and I think that is a good thing!
First let me say we have another great auction coming up Jan22. Our Jan auctions are some of the best and this one certainly is no exception, so please check it out!
Another interesting thing I would like to address is the proliferation of reality TV shows based on the antique or auction business. American Pickers, and there is soon to be a Canadian version, Auction Kings, Pawn Stars, Hard Core Pawn, and of course the perennial favorite, Antiques Roadshow, and I am sure there are a few others.
The favorite of mine is Antiques Roadshow, but for the most part, they are dealing with items most of us will never see in our travels. American Pickers and Auction Kings, are a better reflection of the kinds of items I see and deal with.
Just the other day, I was fuelling up my Dodge Sprinter, which is the same type of vehicle they drive on American Pickers, and the person next to me came over and said, “do you do what they do on American Pickers?” I explained I am a little different, in that most people come to me, rather than me cold calling on people looking for items, and of course I run an auction business. We talked about antiques for a bit, and then he asked for my card, so hopefully he and his wife will make it to one of our auctions.
Later in the day, I was doing a house call, and the owner asked about American Pickers and Auction Kings…wow these shows must have great ratings!
Personally I find it encouraging to see the re-newed interest in this aspect of the auction/antique business. They refer to it as “Mantiques”. Things that traditionally interest men more than woman, and it is the dirty, gritty side of the business. Digging through barns and sheds to find old advertising, car parts etc. American Pickers focuses more on that aspect, rather than glass, china or fine furniture.
I like Auction Kings as well, because I think it presents a pretty accurate depiction of the auction business. It shows consignors winning on some items, losing on others, good auctions, bad auctions…exactly what we go through! I am very comfortable with the way the business is portrayed in that show.
I want a reality show!!!
Now one other thing I want to mention. I bought my Dodge Sprinter months before the American Pickers premiered on TV…and I had to pay for mine!
So it is nice to see this new interest in auctions and antiques. Might bring even more people out to the auctions. However, I think you should really think twice if you think you can hop in your truck and head out picking. That is a tough thing to do, and I only know a couple of people now who have been doing it successfully.
If you want to open an auction hall, and make lots of fast, easy money….well, we will have to talk about that!
IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS OR ANY OTHER ARTICLE, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT
rob@robsageauctions.com ALWAYS NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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