Antiques From Europe...Is It Really The Goose That Layed the Golden Egg?

Many dealers and auctioneers have been bringing container loads of antiques from Europe for years now. The lure of getting "fresh to the market" antique furniture and "smalls" is something that can bring renewed excitement back into your antique business.

Buying antiques by the container load can be a mental "rush", but is it the business builder some have made it out to be?

Back in 1998, while I was still in the antique and estate auction and liquidation business, I decided to purchase a load of antique furniture and smalls and have the container shipped to my facility in New York State.

I'll spare you the details of how exactly this is done during this article.

I received the load buy tractor trailer, and had friends help me unload the container. It was packed full and tight, and the furniture was quite impressive to say the least!

I was impressed by the high quality and good prices, and by the fact that I could have the load delivered right to my place of business.

There were twist leg oak hall trees, high relief wardrobes, dining room suits, chairs, bureaus, desks, marble top stands, dressers and much, much more. And that was just the furniture!

Inside the dressers and desks, there were smalls galore. Tucked inside one of the dressers was a hand-stitched sampler from 1861. The sampler was done by a mother who had lost a child at birth, and it achieved a high price at auction. I was most impressed with the condition and quantity of the smalls.

I have been in touch with auctioneers and dealers who have had both good and bad experiences with buying antiques in Europe. I have noticed that without exception, the difference between a good experience and a bad one rested solely on who they actually did business with.

Those that did business with the same company that I did business had a great experience. Those that didn't had a difficult experience.

There are various companies that ship antiques from Europe, and you can find their sites all over the Internet. I have however come to realize that not all of these companies are equal! Some of them are very condescending, while others try to speak to the "common folk" while doing business. None of this has a bearing on your bottom line!

There are a few things that you should look for when searching for an antique shipping company. I'll list them for you.

1. Per item price. Knowing your market is so vitally important to understanding whether or not you be profitable. Keep in mind that what is quoted from the company is never what the item actually costs. After you have paid ship transportation, duties, documentation fees, and trucking to your facility, the price per item goes up.

2. Reputation in your country. When the company is thousands of miles away, many of them will often tell you what you want to hear. Make sure that you have testimonials from people who have done business with them in your country! Call these people, talk with them about their experience, and tap their brains for more information about the company. Good shipping companies will always be willing to give you references from people that are satisfied with their services.

3. Company attitude. Keep in mind that you are offering to do business with them. Some antique shipping companies often come across as condescending and snobbish. Do not be afraid to ask questions, (even if they seem like stupid questions.) If they come across as rude or "snooty", you may want to consider whether or not you wish to have a buying relationship with them.

If shipping antiques from another country seems like something that you would like to explore do your homework! It can be a lucrative move, but it can also empty your account quickly if you don't know what you are doing.

Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer, speaker and the owner of Antique Power Dealers, an antique and collectible business resource. (http://www.antiquepowerdealer.com) He is also the author of the report, "6 Costly Mistakes Antique Buyers and Sellers Make...and How to Avoid Them!" You can own a copy by asking for it. Send your request to: freetips@antiquepowerdealer.com

Hobby Lobby moving into old Chase-Pitkin in Webster
MPNnow.com, NY - Sep 2, 2008
Hobby Lobby is an arts and crafts store with departments ranging from crafts, hobbies, picture framing, jewelry making, fashion fabrics, floral, ...

Interfaith calendar
Indianapolis Star, United States - 16 hours ago
Families will join one of the 12 Tribes of Israel and experience how they lived, including school, crafts, hobbies, foods and fun. ...

Sydney Morning Herald
Christian soldiers at war
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 8 hours ago
"He has no interest in sports, crafts, hobbies or garden; is accountable to no Christian support group or prayer group; and he never laughs. ...

Bees and alpaca highlight this year's Fall Festival
Nashoba Publishing, MA - Sep 5, 2008
... Fall Festival and Craft Fair will include an extended roster of crafters and hobbyists showcasing an eclectic array of crafts, skills, hobbies and wares ...

How To Design Patterns For Hobbies Crafts For Money
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 28, 2008
But patterns for hobbies mildew removal are always at the mercy of the public. Look at eBay at the prices for tapestry pictures. You’ll probably find that ...

Tablers boost for craft workshop
Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser, UK - Sep 4, 2008
It also has a crafts and hobbies group which meets on a Wednesday evening. Pictured, from left to right, are both members of Airdrie & District Round Table ...

Junior Library Member Photo Prizewinners
Newton News, UK - Sep 4, 2008
Other hobbies are art, crafts and history. Joint 2nd prize: Abigail Mullen, aged 9, attends Byerley Park School. The Nature Reserve is her favourite place, ...

Tribute to Gimli artist Martin planned
Interlake Spectator, Canada - Sep 5, 2008
After a nine-year stint at their hobby, crafts and arts supply store at Gimli Harbour, he and Benna purchased Gimli Theatre, which they sold in June 1998. ...

Search for one-of-a-kind gifts begins at craft fairs
El Paso Times, TX - Aug 30, 2008
Personalized ornaments that reflect the recipient's hobbies or tastes. But really, who has the time to break out the flour and baking tins or make jelly? ...

Building a perfect world - in miniature
San Francisco Chronicle,  USA - Aug 29, 2008
... and crafts, eventually focusing on miniatures. "They encompass all the full-size hobbies - from sewing to woodworking to stained glass - into one tiny, ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Ever Wanted to Make Your Own Themed Gift Baskets?