posted on July 17, 2005 02:19:09 PM new
Great. They're opening in Short Hills (which is the sister town of Millburn, where my shop is -- I actually live in Short Hills), and the way they describe the commissions, they seem lower than mine (by 2.1%, not a killer), and their pre-payments are higher than mine, but I don't know if clients can do the math.
posted on July 19, 2005 04:59:16 PM new
I'm amazed the guy has people bring him stuff to sell. He is a lousy seller.He sells a set of Lenox China for $9.95 and charges $45.00 for shipping. On the other hand Claude you do a great job with your ads,very nice.
**********************************
Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
When I first started reading what you said, I thought you were referring to me... and then I got to the next part, and I felt much better
Thank you for your kind words; I need them this summer. But, Autumn will be here soon enough !!!!
In defense of consignment sellers everywhere, it is tougher than you might imagine to so often be selling things you aren't expert in. The upside is that I get the chance, quite literally, to learn something every day.
posted on July 19, 2005 05:43:17 PM new
Great sale! Wish it were mine
I'm considering opening up a drop off site here in Maryland on the Eastern Shore - we don't have anything in this area - going to combine it with a regular household furnishings consignment shop. The overhead is what really concerns me though. Especially rent!
posted on July 19, 2005 06:03:22 PM new
caronlinetyler,
The overhead is a problem during months like these. I'm operating at roughly 25% since mid-May and will be essentially closed during August. But, the rent is still due.
I did not enjoy having partners, but it is the only viable way to stay open 52 weeks/year, unless you have an employee that is capable of running the operation while you go on vacation. I know that some people defer vacations, but I'm 53 years old, and have no intention of not enjoying time with my family away from work and home. But, I no longer have partners, so I will be preparing September auctions for the first 3 weeks of August, and then going away for two weeks (to St. Martin, my rest and relaxation oasis).
I pay quite a bit of rent here in this affluent town. And utilities aren't cheap either. But, I'm preparing auctions for September, and if business picks up then, I'll manage to make nearly enough to pay the rent AND the nanny
posted on July 19, 2005 07:30:08 PM new
I was a China & Crystal Buyer in a Florida chain 30 years ago,so it blows my mind that it sells for so little on E-Bay.
**********************************
Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
posted on July 19, 2005 08:08:36 PM new
I get really strange results on china. For example, right around the same time, I had Lenox Columbia (excellent condition) on auction, and also Rosenthal Assymetria (mint condition). The Lenox Columbia did better on a per-setting basis.
I think china (and silver, and most antiques) are demographically challenged. Most of what I get in the door comes in because the consignor's children (and sometimes grandchildren) didn't want it. They want whatever is at Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, etc. So, the people who are interested usually have what they want already, and there are not many new customers.
And that, I think, is what hammered the Assymetria. It wasn't "foufy" and wasn't safe, but rather a subtle and interesting design which should have appealed to "young sophisticates".
