where has another year gone?
So another year draws to a close. It feels like only a few months ago I was writing the final blog of the year! The older you get, the faster time goes, and I certainly can’t argue with that.
It continues to be an interesting time in the antique auction business. Throughout this year we had record high prices on some items, and then again record low prices (at least for us).
Prices are certainly up and down, and I discuss this endlessly with other auctioneers and dealers. The consensus seems to be, the market is definitely changing, and we just have to live with that.
I monitor other auctions, check on-line activity, and the same thing seems to be happening throughout North America. Prices may be flat in many categories, and it is an incredibly good time to buy antiques ,but quality items are still selling. We’ve had some good unusual pieces this year, and in most cases, the prices were fair to strong. Unusual, quality items still sell.
The antique market has had a pretty strong run over the last 30 years, but now we are going through a period of readjustment. Over the years, there were a lot of mediocre and in some cases, just plain terrible pieces selling for big money. I used to see poorly refinished and horribly restored pieces of furniture selling for more than what they should have, and a lot of low end collectables bringing big money. That doesn’t happen much now. I think many buyers are now more discriminating, because there is a good supply of most items on the market now. Most dealers have to buy cautiously if they are going to be able to sell at a reasonable return. It’s also a very competitive market, and everyone has to work hard if they are going to make a living in the antique or auction business.
However, as always, I am still very optimistic about my own auction business. The phone keeps ringing, and at times, even I am surprised at the quality of some of the items coming in! It has always been, and still is, an interesting business for me, and there is nothing else I would rather be doing!
I don’t anticipate big changes in our business in 2014. I am going to be making some adjustments, but I do that every year. I may diversify my business a little more, because I would like to try doing more than just antique auctions. In October I started doing new furniture and liquidation auctions for Spring Furniture And Vacuum in Barrie, and I will be doing a third auction for them in January. We would like to do 5 or 6 auctions a year for them, and perhaps pick up a few more on-site estate auctions, plus our regular antique auctions in Pottageville. So I am anticipating another busy year, but let’s face it, none of us really know what the upcoming year has in store for any of us!
So I will wrap this us by wishing you the best in the new year. I sincerely appreciate my customers, both as buyers and sellers, and hope you will continue to be part of my business in 2014. And by the way, 2014 marks my 30th year in the antiques and auction business! More about that coming in the new year.
Have fun on the auction trail!
Rob
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