My booth at the show

I’m writing this blog from the show at 6:45 PM on Saturday. The show formally opened to the public today at 11 AM, with a preview party yesterday evening.

Preview party: Very well attended with most people in a very good mood, but I have a major gripe with all preview parties. I wish they didn’t exist. They may be great fun for the attendees, but they’re torture for the exhibitors. Most people go to have a good time, to see and be seen. I’m there to do business and that seems to be in conflict with the goals of the guests. Result: one sale to another dealer who I know, none to the general public.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antiques Show, Saturday, 2/12/10

Saturday: Attendance was unbelievable today. I haven’t seen so many people attend an antique show in 20 years. The problem is that most of the people were here because they had free tickets to attend. The show promoter is very generous in distributing tickets, so why not attend? The problem from the dealer standpoint is that most of the people were here for a good time and again that’s in direct conflict with my interests. Based on the number of inquiries, I should have sold half my booth, but sales lagged far behind interest. Many people took business cards and many people said they’ll return, so we’ll see. Result: a few sales to the general public.

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Sunday 4:35 PM: Gotta hand it to the promoter. Attendance again was outstanding — lots of questions and interest. I usually prefer it when there aren’t so many free tickets because paying an admission price separates the lookers from the buyers. On the other hand, you can’t make a sale to someone who isn’t there, so good attendance is important. Result: sales much better. This continues a trend that I noticed at the Miami Beach Antiques Show — sales got better on the second day of the show — very curious. Historically sales have been best on opening day, but I don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. If the second day is better, so be it.

I’ll post a blog on Wednesday morning with the final results. The show continues until 6 PM on Tuesday.

I’m taking a lot of time to add new items to my website. I’ve already listed new items under Gallé glass (including a blownout vase), Daum Nancy glass and Tiffany Studios glass. Soon I’ll be adding many Tiffany Studios desk pieces. Please take a look, as every day I’m adding more. Click on this link chasenantiques.com.

Please send me your suggestions or questions about art glass, lamps, Louis Icart, shows, auctions, etc. If it’s interesting, I’ll answer your question in a future blog entry.

Call or write and let me know what you would like to buy, sell, or trade. philchasen@gmail.com or
516-922-2090. And please visit my website. chasenantiques.com