The Thrill of Discovery
Every antique has a story, and the journey of finding those stories has defined this past year. Running a small antiques business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about uncovering pieces of history and matching them with the right person. This year, the thrill of discovery took us to unexpected place and meeting new and interesting contacts. Each trip was a gamble; some yielded nothing more than dust and disappointment, while others offered treasures that would become a new lease of life for the right customer.
Over the year we have produced quite a few blogs with our more interesting finds. Some topics we have knowledge of and others we have had to research. Each time hoping we can help you our customers and followers in certain areas of the trade.
There is nothing quite like the surge of adrenaline when you realise you have uncovered a hidden gem. But with every find, there’s also the challenge of research—ensuring authenticity, understanding the item’s history, and accurately pricing it. This year reinforced that being an antiques dealer is as much about being a detective as it is about being a seller.
Navigating the Market’s Ebb and Flow
The antiques market is as unpredictable as the treasures it holds. This year, I learned that success isn’t just about the items you offer; it’s about timing, trends, and understanding your audience.
Our biggest seller of the year has been vintage adult magazines. Our professionalism, customer confidentiality and discreet packaging, has made our customers feel at ease. They have also been forthcoming with questions and queries.
However, not every pivot worked. We invested in brassware, anticipating a revival that never came. As a result, we are ending the year with a few too many brass pieces gathering dust on the shelves. These missteps were humbling reminders that trends can be fickle and that trusting our gut doesn’t always guarantee success.
Another significant challenge was balancing online sales with in-person interactions. While our website brought in our main customers from across the world, face-to-face connections were still vital. Finding the right balance between these two worlds became a central focus this year, as we worked to grow our online presence without losing the personal touch that makes antique shopping special.
The Human Connections
At its core, this business is about people. Over the past year, the most rewarding part of running an antiques business isn’t the profit margins or the rare finds—it’s the connections we have made.
Our eBay store reviews have been coming in throughout the year predominately positive with fantastic feedback comments. Growing our feedback score to just under 1300, 100% positive feedback and just short of 3000 items sold.
The stories people share when buying items are as valuable as the antiques themselves. Some are looking for something specific; others are simply reminiscing about the past. This year, we have listened to some amazing memories and emotions tied to their search. These moments of connection remind us why we chose this path.
Of course, there have been difficult interactions, too. Bargaining with determined hagglers, handling disappointed customers, and managing misunderstandings are part of the job. But even in those moments, we have learned patience, empathy, and the importance of clear communication.
Reflecting on the past year, we are grateful for the people who have supported our small business, each contributing in their own way to the story of Wildcard Curiosities. This will be the last blog for 2024. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your custom and support.
Wildcard Curiosities
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