Stop Rolling Your Eyes

One aspect of the antiques trade that has always aggravated me to no end is dealer snobbery.  The idea that because one dealer carries a stock that has larger initial inventory investment, and through that, makes the items better or more desirable than lesser priced items is nothing more than arrogance.  Or that purchasing "Pilgrim Century" items makes you more high brow than Heywood Wakefield.

I don't know any antique dealer who did not start out as a child with an interest in history and a curiosity for "neat old stuff" that cost very little.    I remember attending auctions with my grandma and parents when I was single digit age. My friend Rebecca and I would pour over Goodwill's book offerings in the store next to a Chinese restaurant that was more often than not an after church lunch spot for our two families.  We often came away with a 50 cent or $1.00 treasure.

Dealers whine whine whine and  wish younger people would become buyers. Well folks--this is not rocket science--GIVE THE YOUNG CUSTOMER WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR!  Stop trying to put the round peg in the square hole and bemoan that you can't sell the fabulous quality inventory you own--and can't get rid of--because--wait for it--NO ONE WANTS IT ANYMORE.
While more modern furniture by classic designers is serious money--good quality, quirky modern things can be had reasonably if you look hard.

Dear One and I decided some time ago--show the young buyer an eclectic mix.  If they like mid century modern furniture--pair it with a more traditional piece--or an asian style lamp or art from ANY era.  Oriental rugs look fabulous with mid century.  Try putting an industrial shelving unit on a traditional rug.  A modern painting next to a victorian sideboard.  It WORKS!!

If some dealers would stop rolling their eyes at 1950s and 60s furniture and accessories and spend time giving buyers what they want instead of what they SHOULD want--their bottom line might improve.