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Michael Hogben

The Diamond Geezer

Here's a short extract from Michael Hogben's A-Z of Antiques and Auctions

Michael Hogben at desk with gavel

I received a call from a couple that lived on the outskirts of Dover. On arriving at the house, which looked to me as if it had been furnished with bingo prizes, the sixth sense that auctioneers gain over the years (otherwise known as the 'X' Factor) kicked in - the feeling that there was something good in this house.

It transpired that their daughter and her husband were among the many on the verge of losing their home; the couple wanted to sell some items in order to raise the necessary funds for their daughter. After a lengthy chat, I decided to have a look around their house. As I walked into the main lounge, the hairs on my arms began to stand on end. The sixth sense was kicking in and I just knew that there was something of value in the room.

Display well to sell well

If your stand looks attractive and is neatly displayed it will guarantee interest from the buyers at the fair. If you are specialising in one field then the specialists will come straight to you. This is when you need to have your pricing right, and you can only price right if you buy right. Do not be tempted to buy something for £80 with 15% buyer's premium when the highest price you could achieve for the item is £120 on your stall. I think also that on any antiques stall you should have something which stands out so as to attract the all important buyers, whether it's a large object, brightly coloured or of a unique shape.


Read the biography of Michael Hogben.


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