The Six Worst Mistakes You Can Make When Shopping for Antiques
Buying antiques can make a dent in your wallet, especially if you don't know what you are doing. The novice buyer can overpay for an undervalued piece. Here are some things to avoid the next time you are antiquing. 1.) Casually examining an item. Don't buy anything without looking at it thoroughly — top to bottom and inside and out. Look for potential problems — chips, cracks or marks. It's buyer beware. No refunds and no exchanges are not uncommon. A number of years ago, I purchased a pink Depression glass dish from another dealer. I just grabbed it, haggled the price down and walked away with my purchase. A few weeks later, upon closer inspection, I noticed a very small, hard to see imprint: "Made in Indonesia." So, be careful out there. 2.) Not knowing your stuff. Knowledge is power, even more so with antiques. Nothing is more heartbreaking than finding out that your English sterling silver teapot is actually electroplate on copper and made in China. I recall a customer wanting to consign her Quebec 1880's pine harvest table. It turned out that the table was from the 1970s and bore no similarities to anything that would have been manufactured in the 1880s. 3.) Buying the first thing that you see. Prices vary from shop to shop, shopping district to shopping district, city versus country. Do your homework. The big problem with antiques is that you'll never be able to compare prices on the exact same thing. But, it's worth shopping around because you will find a range in price for similar items. 4.) Buying from someone unfamiliar. Buy from a trusted dealer. Keep in mind at flea markets and fairs anyone can rent a table for a single weekend. Establish a relationship with someone you know and trust. It's all about comfort. Plus, you're likely to get better service and prices as a repeat customer rather than as a one-time customer. Get referrals from friends, family and acquaintances. 5.) Getting caught up in auction fever. Overpaying because of auction frenzy is not uncommon. Before you know it, you can be the proud owner of an armoire the size of an industrial refrigerator that you have no room for. That's when the dreaded buyer's remorse sets in. Stories abound about great deals at auctions. You don't often hear about the blunders; yet they do happen. 6.) Non-do-it-yourselfers buying fixer-uppers. Unless you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, some deals don't really turn out that way. I see lots of people bringing in a half-stripped chair for me to finish because the job was simply overwhelming. If you bought the chair for $25 it's one thing to add the cost of restoration. However, if you paid $200 thinking that you'd do the work and then you don't, now you have to add another $200 for restoration and your deal is now up to $400 — not so much of a deal. However, add $200 for restoration to your $25 chair you're still only at $225 — still a deal. Martin Swinton lives in Toronto, Canada and owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, a popular local antique shop. He has appeared on a variety of television programs and teaches courses on antiques. Contact him at www.takeaboo.com
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My Shopping Genie Debuts
The number of ways to make money on the internet amazes me more every day. The latest I have seen is, My Shopping Genie, a new software program which when downloaded to your computer. My Shopping Genie is a great new search engine widget for new and seasoned eBay shoppers - and great MONEY for affiliates. The marriage between My Shopping Genie and eBay kicked off on February 1st 2008. My Shopping Genie has currently surpassed the PreLaunch stage and is humming along nicely.
Esterman Entertainment Provides Financial Backup for Celebs During Writers Strike
Mike Esterman gets celebrities paid every day for appearances while writers strike drags on.
Comparison Shopping: The Flip Side Of Searching
A New Player in Town
Steps on How Cash Back Shopping Works
Through cash back shopping over the Internet, you not only earn discounts, special offers and promotional gifts, but also receive cash against making purchases Members get the points they earn, through many options of payment such as Bankers? Automated Clearing Services (BACS), PayPal or through check
Twirl, Pirouette and Plie with Angelina Ballerina As HIT Entertainment & 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Release Angelina Ballerina: The Silver L
DVD Features Exclusive Limited Edition Book, Angelina Ballerina: The Silver Locket, On-Pack While Supplies Last - Available Oct. 16th.
New Online Store Takes the Squeeze out of Online Shopping
Along with a large selection of high quality products partnered with a fresh look to website shopping, BabyMarmalade has reached a new level by taking the squeeze out of your typical online baby store. Babymarmalade.com is poised to be the premier online store for quality yet trendy products for baby and Mom
Share Yoga's Inspired Gifting with Yoga Gift Baskets Hits the Shopping Scene
ShareYoga.com, an online yoga boutique, features Shiva Rea in its flagship yoga gift baskets for the holiday season.
Smirnova Models Launches a New Era in the World of Modeling and Entertainment
Smirnova Models introduces new global approach to the world of modeling and entertainment.
Halloween Costume Shopping: Online or In-store?
But what are the benefits and drawbacks to shopping online and
in-store? Bob Schank, Chief Operating Officer of Halloween Adventure,
a costume retailer with more than 100 "brick & mortar" costume stores spanning the country and an online e-Commerce costume and accessory superstore,
let consumers in the know on Thursday.
Los Angeles 'On The Lot' Candidates Band Together 'Off The Lot' While Anticipating a Call from Mark Burnett/Steve Spielberg Castin
Although speculation on the On The Lot message boards is that casting has already completed second-round call-backs, one group of Los Angeles On The Lot candidates take destiny into their own hands by banding together for a networking night in Burbank this Wednesday evening.
NxTV IP In-Room Entertainment Used by 25% of 5-Star Properties
Best of the best - Mobil 5-Star operators choose NxTV IP VOD services three years running.
"Crazy Like a Fox" to Premiere at 12th Annual American Black Film Festival in Los Angeles
Angel "Lola Luv" Fershgenet Makes Film Debut in Director Tony Abulu's New Erotic Thriller.
Dirty Work Entertainment Launches its Debut Website
On January 1st, 2007, Dirty Work Entertainment officially opened its doors for business with the launch of its debut website -- www.dirtyworkentertainment.com.
San Francisco's Fillmore Jazz District Celebrates Reemergence with Multi-Venue, Culture and Entertainment-Filled Affair (Feb. 28, 2008) -- African a
The San Francisco Housing Development Corporation will celebrate the reemergence of The Fillmore, and commemorate 20 years of service to helping minorities and low-income families achieve financial stability through homeownership. Included among the numerous notable participating San Francisco establishments are the Boom Boom Room, Fillmore Auditorium, Fillmore Jazz Heritage Center, Rasselas Jazz Club, Sheba Lounge, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Lush Life Gallery, Marcus Books and more. Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter Ledisi will headline the impressive array of local entertainment talent.
Dance Benefit & Lora Cain CD Release Party of "Choose Love" Saturday September 29th at 7pm in Los Angeles, California
A CD release party for Lora Cain's new album "Choose Love" will be held in Los Angeles Saturday, September 29th from 7pm to 10pm at the Church in Ocean Park. The night of freestyle dancing and live performances will also benefit Nine Muses, a non profit organization with after school art programs for kids. "Choose Love" is produced by Jim Watts (Kelly Clarkson, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin) and the benefit is sponsored by The RAY.org, an artistic women's empowerment organization. "Choose Love" is available on Itunes.com and other on line distributors with her music videos at www.youtube.com/loracain.
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