Antique hunters are a breed unto themselves, Carol Koerner, of Carol's Antiques says. The Boise-based antique seller has been in business for 22 years. The antiques market is somewhat fickle from day to day and month to month.Carol's Antiques was at Vista Avenue and Overland Road before it moved to Five Mile and Overland roads.
"People around here won't pay California prices," she says. "Idahoans are tight, and they won't pay them period."
That's why when new temporary marketplaces come to town, she's a little hesitant to set up shop in them.
Koerner called BBB about the upcoming Summer Market in Boise at Expo Idaho on June 21 after the new trade show sought her participation. She was hesitant since display space generally is charged at a premium price. She said she couldn't afford to lose money on a poorly promoted show.
The Summer Market, presented by Bonnie Burhart, of Ontario, Ore., is scheduled to bring together 40 vendors from around the West.
Burhart says her antique dealership, Roses and Rust Vintage Market, began in Redding, Calif., and each year hosted an event with several dealers. "We're now at two shows a year, and it's a pretty big event," she says, they will continue to host.
Having moved to Ontario a year ago, she says residents of the Treasure Valley and surrounding communities seem to appreciate fine antiques and will make for a great show. She is hoping to lure those passionate antique hunters to the Boise Market.
For those shopping for antiques, BBB offers these tips:
• Do your homework. If you are looking to buy a big-ticket item, it's important to go to shops, shows or markets. To learn more about antiques and collectibles, visit shops, shows, auctions, flea markets, and house sales. Comparison shopping can save you headaches and haggling.
• Inspect the materials and conditions. Quality should be reflected in the price. Are there original tags or stickers on the item? Whatever the materials, expect some aging, but watch for flaws. Good inspection can turn into a negotiation point. If the dealer isn't busy, you may be able to ask him questions. Also watch your newspaper - auction houses will sometimes advertise free appraisals.
• Scope out the booths. Talking to the owner/vendor can give you an indication of the owner's trustworthiness. Ask questions, look at prices you're familiar with, explore the booth's transparency.
• Listen to your inner voice. If a price seems too good to be true, you may want to simply walk away. If the price is too high, you may haggle.
If you want to hire a professional appraiser, check the phone book under Appraisers or contact auction galleries and antique dealers. Make sure the appraiser has been in business a number of years and get references.
Never hire an appraiser who bases his fee on a percentage of the appraised value. He may inflate his appraisal in order to get a higher fee.
Beware of appraisers who offer to buy an item as well as appraise it. They may lower their appraisal to get a better bargain for themselves.
Source: www.idahostatesman.com
"People around here won't pay California prices," she says. "Idahoans are tight, and they won't pay them period."
That's why when new temporary marketplaces come to town, she's a little hesitant to set up shop in them.
Koerner called BBB about the upcoming Summer Market in Boise at Expo Idaho on June 21 after the new trade show sought her participation. She was hesitant since display space generally is charged at a premium price. She said she couldn't afford to lose money on a poorly promoted show.
The Summer Market, presented by Bonnie Burhart, of Ontario, Ore., is scheduled to bring together 40 vendors from around the West.
Burhart says her antique dealership, Roses and Rust Vintage Market, began in Redding, Calif., and each year hosted an event with several dealers. "We're now at two shows a year, and it's a pretty big event," she says, they will continue to host.
Having moved to Ontario a year ago, she says residents of the Treasure Valley and surrounding communities seem to appreciate fine antiques and will make for a great show. She is hoping to lure those passionate antique hunters to the Boise Market.
For those shopping for antiques, BBB offers these tips:
• Do your homework. If you are looking to buy a big-ticket item, it's important to go to shops, shows or markets. To learn more about antiques and collectibles, visit shops, shows, auctions, flea markets, and house sales. Comparison shopping can save you headaches and haggling.
• Inspect the materials and conditions. Quality should be reflected in the price. Are there original tags or stickers on the item? Whatever the materials, expect some aging, but watch for flaws. Good inspection can turn into a negotiation point. If the dealer isn't busy, you may be able to ask him questions. Also watch your newspaper - auction houses will sometimes advertise free appraisals.
• Scope out the booths. Talking to the owner/vendor can give you an indication of the owner's trustworthiness. Ask questions, look at prices you're familiar with, explore the booth's transparency.
• Listen to your inner voice. If a price seems too good to be true, you may want to simply walk away. If the price is too high, you may haggle.
If you want to hire a professional appraiser, check the phone book under Appraisers or contact auction galleries and antique dealers. Make sure the appraiser has been in business a number of years and get references.
Never hire an appraiser who bases his fee on a percentage of the appraised value. He may inflate his appraisal in order to get a higher fee.
Beware of appraisers who offer to buy an item as well as appraise it. They may lower their appraisal to get a better bargain for themselves.
Source: www.idahostatesman.com