Elkhorn Flea Market August Report

Dear Husbola and I have just finished selling at Elkhorn Antiques Market.  A terrific temperature day for selling--and the crowd was strong.  We observed less buying this month--and feel buyers'  hands are staying in their pockets a bit more as the end of the summer rolls around.  The great weather was a real blessing! 

With the good comes the start of a bad trend that we don't like--and we heard this complaint from several dealers we spoke with over the weekend.  Good natured haggling has turned into insulting offers from a small percentage of buyers.  Big time.  And we know the reason why.

Reality shows have hit the television now for several years.  I don't want to be libelous--but you know the shows we mean.  TV shows that try to make instant personalities out of mediocre dealers or designers--they hit shops, shows and private homes and offer ridiculous prices--RIDICULOUS low prices for items.   We got that yesterday.

Courtesy in dealing and buying means everything to this Lady Antique Dealer.  Of course we deal with people. Of course we have a better price.  Ask me for my best price and I will give it to you.  Please do not offer me $10 for an item marked $50.  Please do not stand in my booth and pick at me--several times even--for a lower price.  I smiled at you and told you my best.  Take it or leave it. Do not point out a flaw in a 100 year old item and think by insulting the piece I will sell it to you cheaper.  But they do this--just like the "televison stars" do.  I even had a woman lowball me with the phrase "come on--take $80 CASH".  Really Girlfriend?  Did you think I was going to take kettle corn as payment?  Do you think that by offering CASH that I don't have to report my earnings?  Think again.

Blah! What is it about the five losers I encountered makes me forget the scores of buyers that were courteous?