How Long Should an Antiques Dealer Keep an Item that Does Not Sell?

Hi folks,

Today I have been reading through the articles listed in the Selling Successfully section of our shops and I came across one I think the group might find interesting. A few things to ponder.

How long should an antiques dealer keep an item that does not sell?

http://owners.rubylane.com/info/success/How-long-should-an-antiques...

You must be signed into your shop to access the article.

Carol

Tags: Antiques Inventory, Carol Augustine, Ruby Lane, marketing, online business, online selling, rubylane

1 member likes this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on May 23, 2012 at 9:09am

Correct Cheri.

Thank you.

Permalink Reply by Joel Gilgoff on May 29, 2012 at 10:01pm

Do a search on "Art Nouveau locket" on Etsy - see what comes up. Or - try a search on "Pocket Watch" and see the whole first page are new Chinese repros.

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on May 29, 2012 at 10:19pm

Joel...are you searching under the "Vintage" category? or "Handmade"...BIG difference!

Permalink Reply by Flashback Alley on May 30, 2012 at 1:08am

While there are many factors that can come into play on inventory turnover, I tend to think that how quickly an item moves depends in part on whether it's readily available and/or how extensive the collector base might be. (Things that are fairly common but still have people looking to buy will move within a reasonable time so long as they're priced right, with shipping costs not taking it over the top. On the other hand, things that are so common that everyone is sick of them... well, you're lucky to sell them at garage sale prices.)

Many of the items I've listed are fairly common, but then again I've had a few items that truly fell in the "rare" category. I did the necessary homework to research price and then was more than happy to let the listing be out there, just waiting for the right buyer. Sometimes they sold in a matter of weeks; sometimes it was longer than a year.

I will say that I don't think it's advisable to hold firm on a price year after year. Over time, an item's appeal might change, and with it, price. It's okay in my book to hold inventory for the right buyer, so long as you periodically review your inventory, pricing, etc., for the current market.

Permalink Reply by Joel Gilgoff on May 31, 2012 at 12:30am

I used the default - which I guess is "Hand Made" - few if any of the items were hand made or "Vintage." Most were new Chinese items.

CheriShops - Admin said:

Joel...are you searching under the "Vintage" category? or "Handmade"...BIG difference!

Permalink Reply by CheriShops - Admin on May 31, 2012 at 7:44am

Joel, I don't think you are understanding how Etsy search works....you have to select VINTAGE to see vintage or antique items

NO original (ie not artisan/handmade/repurposed) vintage or antiques show under the default ....Handmade pieces are made by sellers and so yes, some may be using parts from China or elsewhere to make their own jewelry

However, if you switch to the Vintage option, you will notice that your statement of "95%" is not accurate, nor very fair to the many good sellers there that have authentic vintage and antique items. It is your search that is incorrect, not their item authenticity!

editing in: perhaps if you want to continue this discussion re Etsy it may be best to message me or post it in the Etsy group as it is totally "off topic" here.......