in a certain place and they will pick up and put it down in another place entirely.
Packing the car is important. Can you take extra tables? Paste tables are very good. The good quality ones that don`t bow in the middle. Put stock in the car then cloths for the tables and then any tables, shelves and lights you will use.Put the tables, cloths and shelves up before bringing in the stock or it tends to get in the way and also you can fall over the boxes and damage you or the stock. The minute you finish emtying a box store it away under the stall or you end up with clutter all over. Keep your money ready from the minute you get in in a pocket, not on the stall because you will be leaving the stall to unpack but have change ready for any early punters and as new traders there should be a crowd round first thing.
Use the phrase to the trade " I can do that to you for ********* however much. A tip here don`t knock anything off at first because they will come back to you with the pained look and try to get more knocked off the price. Remember if you are selling to the trade they are going to make a profit and will add more on to sell to the public. You could have that profit if you sell to the public. Why let someone else take your profit.
When you sell a few things look at your stall again and keep rearranging it so it doesn`t look sp********. If you have signs as in Doulton, Minton etc stick a flower or something cut from wrapping paper on the sign just to tart the sign up. It is eyecatching but don`t overload or it will look like a stall of signs.
Always remember when a punter comes along, stand up and smile. That way you have engaged the punter and got his attention. Even if you are really tired remember to stand.
Watch out for the bore and there will be lots who want ot tell you their life story or how they got/lost a bargain etc. A smile, an excuse me and rearrange the stall and look busy while he/she rambles on. Don`t be afraid of working the front of a stall as well. You can sometimes make a sale with closer contact and be prepared to talk about the items that you have. If you know what they are and the history you can say this and it sounds knowledgible. I have made many a sale by rabbiting on about an item.
I could go on for ages on the joys and horrors of antique dealing but all I can say to you really is enjoy it. Hope you make a fortune.
Oh yes when packing up take a break because that is when tempers get frayed because you are so tired and just want to get home and you realise you have to pack, drive, and unpack at home before you can crash out and count the money.
GOOD LUCK
Annabel
09-11-05, 11:29 AM
:notworthy: I am in awe of the fantastic advice Eeyore and eeyore's mam have given! i feel like starting up a stall myself!!! :lol:
err, E , and EM, tell us why you arent still in the trade then? did you make an absolute bomb and retire, or something? B)
LOL Annabel :lol: We're kind of retired I guess
We just went more into internet selling, it so much easier
It is very tiring work checking your stock, packing the car in advance, getting up at 5.30am, getting sorted, dog walking etc, getting to the venue, unloading and unpacking, setting up, then at 4.30, packing up, heading home, unpacking the car, I then had to go home, lots of late dog walking, you wouldn't sit down until after 7pm, all this and holding down a full time job too :blink: and we were doing 2-3 fairs a month
So when Ebay took off (and fairs round here did suffer from internet selling) we changed our techniques, did part and part for about a year, then left the fairs behind for the internet :D So much easier to spend a Sunday at home, packing 40 parcels :rolleyes: :lol:
We still do car boot sales in the summer, not quite the same as doing a fair, but we've still so much that needs selling! I think we both miss the buzz of the fairs, the traders, the enjoyment, but we don't miss the early starts, the dark mornings, the carrying of the boxes and some of the erm characters that used to come round :hihi:
Something else, and it sounds silly, dress the part :) Nope I don't mean flowery and gushy, but be smart and approachable, ripped jeans and t-shirts are a no no in the antiques world :lol: You look professional, and with a nice whiff of perfume, bit of jewellrey, and you're instantly up there with the long-termers :thumbs:
We've done so many differnt things (antiques fairs/car boots/markets etc) I'm sure that's why I've accumulated so many clothes :lol: it's all these occasions I need them for :rolleyes:
freakyfun
09-11-05, 12:47 PM
It all sounds great Ribbit! Good luck
Eeyore - having just been introduced to the joys of ebay, where do people get their stock from to sell on?
FF
:notworthy: All that sense and brains in one family... no wonder there was none left for me when I got to the front of the queue! :lol:
Clothes :blink: ... I hadn't thought of those! Not that I was intending to go without any of course :blush: ... but I don't have a thing to wear! Now there's a statement you don't hear coming from a lady's mouth very often. :lol:
My clothes are... erm... what's the word... "arty". An eternal student I am, and I still dress like one. Long and baggy with a scarf, that's me. :lol:
Our stand is on the outside wall... near enough to an exit to make getting stuff in and out not too difficult, but far away enough not to freeze to death. It's a nice venue... it's got a nice feeling.
I think that thanks to all the help we're getting we'll be executing this mission with the precision of a military campaign. :thumbs: Cor, there's more planning involved than when we go on holiday, and that takes a month to recover from. :blink:
I know we've still got more than a week to go, but I hate packing at the last minute, so we did it last night. If we sell anything between now and then we'll be unpacking again :blink: . I'm ironing the tablecloths today and putting them aside... big things they are. The fair provides one table and you can hire more, so we're doing that. Got spare bulbs, toilet rolls, peanuts, bubble wrap, bags, paper, pens, tape, scissors... fondue set, cuddly toy. :lol:
Mr R's going to do a carrier bag raid on Tescos. :blink:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(freakyfun @ 9th November 2005 - 11:47 AM) 140878</div>
Eeyore - having just been introduced to the joys of ebay, where do people get their stock from to sell on?
[/b]
Aaaah (touches side of nose with finger), that's one of them there dark secrets of the antiques trade... she'd tell ya, but then she'd have to kill ya. :lol:
Ebay's a great place to buy stock... all that stuff badly described and in the wrong category... if you know what to look for there's treasure in them thar hills. (more touching side of nose, and a bit of winking thrown in for good measure)
Ribbit :D
freakyfun
09-11-05, 12:59 PM
Ah ha ... my problem with ebay is that, when you find one item cheap, its usually one amongst many that are the same price, and people get the idea that is how much its worth.
I had the same trouble selling on everquest - you would aquire items in game, but by the time you got to sell on, the prices had reached rock bottom *and* then you got higher level players selling at a loss just to shift their inventories. They only way to make money was with the rarer items, a few days after their discovery. (or pre-nerfed items)
FF
Where do you buy stuff from, the phrase is where "don't" you buy stuff from :lol:
The best thing to do, when starting, is find a market that hasn't yet been collared, then decide where you can find the goods that you need to corner the market :thumbs:
Ours came from all over - word of mouth that we bought in, business cards, ads in the paper, being in the right place at the right time, boot sales, junk and charity shops, buying new and hanging onto it until it became worth something, ads on the internet, I could go on (but I think I've gone on enough today). We also were in the trade too, so did have accounts with larger companies so could buy directly from them, and sell at 25% below RRP We also specialised in ceryain areas, so it made it easier to spot a bargain.
To win in business you have to have your own ideas, and collar that much needed market, we sold things that others wouldn't touch, oh what a mistake they made :hihi: :lol: No good copying what others have done, be original, and, you do have to have a good eye for a bargain and really good business accumen - put it this way, we work on at least 100% - 500% profit :thumbs:
Think of Beanie Babies - who'd have thought little bears and toys would sweep the world the way they did - and Ty is worth a fortune now :lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyore @ 9th November 2005 - 12:02 PM) 140884</div>
Think of Beanie Babies - who'd have thought little bears and toys would sweep the world the way they did - and Ty is worth a fortune now :lol:
[/b]
I did really well with lil' beanies when I first started on ebay. I sold loads... still have 60, but they're permanently adopted members of the Ribbit household (cut the tags off to make sure it stayed that way when Mr R discovered selling on ebay too! :lol: ).
It is amazing what tripe sells though... I often go :blink: :huh: when I look at some of the stuff on ebay, and the prices people will pay for it.
I like live auctions in the real world... much more fun. I like rummaging in all the tat. :thumbs:
Ribbit :D
Tat Ribbit, oh no, you never use that word :lol: Good quality rubbish is the phrase :thumbs:
Eeyores mam
09-11-05, 02:09 PM
What eeyore wouldn`t mention is that she is her fathers daughter. He used to do at least 3 car boots every weekend and if the boot of his car (Volvo 264) wasn`t full to bursting with high class rubbish he was really upset. He was a hoarder and now it is my job to de hoard the house. It has taken 10 years to empty 2 rooms so far and eeyore is an avid collector too. She can spot a bargain at 100 metres. Its having a gut feeling about somethings as well. We`ve all been stung at times but most of the time we did ok. I`m still working on the other rooms to be emptied yet and then there`s the garages to empty. Bring on the summer and the car boots but with all this chat over antique fairs I get a feeling in the bones again. It`s great fun but very hard work.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyores mam @ 9th November 2005 - 1:09 PM) 140895</div>
What eeyore wouldn`t mention is that she is her fathers daughter. [/b]
True :rolleyes: I've his flair for bargain spotting and turning it around into mega bucks, and also hoarding, folk come to my house and go "ohmigod look at all this stuff" :lol: Dusting is my life :P
Mr Ribbit
10-11-05, 02:43 PM
Blimey :wow:
I am in absolute awe over the amount of advice here! :bigeyes: Eeyore, Eeyores Mam - We are speechless and thank you so very, very much for your help. :flowers: :notworthy:
Ribbit is a 'divvy' (I think that's how it's spelt) when it comes to spotting pieces that are absolute gems, if it wasn't for her we wouldn't even have started this venture. :wub: It's early days for us yet but we are planning long term (5-10 years) so at least our livelihoods does't rely on it yet. It gives us time to learn at a steady pace and not rush or make mistakes that could be very costly if we had to rely on the income.
Can't wait for the fair. :clap2: Thanks again. :notworthy: :flowers2:
Annabel
10-11-05, 03:10 PM
Ribbit is a 'divvy' [/b]
:wow: 'divvy' obviously means something different round these parts ~ some one who is a right dunce ~ the exact opposite to your meaning!!! :lol: :lol:
Good luck with the Fair :thumbs:
When I read Ribbit is a "divvy" I thought you'd had a row, it means the same up here as it means in Annabels area too :lol:
Best of luck with the fair, anymore questions and you know where we are, here to help :D
'Ere, what a cheek! :lol: Mind you... when you think about it... not far off on a Monday morning. :lol:
"Divvy" as in Lovejoy (bestest programme in the whole wilde worlde :thumbs: ).
I love that feeling you get when you're near something special... when you haven't seen it yet but you're near enough to hear it calling out to you...
I get stirrings I do... racing heart... dry mouth... I go all of a flutter...
I'm getting excited just thinking about it. :blush:
Ribbit :D
Mmmm, nothing like the buzz a great find gives you
You see it, look round to make sure no-one has noticed, haggle the price anyway :lol: then take it home, gently unwrap it and place it in a prominent position, then spend the rest of the day smiling, filled with inner warmth :lol:
Or as my colleagues see it, you rip people off! ;) :rolleyes: Honestly, they've no business sense :lol:
Enterian
10-11-05, 03:51 PM
I thought a 'divvy' was something you got at the co-op!
Mr Ribbit
10-11-05, 05:00 PM
This morning we had four beautiful old figuurines arrive from an American auction we won. They were supposed to be for stock but somehow two of the figurines have found their way onto o cabinet and a mantlepiece. :blink: :lol: :rolleyes: ;)
I wasn't surprised... when Ribbit opened the parcel this morning she stopped for a moment and just lifted the first figurine up as if it were a long lost religious icon, turned the figure slowly in her hands and then slowly and reverently put the figure beside her - VERY close beside her. :whistle: I knew that wasn't going to be stock. :lol: ;) I don't blame her - apart from being beuatiful and rare, it's worth 40-50 times what she won it for from a live auction so we wouldn't be able to afford this for ourselves normally!
Ah, the joys of 'shopping' eh? :)
phantos02
10-11-05, 05:06 PM
Oooh Mr Ribbit you want to watch out for that you know!!! :D
I worked in a 'remainder' bookshop years ago, we would get pallet upon pallet of assorted books in. You never knew what you were getting until you unpacked the boxes, and you priced up according to what you thought you would get for the book. Often you would get single copies of stuff that looked really interesting. I had a humungous 'putby' pile out the back of stuff that never made it to the shelves. I think I must have spent half my wages on books :blush:
Ooooooh remainder books! Oooooh.... love... love.... gimme gimme! :lol: I'd never have a brass farthing if I worked in a bookshop... I almost had a job at Waterstones, but decided I couldn't afford to take it. :lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyore @ 10th November 2005 - 2:50 PM) 141009</div>
Or as my colleagues see it, you rip people off! ;) :rolleyes: Honestly, they've no business sense :lol:
[/b]
Oooh, I hate it when people say that and mean it. We've only spent years learning all about ceramic marks and painters and artists and potters... then folk come along and say we don't deserve our huge profits (clasps hands and raises them to the sky :lol: ) because we're just getting money for old rope and there's no work involved. :blink:
I am so pleased with the figures that arrived today... I still can't believe I was the only bidder... and all because the auctioneers didn't put one word in the description... kutani. Ya gotta love them auctioneers... the ones that don't know owt about antiques. :thumbs:
Ribbit :D (see the glow! :lol: )
Well, tomorrow's the big day. To say we're slightly nervous would be a drastic understatement.
Everything is packed and ready to go, so you could say we're prepared. But I just know that I'm going to have a bad hair day tomorrow. I can already feel me folicles starting to tingle... there's going to be static, lots of static. :blink:
Ribbit :cold:
Best of luck Ribbit, I hope you have a really good time, enjoy yourselves and make plenty of dosh :D
PS Take a hairbrush :lol:
Enterian
17-11-05, 03:48 PM
Hope things go well for you.
I expect R&G are beside themselves with all your preparation activities!
Good Luck for the weekend ribbits :thumbs:
P.S. Ribbit have a hat on stand by :hihi:
Lady Penelope
17-11-05, 05:36 PM
:lol: Hi there Ribberty folk,
Just flying in before flying out..............just wanted to wish you all the best for the weekend. :thumbs:
Remember Ribbit.....those sunglasses and tight trousers for Mr Ribbit....you'll be brill :lol:
Hugs
LPxxx
Domestic Goddess
17-11-05, 06:07 PM
Wishing you both all the best! I'm sure you'll have a great time!
Love
DG
Well, we're back from our first day... and we're fit for nowt but bed. :yes:
We didn't get off to a very good start. Yesterday evening wasn't the most convenient time for me to discover that I have developed an intolerance to certain types of soft cheese. :blink: I was ill all evening, burning up all night, neither of us got any sleep, and first thing this morning I was on the hall floor unable to stand up. :sad:
We did manage to get there though. We were ready to go well before the trade was let in, although there were people mulling around long before then. We made our first sale while I was still setting up the stuff on the first table. :thumbs:
The couple on the stand to our right aree really nice... the chap's a real character, and they've been in the business for decades. The chap to our left is also very nice. The chap opposite is 75 years old, and such a character. :thumbs:
It was trade day, and we weren't expecting much because the trade are looking for cheap stuff to sell on... some of them looked like they'd squeeze you like a lemon to squeeze tuppence off the price. :blink:
We took enough dosh to cover the cost of the stand, so at least we're not going to lose anything. Two more days, and tomorrow's the biggie... got to be there by 8:30. I don't usually see the morning, let alone carry out work in it. :lol:
We had a good time... much more fun than we'd expected. It was freeeezing because they didn't turn the heating on until 4pm and the placed closed at 5. :rolleyes:
So, maybe we'll make antique dealers after all.
Ribbit :thumbs:
Annabel
18-11-05, 09:06 PM
:jump: :jump: :jump:
fantastic start Ribbit, hope it all goes well for you for the next couple of days!!! :thumbs: :thumbs:
Domestic Goddess
18-11-05, 09:25 PM
Breaking even on the first day is a great sign, from now on it's profit all the way!!!
Make sure R & G don't discover Ribbit's problem with soft cheese or they'll be dangling Dairylea triangles all over the place!
Really pleased today went well :thumbs: Hope tomorrow is even better :D
Lady Penelope
19-11-05, 01:45 AM
:thumbs:
Noise Stopper
19-11-05, 03:12 AM
Blimey I never knew there was this much to antiques! I always thought you just went " ooh yes it's really old, BUY IT!!!" still you live and learn, I am a tad curious though about one thing... Do you need the perma tan and bouffant hair? that Mr ********inson always looks shifty to me!! :hihi: :thumbs:
Ian
"It's only a nuisance when someone complains" old Police proverb
Glad the first day went well, you've paid for your table and that is the main thing :thumbs:
Now time to make the money, good luck :D
We had an amazing day today... made so much more than we thought we would. :thumbs: I was amazed by how popular some of our real tat was... sorry... high class rubbish. :lol:
We'd got a load of stuff that Mr R had wanted to throw away, and I said "one man's junk" and all that... and we sold all of it. :blink:
Next time he finds some rubbish we're buying it! :lol:
What's amazed me is how welcome we've been made to feel. You know how I was afraid of antique dealers... I was expecting to be dragged over hot coals.
It's tiring, and we still have another day to go... but we've decided to pack in having a web site and concentrate on fairs. We've sold more in two days than we have in two months on the net. :yes: I'd have expected it to be the other way around, what with the net being global.
It's been great fun so far, and I got really good book today too so I'm chuffed. :thumbs: Oh, and one dealer said I've got a good eye... I told him I've got two of 'em. :lol:
Ribbit :D
I'm so pleased you're enjoying it Ribbit, and delighted you have had such a good day :thumbs: Hope today is just as good if not better :D
I'd stick with the website too if you can, think of it this way, the more outlets you have for your goods, the more people see them and the more places they have to choose to buy :)
Eeyores mam
20-11-05, 10:30 AM
Great to hear you`re having a good time and making loadsa money.
Remember the old saying about eggs and baskets. Keep using as many outlets as you can remembering that antique fairs are very hit and miss.
Enjoy today and come home happy and rich :D
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyore @ 20th November 2005 - 8:40 AM) 142083</div>
I'd stick with the website too if you can, think of it this way, the more outlets you have for your goods, the more people see them and the more places they have to choose to buy :)
[/b]
:blush: Oops, the bit about the web site came out all wrong... I blame temporary insanity brought about by doing some work for a change. :lol:
We're packing in the web site that we joined... the antique one that hosts your store. It's £45 a month just to have the facility, and it's been a total failure. It's a really nice site, and it actually has a really nice community feel, but nobody's buying. It's predominantly American, and the Americans aren't buying.
We're going to go back to having our own little hand built one... but without putting every single item on it... too much work! :blink: And there is always ebay when you do have some tat left over. :lol:
The past three days has gone so quickly! We've done so well, and I have to thank you guys for your advice and support because it made sooooo much difference. :notworthy:
We met some very nice people... and some real rear ends :lol: ... and it was great fun. There was a great atmosphere, even though it was freezing.
One thing you do discover when you sell antiques... there are so many people out there who know everything there is to know about whatever you're selling. :lol:
Ribbit :D
Lady Penelope
20-11-05, 08:35 PM
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ribbit @ 20th November 2005 - 7:25 PM) 142139</div>
We met some very nice people... and some real rear ends :lol: ... and it was great fun. There was a great atmosphere, even though it was freezing.
[/b]
:) Well done Ribbit !! :notworthy: Glad it went well for you both. Now these rear ends sound interesting :lol: care to tell us all about it?
LPxxx
Mr Ribbit
20-11-05, 08:42 PM
Just thought I'd share my 'icebreaker' with you. If someone looked more like a prospective buyer than others I said "If you want to ask a question about anything Ribbit can help you - she knows everything - just as it should be. :whistle: ;) ".
Got people chuckling anyhow. :whistle: :lol: ;)
LOL Mr R, perfect ice breaker :D
Pleased you enjoyed it and that you did well - you mean you didn't know that everyone who goes to antiques fairs is an expert in everything? :lol: And how many times did you hear "I've got one just the same except mines blue/smaller/round/a different make" :hihi:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Eeyore @ 21st November 2005 - 8:22 AM) 142191</div>
And how many times did you hear "I've got one just the same except mines blue/smaller/round/a different make" :hihi:
[/b]
:lol: :hihi: Oh yes indeedy. :yes: We had a few of those. And then there was "I've got a thingie at home, with a big hole in the top, and it's about so high and a green colour, which might be blue, with brown bits... so, what's it worth then?" :lol:
And the chap who claimed to be a dealer, who went through our stock telling us how none of it was selling these days... how he'd got the same stuff and couldn't shift it... "oh, you won't shift that, but I don't mean to put you off" :rolleyes: .
Yers, we met all sorts. Great fun. :thumbs:
Ribbit :D
Ah, things never change, we met those exact same people :lol:
Eeyores mam
21-11-05, 02:33 PM
Amazing how those experts move all over the country telling others what will sell and what won`t. They never seem to buy though.
Glad you enjoyed it. It is fun isn`t it but somehow I couldn`t do it for a living now.