Brimfield - The First 24 Hours

By Jason R. Roske

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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