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| Goodbye 2012...... |
Looking at 2012 from a sellers point of view I saw jewelry as the big seller. When I looked at the "What was selling" area of Ruby Lane, ebay and Tias I found that fact frustrating as I do not sell much of the items. All year I have found the numbers climb weekly. I also find it alarming that the cost of gold has made the allure of money and the economics of the time more important than holding on to beautiful pieces that were placed on a lapel or a ring by our ancestors who cherished them. What does that say about the attitude of the young about "old" in any category including people? Those beauties of stones and gold are now gone forever I am sad to say. The reality is the stories are gone as well of family and how they were obtained.
I love pottery and not just one kind but many types and price brackets. I cannot pass up a figurine with wonderful details and delicacy. Just head to a dollar store or a huge merchandise store to see the lack of workmanship our young people are buying. It lacks detail, quality and even weight. Sadly each one is the same and mass produced as well. The quality is just a sad reflection of the fact that buying a piece of technology is far more impressive to young people these days then finding a piece of our past made by a crafters hands. The beauty of a planter is definitely a plus when you are talking pottery. Yes, there are some beautiful pieces of planters now but isn't it interesting that at my garage sale every year that is one of the items most asked for. Maybe people realize the sturdy durability of the old pieces Grandma used. In looking at my own selling numbers sales have definitely been slower of those pieces on line this year but they have been consistent.
I am in heaven when I get the chance to look at old toys and games. I am definitely hung up on the memories they bring I guess. Interestingly this year I have sold quite a few. I believe there is a renewal of the" old" slowly trickling into the market. My thought is that some parents are seeing the unwanted influence of technology and are looking for a way to bring family time back into their life. "Game nights" and the resurgence of the remake of old standby games prove that in the trendy specialty stores. Even though the WII has become a family favorite I believe there is also a sense of some wanting the next generation to learn how to do fun without the modern conveniences and in a simple way. From my view my granddaughter was totally enthralled with a game of jacks on the front sidewalk and we played for a good hour. I think that says it all.
Lastly, is the trend of vintage clothing. Now there is where you see quality. Goodness knows, we all complain about the quality of the mass produced new these days. Hollywood has helped this trend upsurge, I believe. Economics has helped as well. People are now not as able to afford the price of the fashionable new and fashion has, as it always does, taken from the past so that has definitely helped vintage clothing sellers. I am afraid the real reality is as the population increases in size the ability to wear the clothing of the past will become less marketable. Tiny waists and small sizes were the trend years ago. So if we want sales we need to promote the diet and exercise push now in our market not only for sales but also for better health.
So that is my take on the end of year evaluation. It is not worth much I am afraid and is not done with the economics of numbers as math is not my God given talent. It is just one lonely seller with a keyboard and an opinion.
Check out my "The Vintage Village" blog for my page to see the numbers and what was in and what was out.