Newsletter for Monday, February 3, 2025

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

The antique and vintage world seems to be singing the blues - "the business has changed", "nobody's buying furniture", "things aren't selling like they used to"... yadda yadda yadda. I figured it was time to get the scoop from someone who's been around the block a few times, our very own Auctioneer, aka "The Furniture King", Mark O'Connor.

Mark was born and raised in the business and knows firsthand how wild the antique business has become. "The market for antiques, furniture, and collectibles has gone crazy. It's mind-boggling to think that just ten years ago, the market for antiques, furniture, and collectibles was stuck in the Stone Age; we sold out of barns and shops, shows and flea markets. Tons of people came to buy and, boy, did they ever. It was a blast and a cash cow. It still is to a point but things have gotten weird” says O’Connor. “The online antique market is on fire, where buyers and sellers can quickly connect and exchange goods. People haven't lost their love for antiques, they just want to find them faster. Demand may have dipped, but that's just because people's tastes are changing at lightning speed. Let 's be real, modern designs are way more appealing to many people than those old antiques. People are all about that new-new, trendy life, but there are still many folks out there who appreciate the charm of older items. Marketing is key and technology makes it easier to get the word out… and….let's not forget about auctions - there's nothing like getting your hands on something and knowing exactly what you're getting. Technology has made everyone an expert, or so they think. Now, buyers often believe they know more about an antique or vintage item than the owner or auctioneer. It's a challenge but also kind of funny. On the other hand, I've walked into homes where the owner had no clue about the treasure they were sitting on... or standing on, for that matter. I once scored the largest Karastan rug I'd ever laid eyes on for a whopping $40 and flipped it ...let's just say I did killer! Yeah, those were the days.

Auctions, always an adventure…you never know what you're gonna get, but hey, that's part of the fun, right? First, there's the atmosphere, the excitement, it's like being a kid in a candy store. Then, you get to learn stuff, and we all love learning, right? And, of course, it’s entertaining! Next, you get to get all touchy-feely with the items, checking them out like a pro, and then... you get to take them home! No waiting, no shipping, just instant gratification! And, as if all that wasn't enough, antiques are usually made to last, so they keep their value and they add a touch of class to your home!”

So, to me, from the words of a pro…yes, times, they are a-changin! Online sales and auctions are still all the rage and if you want to keep up, you have to adapt, learn, grow and evolve! The antiques market might be changing, but it's certainly not dead. And we've got to keep changing with it. Just like OC’s Antique and Auction Services…always changing with the times…get it?! So, hit those auctions, (whether online or live) especially ours!

See you at our online store, our online auctions or at our next auction…live, of course, in beautiful Catskill, NY!

Be a bidder!

~Linda