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Books : How to Make $20,000 a Year in Antiques and Collectibles Without Leaving Your Job |
- Dated but there's still lots of good advice hereLike other reviewers have said, this book doesn't take into account the Internet factor. But there's still lots of good advice in this book that hasn't changed: What to look for, how to negotiate, and how to get to the good stuff first. These gems will be good for the next century and beyond--as long as people hold yard/garage/tag sales and people use automobiles for travel.
If you want eBay advice, there are hundreds of other books that give you that. But I haven't found one of those books yet that contains the good old-fashioned advice this book has. Plus, some of the old-fashioned salesmanship advice in this book translates well to online venues.
This book reads quickly (read for about an hour before bed and you'll have it knocked out in less than a week), it's entertaining, and it's inexpensive. Pay the cover price plus shipping and it'll still cost you less than $10. You'll probably make your 10 bucks back the Saturday after you finish it. I did.
Rating:
- AntiquatedWithout a fresh look at the marketplace, this book is completely outdated. While you may glean some "useful" information, this book resides in the mid to late 80's and fails to take into account 20 years of change with the advent of technology and the Internet.
The Internet has changed everything, including how sellers perceive the goods they have. Values, frequently updated online and in current specialty books change the buyers methods of approaching the areas the author suggest for purchasing merchandise.
My premise in reviewing this book includes Johnson's suggestions about garage sales, antique dealers, shops, auctions and dealer shows. I am experienced in all methods of acquiring merchandise for resale online and in newspaper ads. Sellers have a better database of information and use this to gain their advantage. With that said, because of increased competition and the Internet, deals can be had if you find the motivated seller.
The same tools available to sellers should be used by serious buyers/resellers. You must research your niche thoroughly and be armed with information and knowledge so you can get the best price. Use completed online auctions and start a library of books on the information you need.
Having some negotiating skills is important but knowledge is king. Armed with prices your willing to pay to make a return on your investment is number one. Using your time efficiently will help you obtain merchandise to sell quickly to turn over cash to keep your enterprise moving.
Johnson's book can set you on a course of where to find goods but you must visit these places in a learning capacity based on the world of information technology, which is critical and not discussed in this book. You must learn to use the Internet because the sellers are using it to estimate values and profits. Many undersell merchandise and their ignorance is your potential bonanza.
Another example is the abundance of Antique Malls, which have become prevalent and are very commercialized. These places generally have zero negotiating room since the sellers aren't present. The items for sale are usually set at top value or beyond and purchasing from these outlets won't provide you with leverage to make a profit.
Smaller antique shops with vendor booths are more reliable yet still priced very high. Once again the person in the store is not the individual selling everything so it's difficult to negotiate a fair price or come in contact with the actual seller. If you can find smaller venues it's possible vendors are occasionally present or nearby, which will provide an opportunity to negotiate. Sellers are usually willing to lower their prices in my experience, especially when you tell them you're a dealer.
Garage sales are good sources, especially if you visit block sales with each house in a community selling items. It's efficient and you may still find some gems. It's tough work but remains a fairly good source and you can negotiate asking prices downward.
Placing ads on Craig's list is a valuable method in obtaining goods. Once again, this method won't be mentioned in Johnson's book because of age.
Online auctions and online malls are a valuable source of finding good deals for items in your niche. Because Johnson's book has not been updated this method is not listed. It's easy and more efficient to find what your looking for in search engines and most times you can deal directly with the seller. You have more control and accessibility to purchase adequate inventory. You're also armed with information and your top-purchasing price.
Buy this book on the cheap only to gather some very basic and rudimentary information if you haven't any knowledge on how to get started. Find your niche, purchase specialty books to perfect your knowledge and test out the area's Johnson recommends. Live auctions are the best "offline" source to work and Johnson provides some basic information on terms used at auctions. Don't get caught up in emotions or competition at lives auctions, stick to your predetermined price and don't budge. Do your homework ahead of time.
It takes sweat equity as well as an investment. Keep good records, as suggested in the book and implement technology. It's takes time, patience and consistency but a part-time business can eventually become full-time.
Rating:
- Save your moneyWhile some of the information was helpful in a very general sense, much of it was outdated and unrealistic. Overall, not a particularly useful book.
Rating:
- A Good Place to StartIf you are interested in getting into the Antiques and Collectibles market, this book gives some good starter tips, even though it is rather old. While it does not cover the incredibly expanding online and auction market, it is a good source for tips on where to find inventory, how to purchase inventory, how to set up a B&M shop/mall space, and how to be "antique" savvy.
Rating:
- Take with a grain of saltOverall not a bad book as there is a shortage of books to tell you how to actually get into the business of antiques. It desperately needs updating; it has no mention of ebay or other Internet sources. I didn't like the authors advocation of rude behaviour at garage sales and other venues in pursuit of a "deal" or his obvious mistrust of auctioneers. Perhaps it's a regional thing. Don't make it your only source and read with an open mind. Take the good, leave the bad, and get some good books on sales, marketing, and small business to go along with your technical antiques books.
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