How to Deal in Antiques

Description

Whether you want to find the best bargains when buying antiques and collectables as a hobby, or whether you want to turn your interest in antiques into an extra income stream or full-time career, this book will help you make better deals and maximise your profits. You'll discover: - * what to buy and sell * where to buy and how to get bigger discounts * where and how to sell * using the internet for both buying and selling. * Antiques expert, Fiona Shoop, highlights the tricks of the trade to help you avoid making common but costly mistakes - and ensure that you get the best out of the an.;Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; Preface; Part One -- Establishing the Basics; Chapter 1 -- Why do you want to become an antiques dealer?; What are the advantages of being a dealer?; Are there disadvantages as well?; Chapter 2 -- What type of dealer do you want to be?; Full-time; Becoming a full-time dealer; Becoming a part-time dealer; Dealing as a hobby; Chapter 3 -- To specialise or not; How do you find out about the different types of specialisation?; Do specialist goods sell at general fairs as well?; Chapter 4 -- Can you afford to be a dealer? Cover Title Copyright Contents Preface Part One -- Establishing the Basics Chapter 1 -- Why do you want to become an antiques dealer? What are the advantages of being a dealer? Are there disadvantages as well? Chapter 2 -- What type of dealer do you want to be? Full-time Becoming a full-time dealer Becoming a part-time dealer Dealing as a hobby Chapter 3 -- To specialise or not How do you find out about the different types of specialisation? Do specialist goods sell at general fairs as well? Chapter 4 -- Can you afford to be a dealer? I've put money aside for stock -- what else do I need?Rent Petrol Budgeting Long-term needs Chapter 5 -- Communications Love them or hate them, you'll need a mobile phone Why you need a phone Business cards The dos and don'ts of business cards Part Two -- Where to Buy Goods Chapter 1 -- Let's start at the beginning -- how much should I pay for things? Be careful about using price guides How to discover the 'market' value of stock How do I know what to charge other people? Chapter 2 -- Buying tips Learn how to read labels How to get the best out of dealers. How to get the best out of your customersChapter 3 -- Antiques fairs Fair entry How to get the best out of fairs Should I haggle? How to pay Getting your new stock home safely Chapter 4 -- Antiques centres Buying at an antiques centre How to pay Arranging delivery When a centre is not just a centre The internet Disabled access Chapter 5 -- Antiques shops Hidden treasures and useful information Chapter 6 -- Auctions How to buy at auction How to pay General vs specialist auctions Estimates Commission bids Telephone bids Egos at work. Buying unsold goods after the auction is overKnow your auctioneer Tricks of the trade Know your rights Chapter 7 -- Markets Chapter 8 -- Car boot sales Better prices Types of sellers How to get the best out of car boot sales in summary Chapter 9 -- Damaged pieces Summary of the argument Restoration How to spot restoration Finding a restorer Part Three -- Where to Sell Chapter 1 -- Can I sell anywhere I want? How am I meant to know if I should register or not? Chapter 2 -- How to sell Types of customers -- and time-wasters Sharing knowledge Making selling easier. Chapter 3 -- The importance of careful wrappingThe joys of newspaper Paper bags and jewellery bags Chapter 4 -- Antiques fairs How do I find out about fairs? What to ask a stallholder What to ask the organiser Shopping list The day of the fair Recap Fairs Chapter 5 -- Antiques centres Finding a centre What expenses should I expect to pay? Discounts Being paid Display What makes a centre good? Details, details Labelling Your obligations What sort of centre do I want? Chapter 6 -- Antiques shops Rent or buy -- the big debate Location, location, location Should I live on-site? Budgeting -- matching dreams to reality.