I've been in this business for over 30 years and I guess some things never change. Are antique dealers ever happy?
It's a given that we're happy when business is good, and depressed when it's slow, but today I'm referring to the love/hate aspect that sometimes happens. Business has seen a dramatic uptick in the last week... thank goodness! August is always traditionally slow and we always can't wait for school to start so folks will start settling back in and doing important things.... like buying antiques for their homes!!! Plus, in Texas, we can't wait for August to be over because for the most part it means the end of 100 degree, oven baked days! We usually get teased by a weak cool front (like today, high in low 90's with rain! Love it!!!) We only
think fall is on the way, because by next week, it will probably be 98 degrees again and steamy. I really don't count on "real autumn" in Dallas until about the end of October! Ugh!
I digress; anyway, back to the "love/hate" relationship.
We received a great new shipment a couple weeks ago and were really happy with lots of the items. A new shipment always means re-arranging the store. It's lots of work, but it lifts our spirits to see and be around new inventory, especially when you're proud of it. We usually like several items so much that we don't really care if they sell quickly. Today, we got an internet call from a California client and sold two of our favorite new items, a really nice Louis XVI painted settee and a fabulous Venetian lacquered sofa.
Though we were very happy with the sale, we hated to see two great pieces go out the door after only two weeks on the floor! We hardly got to enjoy them! Prime example of love/hate.... love to buy, love to sell, but hate to see a good piece go! (Especially because they're so hard to replace!) However, the more I think about it, the emotional attachment usually dissipates very quickly. My momentary "hate to see it go" is a distant memory when the check arrives and the bills get paid! So, I guess the "love" in buying
and selling prevails in this relationship; which is as it should be!
