If you haven’t noticed, there is currently a downturn in economic trading in the United States. This is not “NEWS.” It is the daily reality of those who are out of work or struggling to pay bills. Often, there isn’t enough money for that CD one has been wanting, or new fabric for that special quilt that one has been wishing to make. We have all had to trim our budgets to make way for the necessary, while leaving the “someday” buys on a shelf, for now.
When people think of downsizing, they often turn to old textiles that some ancestor made. Sure the item is nice, but they no longer wish to own whatever it may be: a quilt, an embroidered pillowcase, a paisley shawl. They simply do not wish to continue to give houseroom to this piece and they wonder how much it might be worth. Usually, it is worth a whole lot less than any sentimental assignment of worth might reflect.
On a daily basis, I receive notes from people in the United States and abroad. They want my “assistance” in telling them what their item is worth and where they can sell it. It seems obvious and flip to mention “eBay,” but in reality, if you don’t want to wait, that is your most expedient choice. If the price is too high, you will get no bidders. Right now, keep in mind that less people are accessing the Internet, in lieu of attending graduations, mowing the lawn, or engaging in other warm weather activities. People seem to spend less time on the computer than in winter months.
Even if I am interested in an item, myself, it would be unethical for me to suggest a price. The price-setting has to come from another source, preferably a certified appraiser. If your item is not worth at least $200., then it probably not worth having it appraised, as appraisers generally charge $50.-55. to look over your textile and write up a report that documents the item.
We are all in the same boat, and probably all own items that we don’t even look at, and have no intention of using again. Yard sales can be a good venue, especially if advertised as a particular kind of yard sale – say, for quilts, and word gets out to the “right” people. Just be sure to have enough helpers on hand so that the mauling hands of people or kids who have just eaten a sticky ice cream cone will not ruin your great grandmother’s Crazy Quilt that can’t be cleaned.
As a non-appraiser and non-dealer, believe me, I am the last person to ask regarding the pricing of your antique items. Appraising has never interested me. It is based on supposition, and subjectivity to a degree that is too high to suit me. It seems absurd to pay someone a fee to be told how much money an item might “fetch” in the marketplace. Anything is worth ONLY what a buyer is willing to pay, surely an unpopular opinion among those who make a lot of money doing appraisals. I am useless when asked to assign dollar figures to textiles!
Until next time, amigos y amigas,
Pat
