Antique Vintage
Feb/100
Antique Vintage
Online Sellers and Buyers of Unique One of a Kind Antique and Vintage Merchandise are Becoming Extinct!!!
Most babyboomers grew up with going to the old fashioned farm or household auctions which were held because the owners died or were moving. Do you remember the excitement of raising your hand to place a bid and the ultimate excitement of the auctioneer’s hammer hitting the desk and “SOLD” it was yours. Well the same feeling can be recaptured for all generations to enjoy on the online auction sites. Placing a bid on something you have just got to have and waiting for the gavel to go down and you now own it or you will as soon as you pay and the seller sends it to you.
EBay and other sites started out with this same level of excitement over a decade ago and having been a buyer back in 1998 on eBay I spent hours watching (many of the auction did not even have photos) for the auctions to end to see if I got it. Unfortunately Ebay ahs chosen to go to the fixed price model and is looking to emulate the success of Amazon.com and uBid.com. This selling philosophy entails selling many of the same new merchandise at a fixed price. Yes many of the items will be cheaper than what can be found in the “brick and mortar” marketplace however by the time you add shipping the final price is quite comparable. The auction on the other hand is the only way that antique and vintage merchandise should be sold as the marketplace sets the value and in most cases it may be at a higher price than expected, plus the need to act immediately to get it or it may never be seen again is quite persuasive to encourage bidding.
I am what is called a boutique seller and have sold on eBay for over eight years.About 99% of the auctions I listed were antique and vintage costume jewelry and have always done quite well having gross receipts of up to $10,000. month on no more than 800 (some are relists) auction up during the same month. My average percent to total of auctions sold was between 50-65%. I never sold with a buy-it-now or fixed price and found that many of my auctions got very high bids within the last few minutes and even seconds of the auction end. This is because the items are one if kind and harder to find and the buyers do not want to possibly miss out on getting it. If however the same merchandise had been set up as Buy It Nows or at a fixed price within an eBay store probably my monthly gross receipts would not have been over $5,000. and with only a 15-25% of the total auctions would have sold.
All in all if you are selling one of a kind antique and vintage merchandise and am interested in making money and having quick turnover with the ability to keep your merchandise fresh, the answer lies in the auction format. Oh yes you can make more money on the fixed price model per item but the percentage of successfully ended auctions will be quite low thus making your store or listings seem stale and interesting to the average avid buyer.
Now why would eBay want to go primarily fixed price format??? For many reasons as outlined below. Earlier this year eBay made arrangements with bid.com (which sells 100+ of the same merchandise at a fixed price per unit) to give them FREE or at least lower preferential treatment as to their listing fees. Bid.com has over 2.5 million pieces to sell on eBay (this by the way will force all of the one of the kind pieces way down in the sort when searched). and eBay sees that one fixed price listing of more than one unit and since more than one of the same item may sell and since final valuation fees have been raised, eBay will make more money. Also having fewer auction listings on the site because of the multiple unit listings, eBay can lower their server and customer service costs. It is a very smart move for an aristocratic company such as eBay to make. The small boutique seller and even the buyer loses in this arrangement.
I started an auction venue this past month called Vintage Gems Emporium with the sole purpose of giving the boutique seller and buyer an exclusive multi-seller auction (fixed price and buy it nows are also to be found) venue for Antique, Vintage and New Costume and Fine Jewelry. This is the first of its kind and sp far so good. The response has been extremely favorable and the results have been impressive. It is just a start up and even with in mind it has surpassed its original projected marketing plans. Vintage Gems Emporium was founded on three basic philosophies. The first is to provide an “AUCTION BOUTIQUE” for one of kind jewelry pieces in an environment that is of the character and quality of “Just Jewelry”. The second is to provide unprecedented customer appreciation and service and not forgetting who will make the site great. And the third, is to have the lowest fees of any other auction or fixed price site on the internet.
The Auction Boutique is accomplished by the fact that there is only JEWELRY being sold… and within the next month the appearance of Vintage Gems Emporium will have the look of a fine Beverly Hills Antique and Vintage Jewelry Shop using colors, graphics, images and more to be custom and special for a Just Jewelry Boutique.
Unprecedented customer appreciation and service is provided in many ways and include many levels of service either through email, Live Chat, toll free phone numbers to real people and eventually being able to help customers make changes by actually assisting the customer online from our computers to the customers. Equal feedback is key and allows everyone whether a buyer or seller an opportunity to be treated fairly and all feedback from other sites will be moved to the VGE venue. Also much like eBay’s power seller program, VGE has both BRILLIANT SELLERS and BRILLIANT BUYERS designations to identify which sellers and buyers have a positive and productive history on the site.
Lowest fees of any online auction or fixed price site. Vintage Gems Emporium has NO Final Valuation Fees and in comparison to eBay that is up to an 8.75% savings of the final sale price. VGE has many free listing options including no need for a subtitile since the auction title line is invariably unlimited as to how many characters can be used. No cost for buy-it-now and delayed start auctions. Very low cost to add bells and whistles such as BOLD, HIGHLIGHT, CATEGORY FEATURE, HOMEPAGE FEATURE and RESERVE PRICE. Also Virtual Gems Emporium
has the ability for a cost to actually load a movie to showcase your auction listing.
All in all, Vintage Gems Emporium is working day and night to be all that you could possibly want from an online worldwide auction venue and the perfect opportunity to make some money and also to find what you have been looking for at a fair price. Come see us at www.vintagegemsemporium.com, registration is free and no financial information is exchanged so you have nothing to lose. See you there!!!
About the Author
My name is Candace Daugherty and I live near Charleston, South Carolina. I am an entrepreneur and have worked as a retail design and marketing consultant with many internationally known retailers and fashion designers over the past 30 years.
My passion is Antique and Vintage Costume and Fine Jewelry. I have collected jewelry for over 35 years and own many incredibly fabulous book pieces as shown in the many jewelry price guides.
I love Victorian, Art Nouveau and Edwardian pieces and have been fortunate to find many wonderful and highly collectible pieces right here in my own backyard of Charleston, SC. I have a special fondness as most do for Miriam Haskell, DeMario, Schaiparelli, Alfred Philippe, Staret, McClelland-Barclay, Pennino and more and have found wonderful ways to put my hands on these pieces at a fraction of what most retailers or collectors could ever expect.
Since September 15, 2008 I along with three others have founded the first of its kind, an exclusive auction boutique for antique, vintage and new costume and fine jewelry. We started Virtual Gems Emporium at www.virtualgemsemporium.com with three concepts in mind. One, a special boutique environment in an Auction Venue just for the collector and specialist of antique and vintage costume and fine jewelry. Two, to be the lowest cost auction or fixed price venue on the internet. And three to put the entire Virtual Gems Emporium community first with unbelievable customer service and fair equal treatment of all trading partners.
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Austram Vintage Arbor, Antique Green $189.1 Austram Vintage Arbor, Antique Green |
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Antique Vintage Amber Ring in Sterling Silver .925 $49.99 Classic and classy, you’ll enjoy this great antique vintage amber ring. Flaunting a single beautiful amber gem and a delicate ridged design in a foundation of sterling silver, this item has your name written all over it. SKU: 68VS7325 |
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Antique Vintage Diamond Ring 1/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K Yellow Gold $149 This antique vintage ring harbors a swirling yellow gold facade bordered by rows of dazzling diamonds, adding up to 1/10 carat (ctw) of diamond weight. SKU: 08JP69350 |
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Diamond Antique Vintage Earrings 1/4 Carat (ctw) in White Gold $199 Sporting an entirely Antique Style, these white gold vintage earrings are complete stunners. Forty six amazing diamonds speckle the lustrous facade, giving way to a total diamond weight of 1/4 carat(ctw). SKU: 01CM011025W |
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Antique $15.99 Antique |
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Vintage Antique Iron 4.5 H Lock Padlock with Keys Reproduction $13.99 This replica collectible Antique Padlock comes with two (2) keys is both decorative and functional? Makes a great gift for that special antique replica collector – or a wonderful Home Decor present for a deserving person…perhaps you! |
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Vintage Antique Iron 5 High Lock Padlock with Keys Reproduction $17.99 This replica collectible Antique Padlock comes with two (2) keys is both decorative and functional? Makes a great gift for that special antique replica collector – or a wonderful home decor present for a deserving person…perhaps you! |
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Miroir Vintage $119.2 Meublez votre chambre à coucher avec la collection Vintage. Inspirée du style Louis Philippe son élégance se reflète par des lignes fines et de belles moulures, cette collection est ramenée au goût du jour grâce a ses belles poignées fini antique et a la simplicité des pièces. Classique et pratique le miroir offre la touche de finition nécessaire à votre décor. Fabriqué au Canada de bois d’ingénierie dans un fini laminé Cerisier Classique, cette collection comporte une garantie limitée de 5 ans. |
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Vintage $17.99 Vintage |
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Westinghouse Lighting 78042 52 Vintage Ceiling Fan in Antique Brass $84.83 Antique Brass Finish with reversible oak/walnut blades – 52 AB CEILING FAN: Vintage is a 5 blade 52 ceiling fan. Includes Light Fixture with frosted Ribbed Glass shades. Uses (3) 60W maximum candelabra base fan lamps. Light Cover cap not included. 3/4 downrod. Limited 25 year warranty. |
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Graff G-4120-ACU Vintage One Handle Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray Antique Copper $496.8 Graff G-4120-ACU Vintage One Handle Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray Antique Copper Graff blands the character of the days past with the design and function needs of today into a product line that is truly remarkable. Evoke a nostalgic feel with faucets that add instant age and warmth, or choose a streamlined design for a sleek, polished look. No matter the style or finish, each Graff faucet reflects teh quality, beauty and workmanship of its European heritage.. Graff G-4120-ACU Vintage One Handle Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray Antique Copper Features: • One Handle Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray • Vintage Series • Washerless ceramic disc valve • Solid Brass Construction • Vegetable Spray Included • Base Plate G-9911 available separetly (as an option) • 3/8″ Compression Fittings • Overall Faucet Height – 11″ • Deck to Aerator Height – 5 13/16″ • Spout Reach – 9 1/4″ • Max Deck Thickness – 1 9/16″ |
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Diamond Antique Vintage Pendant 1/4 Carat (ctw) in 14K White Gold with Chain $199 This stunning antique vintage pendant is sure to make a fashion statement. its beautiful 10 karat white gold design is embellished with 1/4 carat (ctw) of luminous, breathtaking diamonds. SKU: 02CM071925W |
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Antique Vintage Diamond Fillagree Pendant 1/4 Carat (ctw) in 10K White and Yellow Gold with Chain $179 Crafted in stunning white and yellow gold, this antique pendant necklace emblazons a striking vintage Fillagree design within a bordering arrangement of crisp diamonds (1/4 carat (ctw)). A real winner. SKU: 02JP6847325WY |
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Diamond Antique Vintage Pendant 1/6 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold with Chain $159 This beautiful antique pendant is reminiscent of a Vintage Style. Featuring 1/6 carats (ctw) of sparkling diamonds, set in 10 karat white gold, it will not go unnoticed. SKU: 02CM010316W |
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Antique Vintage Diamond Pendant 1/4 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold with Chain $179 This stunning piece will bring elegance and flair to any outfit. Vintage inspired, this antique pendant features 1/4 carats (ctw) of diamonds set in 10 karat white gold. SKU: 02CM002025W |
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59,7cm Lustre, fini laiton antique vintage $169 Une pièce de transition visuellement attrayante offrant un milieu éclairé apaisant. L’armature est avantageusement dotée d’un fini en laiton de choix et dégage une chaude impression grâce à son verre ambre. |
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43,8cm Luminaire suspendu, fini laiton antique vintage $139 Une pièce de transition visuellement attrayante offrant un milieu éclairé apaisant. L’armature est avantageusement dotée d’un fini en laiton de choix et dégage une chaude impression grâce à son verre ambre. |
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38,1cm Bâti Affleurant, fini laiton antique vintage $49.99 Une pièce de transition visuellement attrayante offrant un milieu éclairé apaisant. L’armature est avantageusement dotée d’un fini en laiton de choix et dégage une chaude impression grâce à son verre ambre. |
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Antique Trader Vintage Clothing Price Guide $18.74 This book is in New – Excellent condition |
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Diamond Antique Vintage Band in 14K Yellow Gold $249 Crafted in stellar 14 karat yellow gold, this fancy ring emblazons beautifully contoured designs and a kind of style you simply can’t ignore. Several crisp diamonds simply serve to enhance the look. SKU: 08ES3458 |
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Diamond Antique Vintage Band in 14K White Gold $249 Crafted in stellar 14 karat white gold, this fancy ring emblazons beautifully contoured designs and a kind of style you simply can’t ignore. Several crisp diamonds simply serve to enhance the look. SKU: 08ES3458W |
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The Best Vintage, Collectible & Antique Shops in Paris $14.48 No Synopsis Available |
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Antique & Vintage Fashions, 1745 to 1979: A Collector’s Guide $22.89 No Synopsis Available |
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Vintage Collage Journals: Journaling With Antique Ephemera $19.1 No Synopsis Available |
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Antique Trader Vintage Magazines Price Guide $15.27 No Synopsis Available |
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Antique Vintage Diamond Ring 1/5 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold $149 Sporting an entirely vintage look, this fancy and ornate ring features a litany of forty-three crisp swirling diamonds embedded in shining white gold. 1/5 carat (ctw)). SKU: 08JP6856120W |
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Antique Vintage Diamond Ring 1/6 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold $169 This vintage style ring enjoys a special arrangement of twenty three decadent diamonds sparkling in a crisp setting of 10 karat white gold. Total diamond weight for this ring is 1/6 carat (ctw). SKU: 08PG913417W |
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Antique Vintage Amber Drop Pendant in Sterling Silver .925 with Chain $39.99 Let yourself revel in the ethereal beauty that is this vintage necklace. Warm and luminous amber plays off a sparking foundation of rustic sterling silver to give an antiquated look that cannot be ignored. SKU: 62VS7311 |
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Westinghouse Vintage Ceiling Fan … |
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1910 Antique Replica Light Bulb, 40 Watt, 120 Volt, 28 Candle Power $9.99 This antique bulb is fully operational. It performs in accordance with the actual technology that was available in 1910. This 1910 model is 40 watts and has a candlepower of 28…. |
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2 Vintage Outhouse Pictures Bathroom Privy Poster Print $5.99 The price is for the two art prints pictured. Each print measures 8×10 inches. The perfect size for framing. These outhouse pictures work great in any room. Especially the bath room:) Thanks for looking!… |
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Vintage America: A Musical Meritage $17.27 America began forging its own cultural identity in the 19th Century with music reflecting a vast array of cultures coming together. By the time the first music conservatory opened in 1865, European classical music had begun to be mingled with music influenced by Native American themes, African-American styles of ragtime and spirituals, Latin American and rural American folk music, and the traditio… |
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Movie Classics: Melody of Dreams $22.99 BRIGHT DOUBLE NEON CLOCKS with a color neon tube on the outside and a white neon color tube in the inside, with tin sign advertisement inside! Chrome Finish metal case, 12v adapter included and the clock is battery operated. (Battery not included) Good for Kids Room, Recreation rooms, Restaurants, Diners, Bars, Game rooms, Garages and anyplace in the home! Available colors: Red, Blue, Orange, Gree… |
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Little Rascals: Spanky / Feed ‘Em & Weep SPANKY (1932): Breezy’s mischievous baby brother, Spanky, nearly scuttles the gang’s barnyard production of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. But his backstage antics finally bring down the house when he finds a cache of money and rains it on the unsuspecting audience. Spanky’s Rascal debut is unforgettably funny! FEED ‘EM AND WEEP (1938): It’s a celebration of laughs and lunacy as Alfalfa and the gang crash Mr…. |
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Hidden Treasures: A Collector’s Guide to Antique and Vintage Jewelry of the 19th and 20th Centuries $5.99 … |
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Midwest Old Threshers Golden Anniversary Reunion 2000 [VHS] $32.00 … |
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100/0.01g Digital Pocket Scale Gram, Ounce, Carat, Grain $18.99 High quality strain gauge load cell system makes it accurate in full capacity range. High density ABS housing and metal support makes it very durable. Large high contrast LCD display makes the readouts clear to read. TARE function makes it much easier to weigh liquid or powder. Attractive blue Back Lit used in dark. User can switch off the back lit to Save Power. Crystal clear cover can be also us… |
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The Orphan Car Video $24.95 The Exceptional Auto Series presents Show 3: “The Orphan Car Video.” Orphan cars, are defined here as vehicles who’s manufacturers have gone out of business. This video takes an upclose look at these rare beauties that never made it out of the “20th Century.” This is a rare peek into their world as the Exceptional Auto Series revisits cars from Packard, Studebaker and Nash, just to name a few. Exp… |