Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion prices of things....

But boy is it fun !!

Been buying and selling antiques for 40 yrs.Everything has it's day in the sun.Popularity of an item comes and goes.Publicity and awareness drive prices and create trends.Prices escalate and price many collectors out forcing prices to level out and sometimes go down.Everyone collects and buys what they related to when they were younger,unless they are just buying to resale.The real fun is buying at realistic prices and enjoying the bargains that you are able to find.Granted now- days it is getting harder and harder to do.The joy of hunt is what it is all about for me.Face it, the next generation for the most part will have no connection to things of our past.They will relate too and collect things that they were familiar with growing up.That is if any of it endures the test of time?When I look at my small collection, I can almost remember where I got each piece and what I paid for it.Memories that's what it's all about!

I agree Buzzy, My collection will never be for sale. My only hope is to pass it on to some young person, Who has that look in their eye. And when that day comes it be will all be free, no charge!! But that will be awhile because I am only 43!

I've had several visitors to my place look around and say,"I can't afford this hobby".And then,even when I point out that they don't have to start with high dollar stuff they just drop the whole idea of getting into it.

I'm just saying that the price of this stuff now is limiting the number of newcomers willing to become involved.And further,those who are financially capable many times choose to not become involved because they realize that investing in collectibles is a risk they are not willing to take.

Just my experience and thing to think about;if they keep going up means fewer people entering the hobby which,IMO,is not a good thing.

Most of this STUFF was here before us & will be around LONG after we are all gone. Preserving the past for Future Collectors/Collections [Mini Museums].

Buzzy56, That is "reply of the month" material in my book.

To me basic law of supply and demand. I can go into antique stores and see for example dishes, see same ones for years (some patterns they still make)in stores around here and not just one store. Lucky if you find one or 2 gas/oil items in most antique stores,stuff just not there.

Supply and demand will affect prices on items that are no longer produced. When I got interested in gas station items back in 1995 the local gas bash attracted a lot of buyers and sellers. In recent years not as many buyers and sellers. I know, I sold at Fred's. I have seen high prices recently on rare items, grade 9+ cans and mint signs. Check out Dan's auction for Friday March 1, 2013. The prices bid so far are high and will go higher.

Step Up for Quality or Lower Your Standards for lower prices.
There will always be buyers for Quality.