Kovels Newsletter
There aren't many colleges that offer a degree in ReSelling. Most ReSellers and Antique Dealers simply learn the business by first buying and collecting. Later when they realized that their "hobby" was filling the entire house, garage, shed and storage unit, they decide that perhaps it was time to "sell" some of their excess items.
Therefore an education for a ReSeller isn't as conventional as other jobs. One of the best ways to learn is to see as many antiques and collectibles as possible. This means shopping at estate sales, antique stores, reading through antique guide books, going to auctions and looking at completed auction sales on-line. The more familiar you are with items, the more chances you have at making money.
The Kovels Newsletter is your ReSelling education in a nutshell. For $27 a year Kovels will arrive in your mailbox packed with information, photos and prices. I came across a collection of Kovels from 2001 at a thrift store recently. I read them cover to cover. Even though they are 10 years old, the content is still relevant.
Here's a little background information about Kovels from their website:
Kovels Antiques, Inc., was founded by Ralph and Terry Kovel. Hailed as "the duke and duchess of the antiques world," they have written more than 100 books and special reports about collecting. Their bylined column is the longest-running syndicated weekly column in the country, distributed to more than 150 newspapers. Their guides include the annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which has sold over 4 million copies since its first edition.
"Neither of us was trained in art, antiques or writing," Terry remembers. "We came from Nowheresville as far as the experts were concerned. Maybe that's why we can write what we write, because we think like beginners and write in plain language."
The last statement about thinking like beginners and writing in plain language is why I think this newsletter would be perfect for many of you.
The May 2011 Issue includes these sale reports:
- TV Westerns
- Victorian Oak Furniture
- Cereal Boxes
- Horse Collectibles
- Shelley China
- A Variety of Clocks
- Glass Motor Oil Bottles
- Dictionary of Marks - Mexican Silver
Plus
- Buyer's Price Guilde
- Collector's Gallery
Pictures include information about the item, a photo and the price it sold at auction.
The Dictionary of Marks is such useful information. The one above, Sanborn, I've actually come across and sold. Markings are one of the most complicated aspects of ReSelling. Some are so mysterious that you'll never uncover who the artist or maker was. Luckily some are distinguishable and with information like this in the newsletter, you'll have a lot more knowledge when buying and selling.
The newsletter is very easy to read and comprehend. There is even a Hotline section which tells you what is hot at the moment. Did you know that Taxidermy is back? You'll have to get a copy of the newsletter to learn how it's back but in a new way.
Kovels also publishes an Antiqus & Collectibles Price Guide with 42,000 real prices based on real sales. It inclues 2,600 color photographs. There even is a Curtis Jere Owl in the book that sold for $780, very similar to one that I sold back in February. The same one I found at an estate sale for $40. There are items in the newsletter and book that you can find at estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores.
You can also access some fabulous free resources on their website. When you register you'll have the chance to receive a free Kovels Komments which is a great email newsletter. I've received this for years and read every word of it.
Kovels has a Facebook page and a Twitter as well. The wonderful thing about Kovels is that you can access information on any budget. The more you want to spend, the more you will learn. This kind of education could pay you back when you recognize a valuable item at the next estate sale. To me, this is an investment in your business. It's the kind of math that really does work.
**I received the book and newsletter free for this review. For more information about how I write reviews please see my disclosure policy. Thank you.
