Friday 29 June 2012

Going Going Gone...!

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.  


We at Hampton Antiques are proud mebers of both BADA, CADA, LAPADA & CINOA more information about what we do & sell can be seen here.


BADA

The British Antique Dealers' Association is the trade association for the leading antique dealers in Britain. Since its foundation in 1918 the BADA has set the standard for trading in the antiques business. Our expertly vetted membership adheres to a strict code of practice. Find out what lies behind our sign of quality.


LAPADA

The UK's Largest Trade Association
for Professional Art and Antiques Dealers



CADA

Cotswold Antique Dealers Association

The Cotswold Art & Antiques Dealers' Association was formed in 1978 and is the first and pre-eminent art and antique regional association in the uk.