Strategies for Balancing Antiquities Collection and Sales to Preserve Valuable Pieces

Art and antique dealers often face the challenge of selling their best pieces while simultaneously maintaining a collection full of valuable and rare items. As someone who has been dealing in art antiques and collectibles for five years, I've developed a few strategies to ensure that my best pieces are not constantly sold, but kept around for the enjoyment and appreciation of myself and others. This article will explore these strategies, the reasons behind them, and how they can benefit not only the collector but also the market.

Looking at the Collection Differently

Far from a drawback, the nature of dealing in art and antiques actually enhances the collection. With this profession, I get the opportunity to see and own numerous high-quality items. My collection is diverse and always evolving, offering an array of historically and culturally significant pieces. This has allowed me to encounter and appreciate a broad range of items, from a German submarine engineer's diary signed during World War II to a bank check signed by the legendary author Jack London, and even a Raiders hat from a significant film. Each piece not only adds to the collection but also narrates a unique story and connects us to the past in profound ways.

Understanding the Market and Setting Prices Strategically

One of the critical aspects of keeping the best pieces in my collection for longer periods is the careful setting of prices. While it might seem counterintuitive, marking items at a higher price point can actually serve as a deterrent to many potential buyers. Often, the best items in one's collection have higher intrinsic values and thus higher price points. Instead of immediately selling such pieces, dealers should consider setting the price slightly above their perceived value. For instance, if a piece is thought to be worth $200, pricing it at $300 can deter casual buyers and preserve the piece for those who are more serious and willing to part with higher sums.

However, it's important to note that sometimes strategies do backfire, as in the case of the cobalt plateau mirror I owned. Despite marking it up twice, it sold within two months. This illustrates that while pricing strategies are crucial, they should be accompanied by other measures to maintain control over the collection. On the other end of the spectrum, setting shipping costs high can also be an effective deterrent. Dealers might set the shipping costs equal to or higher than the item’s value, though this is a practice that should be used judiciously. Such measures are more likely to be effective on reserved or high-demand items.

Rotation and Replacement in Collections

Ultimately, most dealers do not intend to keep any piece for more than a year. As the collection evolves, so do the preferences and attentions of the owner. After about six months, if a piece has not sold, it's time to consider moving it on, even if it's still valuable. Just as the market for collectibles can evolve, so too can the individual’s interest in them. By having a fresh rotation, dealers not only maintain the value of their collection but also introduce themselves to new and possibly more engaged buyers. It is also worth noting that collectors sometimes buy for themselves. In such instances, items can be kept out of the regular inventory to enjoy and appreciate in a more personal context.

Conclusion

Dealing in art and antiques presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. By understanding the market, setting prices strategically, and rotating high-value pieces, dealers can preserve the best of their collections. This not only benefits the existing collection but also enhances the potential value of these items for future generations.

Key Strategies:

Set high prices to deter casual buyers and preserve value. Use high shipping costs to discourage purchases. Rotate high-value items within a year to maintain collection freshness and value.

With these strategies, antique and art dealers can strike a balance between selling and holding onto the finest pieces in their collections, ensuring they always have something noteworthy to cherish and share with the world.