Every breath we take is borrowed from a silence that will one day reclaim it. That thought hit me hard the first time it crossed my mind. Life is fragile, fleeting, and deeply temporary. We walk around as if the clock will never run out, but the truth is we’re all living on borrowed time. Each inhale is a gift, each exhale a debt paid back. I’ve stood in rooms filled with the remnants of lives — estates where the laughter has gone quiet, where the voices that once filled the

The Psychology of Buying: Understanding Your Customers' Motivations Understanding why customers buy can make a significant difference in your success as an antique reseller. While price and quality are important, the emotional and psychological factors behind purchasing decisions play a crucial role. Let’s dive into the psychology of buying and explore how you can tap into your customers' motivations to enhance their experience and boost your sales. 1. The Desire for Nostalgi

Thrive in Silence, Let Success Be Your Noise In a world where everyone is vying for attention, it can be tempting to shout about our achievements from the rooftops. Social media platforms are filled with announcements, accolades, and highlights of success. However, there’s an understated power in embracing the opposite approach: thriving in silence and letting success speak for itself. The Power of Quiet Achievement Silence doesn’t mean inaction. On the contrary, some of the

Providing balance for success. In both business and personal life, we often hear the advice to "play to your strengths." It sounds straightforward, but what does it truly mean? More importantly, how can we apply this principle to not only leverage our strengths but also to overcome our weaknesses? Embrace What You’re Good At The first step in playing to your strengths is to identify them. What are you naturally good at? What do people often compliment you on? For some, it mig

The Art of Selling in the Antiques World: Why "I Don't Need the Whole Pie, Just Give Me a Bite" Matters As an antique broker and reseller with decades of experience, I’ve seen the market evolve, trends come and go, and countless dealers make both fortune and folly. One key principle I've always adhered to, and which has guided much of my success, is encapsulated in a simple phrase: "I don't need the whole pie, just give me a bite." This phrase isn't just a catchy saying; it r

Mastering Reselling: Effective Pricing Strategies for Sustainable Success In the fast-paced world of reselling, pricing is a critical factor that directly impacts the success and growth of your business. Pricing your products effectively requires balancing customer attraction, profit maximization, and competitive positioning. In this guide, we will explore proven pricing strategies to help you navigate the complexities of reselling, empowering you to make confident and inform

How to Build a Loyal Customer Base for Your Antique and Reselling Business In the world of antiques, where every piece tells a story and every customer seeks a unique connection, building a loyal customer base is key to long-term success. As someone with over 40 years of experience in this field, I’ve seen how relationships can turn one-time buyers into lifelong patrons. Here are my top tips for cultivating a dedicated customer base for your antique business. 1. Create Memora

Understanding Provenance: Why an Item’s History Matters In the world of antiques, provenance is a term you’ll often hear, but what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important? Provenance refers to the history of ownership of an antique item, including its origin, previous owners, and any significant events it may have been part of. This history can significantly impact the value, authenticity, and desirability of an antique. Here’s why provenance matters and how you can

Demand Dictates Value Value isn’t a fixed number stamped on a tag — it’s a living, breathing thing shaped by desire, timing, and the stories we attach to what we hold in our hands. In antiques, in metals, in friendships, and in love, the same truth rises to the top: demand dictates value. I’ve seen this play out my entire life, from the moment I sold my first piece at thirteen to the present day, standing behind a table of silver rounds or a booth full of forgotten treasures.