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In
This Issue.............
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Hello
Stacey,
Jason and I love Spring. Not just because of the great
weather, but because Brimfield is just around the corner!
What's Brimfield you ask? Brimfield, Massachusetts is the site of the
largest outdoor antique show in New England, with over 5000 dealers from
all over the country.
21 Shows are located within a one mile stretch. The anticipation, the
hunt, the fun! Dealers and buyers alike come from around the country and
around the world to attend this event.
In our feature article, Jason relays his experiences (and some advice)
garnered during his ten years of selling at Brimfield.
Of course, We will be setting up shop at the New England Motel and
Antique Shop field. Check out "Goings On" for our exact
location.
And for those of you who like Art - we've found a blog (web log) you are
are going to love.
Until next month - all the best!
Jason and Stacey Roske
P.S. You've received this newsletter because you have subscribed via our
website, store or have purchased from us on eBay. We hope you enjoy our
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Should you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please scroll to
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Selling in Brimfield - The First 24 Hours 
As I leave the house and wave goodbye to Stacey and
William the excitement starts to build. Brimfield is 1,371.29 miles and
2 days drive away, but the miles tick away quickly and before I know it
I am on Massachusetts Route 20 heading into town. There are well over
5000 dealers either set up already or waiting for their day to come.
My truck almost drives itself into the New England Motel field and comes
to a stop next to my spot under the Main Yellow Tent. By 9am tomorrow
morning, I will have been awake for nearly twenty-four hours (a short
nap from about 1am - 5am), will have dealt with hundreds of people
shopping my booth and will have sold nearly 60% of what I will sell the
entire show!
I have done this show in good weather, bad weather and even during a
hurricane (had really good sales that year!) - during good and poor
economic times. All the while the fun and the excitement of Brimfield
remains the same. This year I'm hoping that we don't have a hurricane
and that sales are strong (aren't we all?)
Brimfield is a cluster of 21 shows each opening on different days and
times during the week. The first few hours of each show are the most
important. Shoppers know that your merchandise is fresh and unpicked as
every show prohibits selling prior to opening. In fact, some shows take
this to an extreme by prohibiting any set-up prior to the gates opening
- at these shows dealers are trying to unpack their trucks and watch
their booth at the same time as the buyers are converging on the field.
Also, the next show is opening only 3 hours after mine and 95% of the
buyers will be waiting in that line when it opens!
For me as with most dealers, Brimfield is like a Mecca - antiques &
junk as far as the eye can see. So much that you really can't see it
all. And every year someone finds "The Prize". The piece they
bought for a few dollars and sold for thousands.
A couple of years ago it was a Stickley Wardrobe that was bought in a
shop on the way to Brimfield for $200.00, sold at Brimfield once for
$1,200.00, sold again on the street in Brimfield for over $10,000.00 and
then I believe it went onto a catalogued auction on the East Coast.
What advice do I have for the novice Brimfielder?
Wear comfortable shoes Dress for cold and hot (layers are best) Bring
your rain gear Bring big, sturdy bags for carrying purchases (your car
may be FAR away) Cash is King - many vendors do accept checks and credit
cards - but if you want a deal cash talks!
And stay as long as you can! Don't worry if you miss the "first
rush" of a show/field opening - there is still plenty to see and
lots of great buys to be had.
Most importantly - be prepared to have fun!
For
addition information check Brimfields official website www.Brimfield.com
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A
Great Art Blog
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While
doing research for our blog (more on that in the next
newsletter) I ran across a wonderful blog on comtemporary art.
If you have a few minutes it's a great read - no matter what
category of art interests you.
Check
out Art Addict..... »
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Tuxedo
Antiques - Goings On
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Meet Us in Brimfield
Jason and
I love to meet our newsletter subscribers in person. If you are
shopping Brimfield, please stop by our booth:
-
New
England Motel and Antique Shop
-
Space
75, In the field
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Dates
are Wed., May 12 - Sun., May 16
-
Gates
open at 6am Wednesday
The Store will be closed Wednesday, May 12 -
Wednesday, May 19th
The store will be closed while we're in Brimfield - but while
we're away we will be stocking up on lots of wonderful new
merchandise. Stop by May 20th for a look!
Ebay Sales
Unfortunately, Ebay selling will be suspended May 5 - May 19
while we are in Brimfield - but check back May 20 as we will be
auctioning some great merchandise collected while on the road.
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Quick
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