You’re the Boss - Stick By Your Guns

I had one of my principles reconfirmed today. Even for me, there is that tendency to forget the rules that I have set for myself. But by breaking them, I pay the price of not maximizing my profit potential and taking longer to achieve my goals than I should.

The rule should always be, don’t reduce the price that you are asking for a piece that you know can’t be replaced in inventory in a reasonable period of time. By this I mean items that only come around to you once every ten years or so. These pieces should command the very highest possible price that you think it could ever achieve.

I have found that if I stand firm on my asking price for rare items, and they don’t sell, the value usually only increases. Often, the next time I have attempted to sell these pieces, I am able to get an even higher price than I was asking the first time. The trend is your friend, as the old saying goes. Let me demonstrate this by something that happen yesterday at the Chicago Antique Market.

Remember two days back when I told you about my friends Doris and Mike? Well yesterday, as I was checking out their booth, I saw this fabulous Spartling silver bracelet that contained these beautiful purple stones sitting in their case. I had seen this piece in the same place in their booth for the last four months. The price had not been reduced, and I asked Doris why, don’t you want to sell it? The instant reply was "not if I can’t get my asking price because it can’t be replace. You see, I would have broken my own rule and reduce the price after a few months. But not Doris. She is a true Dealer in every sense of the word.

You guessed it, today a lady walked in to her booth and asked the price of the bracelet. Without hesitation, Doris gave the price, which was substantial. "Will you take a credit card" was the response from the lady, and a deal was consummated.

If you have average pieces, it is perfectly okay to reduce the price, if you still can meet the goal that we have set of doubling our money, but again this only applies to item that we think can be replaced rather quickly.

Doris, Maria and several of the other dealers were clicking their heels about their sales yesterday, and the traffic was fantastic. The new look that Sally is bringing to the Market had all in attendance pleased. I hope to see some of you on Sunday. Cindy, Joshua and I had a ball, and we hate to think that we will only experience this one more time until 2008 rolls around.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

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eBay - King of the Hill

Do you remember as a child when you played "King of the Hill?" How much fun was it to beat everyone else to the top. I can still feel the excitement as I pulled myself up that hill ahead of everyone .

But, once you were the King, and everyone else was trying to pull you down, it wasn’t nearly as much fun. I think that is where eBay is at the present time. They are in a position of having to defend themselves from newcomers.

I have been using eBay almost since its inception, and their changes have been in the process of capturing more and more of the market each year. This has been accomplished through acquisitions of their competitors and by an increase in their fee structure.

This has proven to be very successful for the company, but now, they are seeing new competition on the horizon. Companies like "OnlineAuction.com" have introduced the no listing fee format, and it is catching on. Why should this matter?

I believe it matters, because in my humble opinion, the number of unfinished listings, meaning sold listings, will be eBay's undoing, unless they change their policy. The sellers will soon realize that they are losing so much money on uncompleted sales in listing fees, that it can’t be made up by the profits on their completed sales. eBay has tried to combat this by encouraging the sellers to list their items without reserves, so that most of the sales will be completed. This, however, puts the seller at a disadvantage, because they can’t protect their items from selling at a price that isn’t acceptable to them. The way eBay has encouraged this is by making the reserve price too expensive to use.

So, I've been thinking about this, and have some thoughts of my own. Call them my predictions, if you want, or just one man's opinion. But, I believe eBay offered the month of September with no listing fees to see if the increase in final value fees would offset their losses in listing fees. I think eBay will soon eliminate all listing fees. Why? For months now, they have been inching up all of their other fees, the ones outside of the listing fee itself. Things like gallery photos and listing style fees just to name a couple. Their other service fees, such as PayPal, Pro Stores and eBay Stores, have also increased. If they can maintain their profit margins, without charging a listing fee and increase the number of listings, I think this will give them what they're looking for.

This would be a huge blow to other companies trying to compete. I am not sure that other companies that have chosen this route could survive. And, eBay can’t continue to increase their profits each month, if competition offers the seller and buyer a better deal. So the only solution for them is to make it unprofitable for their competitors, because of their dominance in the market place.

My next thought is about why eBay has a "sign in" for the completed sales section. You see, I believe, and I'm going to make another prediction here, is that they are considering charging for their archives service like Ask Art, ArtPrice, ArtNet and Priceminer.

I stated in one of my early blogs that the market will always find a way to correct itself, and the companies that are in control will either change or be replaced by others. We'll see if this play out in the coming months.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

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"EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS" - The Chicago Antique Market.

Can you believe that another month has come and gone? The 31 Club is approaching its three month anniversary and the excitement within the club is amazing. It is hard to get on the internet today and not come across something about our club and the new vision for the Antique and Collectible industry that it is presenting to the world.

Our members are making money and learning at the same time. Their input is so important to our future, that we ask every day if they know of ways that we can improve the club on behalf of its members. Your staff of Cindy, Chris and Clarke are tireless workers that will stop at nothing to provide the members with the best.

This weekend you will be represented at the Chicago Antique Market by Cindy, Joshua and myself, and we will be getting the message out about the 31 Club to all that attend. We will be sharing the new vision with as many people that will listen, and there will be a table where people can sign up. Come and visit with us either Saturday or Sunday.

There will be qualified buyers present if you have something to sell. Also, I will be appraising items that guests bring to me. This will be a wonderful time spent shopping, looking, eating, or listening to fabulous music.

A new feature this month will be the exclusive area where only the finest will be shown , on stage. This will be conducted by Boris Yovanovich. His twenty plus years in this business will provide a wealth of information for all that enter his space. There will be some of the best Art that has been presented at the market ever, and many other quality items. Boris specializes in one-of-a-kind items that are unique and desirable.

There will be a full mix of dealers with an unlimited array of choices for those with discriminating taste. This will range from high quality art to fabulous jewelry and vintage clothing. Also, you will find the best Art Pottery and Art Glass that can be found anywhere. Not to leave out high quality Posters, Oriental Rugs, Lighting, Prints and so. So many other things that you will find desirable in the many booths.

One of the dealers happens to be a friend of mine for over fifteen years. Can you imagine my surprise when I ran into them at the Market. Doris and Mike have the most wonderful array of items that you can find anywhere. Unbelievable Bakelite jewelry, Rookwood and Roseville pottery, and Native American items can found adorning their fabulous booth.

One of my favorite people at the Chicago Antique market is Maria Tirabassi. She is an artist that I think will rise to the top of the heap in the future. Her paintings are light and airy with an almost childish quality. I was passing her booth when her paintings caught my eye, and I stopped in my tracks to admire them. Asking the lady there if she was the painter, the answer was no, but she told me her sister was. I found out she would be in her booth later. I returned and found Maria to be a delightful person and definitely the one that had created all of these wonderful pieces of art. If you go to our website, you will find several of her canvases there.



I am so excited to be invited back to the market by Sally, and I can tell you that her enthusiasm is contagious, and I am infected.

Hope to see you at the market, and keep those letters coming!

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

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Treasures at Home - Just Look Around

I have been promising you a great story, and here it goes.

Remember the small book that I told you about in one of my blogs, R. H. Conwells, "Acres of Diamonds"? This is its sequel.

Sally Schwartz, our host and the owner of The Chicago Antique Market, shared this story with me. Her love of people and of the finer things brought her to the place in life that she wanted to create that special place where people could come together for a exciting and adventurious experience. So, Presto! The Chicago Antique Market was created.

"The next few years have been like a blur", she said. "The response has been overwhelming, and the public has definitly bought into the vision of something special for downtown Chicago. The Market has been in transition to make that experience even more exciting over these years." As this vision was unfolding, Sally realized that additional capital might be required, but the question was, from where? Now, the story begins to get very interesting.

As I have been expanding my friendship with Sally over these few months, our conversation often leads us to discuss paintings and how their value has increased the last couple of years. There are record sales being establish almost every day in the art world.

Unbeknownst to me, Sally had inherited a painting from her grandparents, and it had been hanging on her wall for many years. Her grandparents had purchased it from the Art Institute of Chicago, years ago. As a child she had spent many hours mesmerized by this wonderful painting of two little girls.

Asking a longtime friend in the art profession about the painting, and getting a suggestion to show the piece to another dealer, that is exactly what she did. The dealer offered to help her in the sale of the painting.

Are you sitting down? That painting brought $120,000.00, and Sally no longer has to worry about financing the vision that she had created for the Chicago Antique Market. Acres of Diamonds had been on her wall all along.

Sally has been one of our earliest 31 Club Members, as well as one of our biggest fans, inviting us each month to participate at the Chicago Antique Market.

A more complete account of Sally's story, written by our own, Cindy Stackler Nieder, can be found here.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Ps: If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message.

LARGE and SMALL - They Both can be GREAT

In the Antique and Collectible Market, you will find items of many sizes. Surprisingly, the most value will usually come from the large or very small pieces. The medium size items are the most common of all, and therefore, bring less money as a rule.

First, a large vase by Rookwood is usually sold by so much per inch, everything else being the same. An eighteen inch vase by a top artist from Rookwood is going to bring a lot more money than an eight inch one by the same artist. This difference compounds as the item increases in size. The eight inch vase may bring $1,000 while the eighteen inch one might bring $30,000 or more. You should always keep this in mind as you are shopping.

The reason that larger pieces have more value happens to be true, because fewer of them will have been made. If a artist wants to make a very large piece, he knows that it is extremely hard to keep the consistency of the image that he is decorating the same throughout the piece. Also, just handling a larger piece is more labor intensive.

As for the smaller pieces, they acquire their value because it is very difficult to handle items under two inches, so few are made. We call these pieces mini, and often they are models for those pieces that will incorporate their design into larger ones later. A one inch Daum Nancy "Fall Scene" vase might bring as much as $3,500.00 or more. Can you imagine that? I just bought three mini Lotton vases, and the last one I saw sell brought over $500. Don't overlook something because it's small. If others can't see its value, you will find a Treasure.

I remember as a small child, I always wanted to be larger so that basketball and football would be easier for me. Later, when I developed a love of horses, I wanted to be smaller, so I could be a jockey. I didn't know it at this early age, but the principle of large and small had already been placed in my mind.

I would love to share with the club any articles that you would like to write and pass on to us.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

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Out of the Gate - Sky is the Limit!

Yahoo! The 31 Gang has broken out of the gate in the $1,000,000 Race.

Our enamel on copper painting, that was purchased for $35.00, just finished on eBay for $313.00. The Doulton figurine that was purchased for $65.00 finished at $80.79 and the music box didn't sell. Our $125.00 invested returned a net of $335.63 after fees, definitely more than double and completing our first step in the race. Plus, we still have the music box to sell later!

We will be listing the two Meissen figurines that we purchased for $340 on eBay, and hopefully, we will be making one or more steps on them. Patience and consistency will get us across the finish line, and I hope that there are a lot of you there with us.

Yesterday, I was able to purchase three miniature Lotton vases. But before I let the person off the phone, I asked if she had anything else that I might be interested in buying. Her response was, "I have several other Lotton pieces, and I would be glad to sell them to you whenever I can find them."

The lesson here is to never leave a person after a purchase without asking if they have other things to sell. They may have other pieces. If they do, you can buy them at a price that is acceptable to you. How do you know this? Because you were able to purchase the items from them already, at a prices that you could accept.

As you can see, The 31 Gang isn't making just one purchase to meet its goals, but multiple ones. In our first purchase, only one piece out of the three reached our goal, but the combination of their sales prices got us over the top. It is fine to put all your money in one item, but it isn't always necessary to do so for you to take the next step.

Now that the weather is changing, there may not be as many house sales and garage sales for you to attend, but there are still more places to search than you will ever be able to visit. Auctions, Consignment shops, antiue shops, shows, just to name a few. There will be newspaper ads to answer, ads in the for sale section of the Antique Trader, AntiqueWeek, Maine Antique Digest, and The Bee will provide happy hunting grounds for you all winter.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your concern and support as we work our way through the death of our friend.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Ps: If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message.

DARK DAY - WITH A SILVER LINING

My wife and I lost one of our best friends yesterday. Her name was Andi Welsh and she was always an inspiration to us.

When I needed a pick me up, she was always there. I will miss her, but I am assured that I will see her again. Her spirital strength served her well, and she was a mentor to many. She only talked to you for a very short period of time until you would have her sharing her faith with you.

Her death again brings me to a place were I realize that if we aren't enjoying what we're doing, what's the need? I hope that by forming the 31 Club, we will all find a sense of pleasure in the relationships that we are gaining through the club and will be able to enjoy the moment. I found out yesterday, we aren't insured of more than what we have before us now, so we should cherish every moment. My heart isn't in writing a blog about Antiques and Collectibles today and I hope that you will give me a pass today.

It has given me a new purpose in life, trying to share with as many of you as I can, about finding pleasure in what God has given us. I prayed that if this adventure wasn't of him that it would fail, but if it was of him it would succeed. I am here to tell you that the positive response has been over whelming.

Please keep us in your prays.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Buy it All - Make the Most Profit

A technique that I often use in buying is to say, "I will take it all." At estate and garage sales, you will find multiple items boxed together, and in that box you will find one item that gets your attention. Knowing that this piece will bring you a great return, it is only human nature to pull it out of the box and ask what the seller would take for just the one piece.

The way I handle this is to replace the piece I want back in the box and ask what the seller will take for the whole box of things. Often, I am able to buy the box for even less than I would have offered for just the one item. Surprisingly, often I find that the piece I wanted doesn’t end up being the greatest treasure in the box after they are all sold.

This method of buying will also work in stores. As you travel through a store, make a list of the items that you wish to purchase. Then find a clerk and ask what they would take for that group. I have found, that because the total dollars increase with the number of items you wish to purchase, the asking price may be reduced as mush as fifty percent per item if they are purchased together.

I spent the night in a persons driveway once just to be first in line for their house sale. A friend was conducting the sale and said if I might be interested in the Beswick horse collection that was being offered. Entering the house, I said in a loud voice, "All the horses are sold." There was about twenty-five pieces, and the total for all of them came to about $1,000. Then, the strangest thing happened. The clerk marked all the horses sold, however there must have been another person that had come to the sale for just the Beswick horses also. Even though they were marked sold, he started picking them up to examine them, and he did this with several pieces. Surprise, surprise, he dropped one, and it happened to be a piece that I had estimated to have a value of $500.00. I confronted him, but what could I say? The clerk just took one horse off my bill, but inside I was sick. The rest of the pieces sold for about $8,550 with the highest bringing almost $1,500. Not bad for a few small horse figurines.

Box lots, as they are known at auctions, can also be bargains. There is a story circulating about the lady buying a box lot for about $100 and finding this Indian Knife Sheath in it. I was told that this piece, at auction, may have brought over $8,000. There can be Treasures in those little boxes, so be sure to check them.

I am giving you notice that there is a great story that I am going to be sharing in a couple of days, and you will be starting your search in earnest after you hear it. Let me hear your stories or questions in the meantime.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Some Things that Shine - Can Really Sparkle Later

When buying good leaded crystal glass, you should have handled a lot of pieces before you invest in this field. You want to be able to recognize the weight and designs on the better pieces you encounter, because it is easy to get fooled today. Also, being acquainted with their marks will come from familiarity. I don’t know of a book that shows the marks, so if anyone does, write and let us know. Often, all clear glass looks alike, but it isn’t. In your search, these differences will become apparent. There has also been an influx of what I call copycat pieces that are coming into the market today.

It would seem easy to say, all that is necessary to recognize this glass is to look at the bottom of each piece, right? Wrong. I often have taken a piece from one room to another trying to get just the right light on it so that I could pick up that faintest piece of a mark, such as Lalique, Steuben, Baccarat, and even cut glass. Did you know that some of the best cut glass that was ever produced is marked? Most people don’t. These companies usually marked their pieces by acid etching the mark or by signing them with an electric marking process. Often these marks are almost invisible to the naked eye with out proper lighting or magnification.

Once, as I was attending an estate sale, and running very late I must add, there, on one of the card tables, was a huge frosted glass frog. I picked it up like probably 100's of other people during the day, but put it back down when I couldn’t find a mark on its bottom. After spending several minutes searching the rest of the sale and finding nothing, my mind wouldn’t let me forget that frog. I re-entered the room where it was located, picked the piece up again and examined it from top to bottom, but came to the same conclusion: Nothing special.

Going to the car and being ready to get out of there, I stopped in my tracks, re-entered the house, picked that darn frog up and said, I am going to find that mark or it's going to kill me. Believe it or not, there it was, as clear as day, and marked Lalique. I pick it up and went to the counter and asked the price. The answer almost made me start laughing right there. They told me $25.00. Paying very quickly and running out the door, I discovered in researching the piece that it was quite valuable. Putting that darn frog on eBay and waiting for the seven days was difficult but worth it, $650.00. Yahoo!

You will find most of this glass will be over-priced, and this is where the discipline comes in. Don’t ever over pay, even if you can make a small profit. We are waiting to make our money work for us, and that means at least doubling the price we pay for each item, if not more. However, there are a lot of people that don’t know the rare pieces made by these companies from the common ones. when you do, it will give you a tremendous advantage over them.

Stay with the best names in the clear glass, because the copycats, as I have called them, have very little value in the secondary markets.

If it sparkles, look at it carefully, because you just might find that special frog yourself.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

New View - Where is This Coming From

Upbeat attitudes, positive statements, a flood of record prices. Who breathed new life into this market? Where did this CPR come from? If more of us get on the right side of the ship, I think we will be afloat again.

I spoke with Elizabeth, the owner of The Shops at Malleries [http://www.malleries.com ], last night for well over a hour, and you know what? There wasn't one negative word about this industry uttered between us. What a pleasure to hear someone tell me that the best for us is in the future. Her efforts are centered on bringing like-minded dealers on to one site where they can exhibit fine Antiques and Collectibles. Good luck to her because she is on the right track.

Every day I hear from people that are excited. Sally Schwartz, one of the owners of The Chicago Antique Market [ http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.com ] called and couldn't believe the turn-around in her business. (And by the way, Joshua, Cindy and I will be at their show next weekend.)

And then, Bob Green, of Auction Productions in Arizona, told us that over 500 people are attending his auctions, and business is great. [ http://www.auctionproductions.com ]

And we're growing here at 31 Inc., too. Maybe our message is being heard, after all.

Micheal Hudson, of Antique, Collectibles and Auction News [ http://www.antiques-collectibles-auction-news.com ] called, asking if we would like to post positive articles on his new website. Of course we do! So, if you go to his site, you will see Cindy's article. I'm on a roll.


Bruce Rogers, of Discover Mid America [ www.discoverpub.com ] wants to do a question and answer piece in his publication about us.

Last, but absolutely not least, Phil Davies, of News-Antique, the source of our website News Feed, has been the greatest cheerleader and supporter of our message right from the start. You can find him at http://www.news-antiques.com. Phil was posting things on his feed about us when no one knew who we were. How things have changed! Thanks Phil.

We are so thankful for all the support that is being received, and the results speak for themselves. Yes, Cindy, we are a new voice, and it is beginning to being heard. I remember hearing that wonderful entry to a radio show when I was a child, "Up, Up and Away," and now I am hearing it again as a adult from all of you. Let's start the party and invite all our friends.

By the way, we went "international" yesterday, when Kevin Stone of Antiques.TV liked what he heard and saw of us and picked up this blog in the News & Views section of his innovative website. Thanks, Kevin. http://www.antiques.tv.

Come with us. Hear a fresh new voice in this industry, if you haven't already joined us at the 31 Club. Let's learn together and begin, now, to build vast personal wealth with antiques, collectibles and fine art, for ourselves and our families. Do you dare to transform your life? Come and join us on this exciting journey. http://www.31corp.com

Don't be bashful I want to hear your thoughts, because sometimes I get lonely in here just writing by myself. I know you're out there.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Shocking Isn't It? - The Lights Came On

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children's pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would've been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren't even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800's. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can't wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Tis the Season - Getting Prepared

Believe it or not Christmas is right around the corner. This is the time to be watching for those special buys that will pay big rewards, and some of these buys can be collectibles of the Christmas season.

Post cards with the Old Santas on them can bring a couple of hundred dollars or more. You may find cards from as early as the 1900's, because the postal service approved post cards in the United States in 1872. What do I mean by Old Santas? They are usually skinny, and with a different beard than we are accustomed to seeing on Santa. Their suit is different, also.

I once was at a garage sale and came across a photo album that contained about 100 old Santa cards. Being new to these collectibles, I asked the price and the woman said $250. I thought that was too much so I passed on them. Returning home and doing my homework, I rushed to my car and headed back to the sale. So sad, yes, they were gone. I had missed a treasure, but learned in the process. I now know that the album could have been worth fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. I should have trusted my instincts and bought them on the spot. Oh well, at least I have a great story to tell.

It might be worth your while to study other post cards, because many of them can make you have a wonderful day of hunting if you find them. Go to eBay and enter post cards, then completed and last highest price. These pieces will become a part of your unconscious memory that will be called upon if you see them again.

I will follow up with other Christmas collectibles tomorrow. The whole family can get involved in the search for these wonderful collectibles that bring back past memories for all.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

I MUST COME CLEAN - What a TEAM

My book about wealth building through antiques & collectibles, "31 Steps to Your Millions," has been out for about 90 days now, and it has more than exceeded my expectations. Not long after the release of the book, our 31 Club was formed. The members have stepped up to the starting gate with their best racing gear on. I am so proud of all that are participating.

There are already success stories that would turn anyone's head. One lady turned $100 into $832.71 the first week of our contest. Another gentleman spent $5.00 and got back $190. Try to get that return at your bank. Just imagine the kind of numbers we're going to be seeing as we advance toward the finish line!

In this short period of time, there has been a fantastic website assembled with all of its elements: A Home Page second to none, a Fine Arts Gallery with a large array of beautiful paintings, a Daily Blog of interesting informatiom to help our members on their journey, Joshua's Page to help junior collectors, and last but certainly not least in importance, the advertising for the 31 Club membership. Wow Wow Wow.

To think that only a few months ago this project was still in my mind. There wasn't even a word on paper at that time.

The Club and Book have been featured on both search engines, Google and Yahoo, and if you don't believe it, just go and type in Daryle Lambert, 31 Club or 31 Steps to Your Millions. Get ready because you will be surprised at the number of reference you will see. The Blog is carried by at least eight locations, and the national advertising has continued day in and day out. Joshua and I have appeared on NBC and at The Chicago Antique Market. A new character has been created, The Guy in the Red Tie. I know that I have missed a few things, but so much has been accomplished.

How has this all happened? I must come clean. Second, it is because of our wonderful Club members, but first of all, it is because of your great team behind the scenes. I hope you appreciate them as much as I do. This success has come only by the hard and exhausting work that has been done by Cindy Nieder, my right hand lady. Boy can she work. I have asked her to do more than ten people could accomplish, and without hesitation, she completes every assignment. Clarke F. Echols,Sr, -where do I start? He took a manuscript that a first grader could have written and turned it into a best seller. I wouldn't want to know the hours he spent just correcting my grammar. Now comes my opportunity to thank the person, that without him, we would still be at peg one: Chris Erbach. He is truly a magician. All of the tech work, from forming the home page to posting of pictures comes from Chris. In fact, I lean on him so much that he has put me on a time table. At 7:15 every morning, he expects a call from me.

I can understand some of what Cindy and Clarke do, but how Chris does the things he does is a total mystery to me. Thanks Gang, and I appreciate you taking me along on the journey. The 31 Gang will meet our members at the end of the $1,000,000 race.

Let me hear from you.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

PICK YOUR HEROES - Whoever They Are

I remember Roy Rogers, Hopalog Cassidy, Whip Wilson, Howdy Doody, Popeye, Captain Mavel, Dick Tracey, Flash Gordon, Lone Ranger, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Boone, any Soldier and so many other Heroes from my youth. These Heroes appeared bigger than life to me, and I loved each one. We played outside a lot in Kentucky, and imitating these characters was where we spent most of our time.

Who were your heroes? If you are older than me, they would have come from the Bible, newspapers or the radio. But if you are younger, they probably came from comic books, television or the computer. These characters can range from Li'l Abner to the Beatles, but the one thing that they all have in common is that they have become very collectible.

A Superman ring will bring thousands of dollars, while a Steiff Teddy Bear might easily bring forty or fifty Thousand. Beatles memorabilia can bring hundreds of thousands for one piece and the same can be said of Elvis.

There seems to be no shortage of money when collectors want that special item that puts them in touch with their childhood. We all have fabulous memories of the past, and these character seem to dim the hard times we might have had from our thoughts.

As you are out there seaching for Treasure, be sure to include your Heroes in that search. Don't forget that Robot that brought over $100,000 or that Hot Wheel bringing $18,000. These aren't some distant dream, but items that are being found every day by someone, and it could easily be you.

We are starting a new week, and there will be a new Star. Perhaps your name will appear in that section. Dreams are only as good as you make them, so dream on and never let anyone or anything take your dreams from you. Let me hear from you.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

What Will It beThis Week? - Only You Know.

We have had a Star each week of the $1,000,000 Race, so is this week your time? I hope that you have started your account with $100...have you? I dreamed that this week was going to be a close horse race to see which one of you was going to be the Star and wondered what you would discover.

This week, in the Antique Week, I saw that vintage fishing lures were bringing big money, and you might want to get a copy of this issue for your records. If you contact most of the publications, they will send you a free copy of their paper. You can find what we recommend in reading material by looking in the reference section of our website. When buying lures, you can always pay more if they are in the original boxes. Older lures usually had glass eyes and the hooks were indented into the body by a metal tap. I believe that in the past, I remember that a single lure brought over $50,000, and it might have been a Herron.

Since Fishing season is coming to an end, and hunting season is just beginning, maybe we should also talk about hunting collectibles. Old shell boxes can command a premium, but that isn't where the money is. Finding vintage advertising from companies like Remington will sure bring a smile to your face. Old tin or cardboard signs by the supply companies in the hunting industry can sell for $10,000 or more, if you find the right ones. But even then, this pales in comparision the the prices paid for bird decoys. Are you ready for this?

The A.E. Crowell black bellied plover in spring plumage from the Mackey collection, one of legendary "dust jacket birds,” was termed "arguably the finest Crowell shorebird ever to come to auction,” by auctioneer Gary Guyette prior to the sale. It sold after an intense bidding battle for a record price paid at auction for a decoy at $830,000. WOW WOW WOW.

If diamonds are a woman's best friend, maybe decoys are a man's best friend.

We are beginning to fill the members only section of the website, and it will soon be closed to all but members. So, if you like what you have been reading, be sure to join the 31 Club soon. Happy hunting and let us hear from you.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Pennies Make Dollars - Ask Your Children

The other day, my son Joshua introduced me to his latest collectible: Pokemon Cards. I thought that I had heard of most things that were being collected, but this one was new to me.

Off to the computer I went, and guess what? Over $200 being paid for one card. Can you imagine that? There were over 4000+ auctions on eBay that were completed for these cards. Will these be the next baseball cards, I don't know, do you? What about Webkinz? Can they replace the Teddy Bear? Things do change, don't they?

What other items are the young people collecting? It was Star Wars items a few years ago, and look at the pricing of these item now. I wish that I had bought and sold these toys years ago, and while I was at, put a few choice pieces back for my own collection. I would be in high cotton today.

Car racing is the fastest growing sport in America. They can't build enough seats for all the fans that want tickets. This gives the collector a wide variety of memorabilia to collect, from individual drivers to their teams and even the individual races will provide a wide choice to pick from. Just think of all the possibilities that could be used to start a collection in racing.

What I am trying to point out is that, sometimes, it is better to look to the future rather than the past. Depression glass, pressed glass, hand painted porcelain and even model A Fords don't bring today generally what they did at one time in the past.

The Antique and Collectible industry is like the stock market in one respect. You want to follow the trends. Cars from the sixties are in, ones from the twenties and thirties are out. Rookwood pottery from the 1800's is out, but pieces from the thirties are in. I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

If we look at the contemporary collectibles, they will serve us well, if we only buy the cream of the crop in each field. Don't be afraid to buy these pieces even if they my be a little pricey. You will find collectors ready to take them off your hands and still give you a handsome profit.

I would like for you to share some of the things that you see your children or other's children collecting today. Lets get with it.

e sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

I Can't Wait - Will TODAY be the Day?

I have completed my Race Plan for this weekend. Have you?

The estate and garage sales are listed. The route to all the shops and resale stores that I will be visiting are mapped out, and any antique shows or flea markets that I would like to attend are firmly planted in my head with their starting time. Let the race begin!

The competition will be formidable; but never fear. I feel like a freshly broken colt, and all I want is to be given my head so I can run like the wind. Wow! A million dollars awaits me at the end of this race, so it doesn't matter the length of it, just that I start. All across the country, the competition is preparing. They are assembling their tools, preparing a list of things to watch for, and mentally getting themselves in the right state of mind. But do they know who their competition is? I think not. We 31 Club members are going to be better prepared than our competition.

Will today be the day that I find that great painting? Or will it be a wonderful Grueby vase? I remember being in Alabama a few years ago and stopping in on a so- called antique shop. After spending only a few minutes walking the isles and only finding new items, mostly from over seas, I asked a clerk where the antiques were. Her response was, "You're looking at them."

In my amazement, I ask if there was any special thing that I had overlooked in the store, and she said, "No, but I do have a Rookwood vase at home." My ears perked up, and I ask her to describe it to me. "Well," she said, "It's about nine inches high with flowers on it." I ask if I could see it, and her answer was no, it was at her house. Thinking on my feet, I asked, "Can you go home at lunch and bring it for me to see?" She said, "Sure." Since it was about 10:00, I told her I would go on down the road and return at 1:00.

Returning, really expecting nothing special, I re-entered the store and asked if the vase was there. She began to unwrap the piece, and with every turn of the paper, my eyes got wider.

I was staring at a 12" Rookwood vase by one of its leading artists. I almost couldn't contain my glee. I asked if she had a price that she was asking for the vase. "One thousand dollars, and that would be the least I would take," she replied. It might have only been worth $1,000 in Alabama, but in Cincinnati, I knew it would be worth much more.

I took the vase and examined it carefully. Not wanting to appear too eager, I said, "Let me walk around for a minute to think about it." Returning, I said, "Sure. Will you take as check?" She asked me if I had a drivers license, and I showed it to her. I couldn't wait to get out of the store with this treasure. At last, I made it out the door and into the car. I just stared at the vase, knowing that it was worth over $5,000. Today, it might bring $10,000.

There are many things to be learned from this story, but I will let you figure them out for yourself. You see the $1,000,000 has begun, and I am in it with you.

This week's Super Star is Cecil R., and I have know him for over 25 years. I am sure that you will hear much more about him as the race continues.

We are waiting for comments and stories from our other enters.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

31 Club - What is it Really About?

The money is great and the fun of the hunt is fantastic, but nothing compares with the felling of being there for someone when you are needed and God places you there at the exact right time. This is what happened to me today. I just had to share it with you.

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31 Club - What is it Really About

Your Club and Your New Community, The 31 Club: What is it Really About?

Today, I hope that you will give me a chance to share my thoughts with our group.

I won't be talking about making money, even though I think we will be making a lot of it. Neither will I be talking about all the fun we are going to share and the great people that we will be meeting.

Today, I want to share with you a couple of emails that I have received from a wonderful couple by the name Todd and Cyndi. Seldom have I been so touched as I have the last two days by God's goodness.

You see, I talked to Todd about joining us, and he did. But also he sent me this email on May 2 of this year.

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Hi Daryle,

FYI: received your book on the 6-2-07. I thought I would share with you from the beginning how I came to find your book.

A long time ago I chose a very loveable woman to marry. The day we wed, and for the next nine years, we fought each and every day. After the conclusion of my first marriage and before my second, I made a few different choices.

I turned a lot of things over to God. I gave up worrying about money, first by testing. Then I discovered when I needed money, it was always provided and I had no need to worry so I quit. I took my plan to re-wed to God. This time I prayed and in my prayer placed the burden before God to provide me with a soul mate of his choosing not one of my own be it my ex-wife or someone different.

God provided me then with a rough un-cut diamond, which all before me had passed by without even a second look. Yet I knew when I held her, she was indeed a Diamond. Three weeks after finding her I asked Cyndi to marry me.

That was 17 years ago. I digress. So a few weeks back after God provided me with some down time, I find myself late one night playing on my Cell phone and I can not tell you how I got there, I found this vague description of a book which intrigued me as I am a collector of out-dated technology, "the search" for the Diamond. I recorded the web site off my cell and in passing gave it to Cyndi, to look at and purchase for me.

Time passes. Last week, over the course of the week, seven present and long past friends all ask me the same question. Two where supervisors, one being Rod Black a manager from 1997 calling me out of the blue. Each asked the same question putting me on the same spot! "Why are you working for that corporation?" I respond to all seven with my same pat answer, "I am on vacation!"

Later that week the truth was revealed to me in my readings! I discovered I was covering the truth, which was instead of facing and learning from a business mistake I made in the spring of 1997, I simply ran and got a job. At that point I gave it back to God to put me on the path he wants. Everything said here has not escaped my wife; he is well aware of my prayer for a path.

Have I found it in your book? Well lets just say God has shown me the trail head as I am only in the first few chapters of your book. I enjoy the talent God has given me. He has always allowed me to see thru the dirt to discover those hidden diamonds within. So, let the journey begin! I can not go wrong; you must agree only God could have arranged it for me to get your book.

Thank-you in advance,

Todd Cutler

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Two days ago I was deleting old emails, and I came across Todd's old email. I thought I would touch bases with him to see how he was doing. This is the email that I sent him.

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Hi Todd;

I was just cleaning up some old emails whenI ran across yours, and it brought tears to my eyes. The memories of our conversation rushed back into my head, and I just thanked God for what he has done for me, and likewise, you.

God bless and the best to you.

Daryle

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You will not believe the return message that Todd and Cyndi sent me after that.

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Hi Daryle,

Wow! What is up with our God!

(Personal Tragedy)

I find comfort in knowing God brings uplifting souls into my life like you and He knows when to send them. It has been a very intense past three weeks now.

It seems I must travel back to your part of the United States to wrap up legal issues with my son, Dayne. My visit on the 22nd to the 27th was very hard. Dayne had moved to Chicago with his mom when Seattle Public Schools began demolition of his high school as a junior. His mother moved from Seattle to Chicago in 1989 seeking work with United Airlines and lives just east of O'Hare.

I planned on approaching you in the spring about meeting face to face and learning more as my very lovely wife Cyndi has an Intensive Care Nursing Managers Conference to attend in Chicago in May of 2008.

I however attended the Spokane Antique Road Show to discover I had found a pre-1900’s Filson Game Bag value $600 to $800 my cost zero as the owner saw no value in it. I was energized to hear a signed Document from President Lincoln to one of his Generals was discovered in Spokane which countered my skeptic’s; value $150,000 to $175,000.

On this Saturday 9-15-07, we will be having a final grave side family burial in the very small town of Endicott, WA, where the Cutler family original homestead is. Dayne will become the eighth Cutler generation to be interned in Endicott and the 27th generation to be buried here in what now everyone calls the United States.

Yes! You did bring me tears and an upheaval of emotions as I recanted your heart felt love for the gift God’s has given you your youngest son and wife. Dayne’s job on earth was completed and while in the safest car, he was the only one taken. I find real comfort knowing I will spend more time with him in the future than I could with him in the present. He was truly a gift of God.

Todd Cutler

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I see the 31 Club as not just a vehicle to build wealth & explore antiques. It's about making friends and supporting those new people that we meet. And for everything that we give, we receive tenfold back. And it makes us stop, look at our world, and count our blessings.

I am writing this at 2:00 in the morning, and I am sitting here crying because God is so good. I am going to go and crawl into my bed where Joshua and Vickie are sleeping. Usually I pick Joshua up and take him to his bed, but tonight I think I will just hug and snuggle up with him and go to sleep giving God praise.

Good night.

-- Daryle

Let Your Eye be the Judge - Trust Yourself

I have had many people question how I was able to look at so many things quickly and pick out the items of interest.

The secret is to only look at the things that jump out at you as you are passing them. If there are many items placed together, they will appear to the eye as if they are all the same or common. But your eye will pick up something that stands out, and this will happen unconsciously. This is where your studying will come in to play.

You see, your mind stores pictures of the rare items for you, and as you see them, the mind will automatically create a match. By this process, you don't have to feel and touch each item you pass. Don't get me wrong, if it is worth looking at, you want to be sure to stop and look at it even if the price is to high. The reason to do this is the mind will store that information, and if it sees another one like it you will be alerted.

Using this process, your time will be used more effectively, and we have learned time is money. While others may spend all day at an Antique Show or Flea Market, you will find that it will only takes you one or two hours for any show or market. This also applies to house sales and garage sales. If your plans include going to house sales on Saturday morning, wouldn't it be better to attend ten sales while others are just finishing one.

You may ask, "if I go too fast, won't I miss something?" Remember, we are training our mind to be our best friend. Let it do its work. I have found that the more I trust my mind and my eyes, the better they serve me.

If you have read my book, you will remember how Cecil was able to pick that one Derby Glass out of a group of twenty five or so glasses. That $12.50 that he spent was well worth it. Two weeeks latter he sold the glass for $12,500.00 Thank you, eyes.

It only gets better and better doesn't it? Where else can you have so much fun, meet so many great people and make a lot of money at the same time. The book Treasure Island changed my life and I hope your life is about to change also.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

TOMORROW - It can be BETTER

About a week ago, I shared with you a story about Ceil R. and I striking out in Greenville, Kentucky, at the flea market. But, in that blog, I said that our time was not spent pointlessly, and that we gained knowledge and practiced patience that day. If you remember, I said that success would come another day. I will let Cecil's word explain what I meant.

"Daryle:

We didn't find much at the flea market, did we! However, me and you are alike in the fact that it only made me more hungry for the hunt.

The next day ( Sept. 5th ), me and another friend drove halfway across the state to an auction that we had heard good things about as far as quality of the consignments were concerned, but had never attended.

There were several nice pieces of pottery there, including a signed Weller "Hudson" vase and a signed Rookwood vase by Lorinda Eppley done in 1934 that had a striking Art Deco design. Of course, there had to be another bidder that had his eye on them to. However, he apparently had come to bid on these two best pieces only. They sold early in the auction and he left shortly thereafter.

Several other good pieces of pottery were left and you would have thought there would have been more interest. I bought a few good pieces at remarkable prices. A tall chamberstick by Wannopee Pottery (that was only in business for 11 years, 1892 - 1903 )was purchased for $45. It books for $450 in a 2004 Scroader's Antique Price Guide!). A Roseville "Cherry Blossom" vase which books for $375 was bought by me for $90. This particular lot also included 2 pieces of Roseville "Wincraft"; a sugar and creamer set which book for $75+ each. All 3 for $90!! A Roseville "Dogwood" basket for $45 and list for $350 and a Roseville "Imperial I" low bowl for $15. Believe me, at these prices, I made up for the dry run at the Greenville Flea Market the day before. I'll keep you posted on what I sell from this one outing in a future blog."

He definately found some Treasures, and I can assure you, we will be hearing from him as these pieces sell. In my book, I stated that Cecil is one of the most knowledgable dealers that I have ever run across.

Cecil's story doesn't stop there, however. I now will share his last email to the 31 Club with you.

"Had a rather good sale yesterday. I am making this my first "find" in the Million Dollar Hunt! I have collected and dealt in Indian artifacts for several years now and have the advantage of knowing what to look for when buying. I bought an Indian arrowhead a couple of weeks from a box of arrowheads on which a person had written, "Your Choice, $5 Each".

In the seller's defense, that was top dollar for most all that were included. As I sorted through them, I found one that was worth $15 - $20, which I set aside. A few seconds later, I spyed the "good" one that I immediately recognized as a rare type. Yesterday ( Sept. 10th ), I sold the "good" one for $190. I believe this qualifies for your "at least double your money" criteria in your book. Not bad, huh?"

He still has to reach $200.00 to complete his first step in the race, but I have little doubt that this will be done very quickly. Cecil and Vicki are out ahead of the pack, but remember, this is going to be a long race--not a sprint--and you still have time to go to the front.

Our staff is ready and waiting to assist you in any way to jump out of the starting gate. You will feel a sensation that will propel you to the head of the pack after that first step is completed.

My day starts with hearing your success stories, so please keep them coming, and remember, there are more Treasures out there than we will ever be able to find.

Happy Hunting.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

SUCCESS! - On a Beautiful Day

I attended a charity event yesterday in Lake Forest, Illinois and met with great success. Even though most of the offerings were for the decorators, there were a few choice Treasures.

I managed to pick up three Meissen figurines at a fair price. These can be identified by the blue crossed swords mark on their bottom. (Consult Kovels mark book for more information.) Plus, the next exciting purchase was a large wonderful Hull Bow Knot vase that would add to any collecton of Hull. Perhaps the pieces that I bought and liked best was the water-color painting by a Lake Geneva Art Association artist, Jan Castle-Reed. Called "Girl by Roses", I found it in an old bath tub. For thirty five dollars, it had to be mine. The last purchase was a old soap tin from a Cincinnati soap company. This purchase completed my day.

Cindy accompanied me, and she shot pictures that will be posted later. Talking to her about the sale was very informative for me. She expressed surprise that there were so few things that would qualify as Treasures presented by the dealers. I told her that I thought that we had purchased almost everything of interest at the show, and the rest was for decorating people's homes.

We arrived early, perhaps one hour before the opening and spent very little time at each booth the first time around. Cindy's remark, as she was almost running behind me was, "How do you see anything?" I told her my perception is that if I don't see the Treasure first, the person behind me will. Often you only get one chance at a Treasure, so you have to make it count. Out of the four things, we purchased only one. The painting was purchased on the second trip through the sale.

As you become more familiar with what your are looking for, it will be easier to skim right over the things that you have no interest in. This in turn will speed up the time it takes to view the show or sale that you are attending. Time is money, so spend your time wisely.

There were hundreds of people at this show, and it was a beautiful day. But we were there for a purpose, and that was to make money.

I hope many of you had a productive weekend, either with your families or on the Treasure Hunt Trail, and in some cases I hope both of these were yours.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

You Can Go Back - It might still be there.

Yesterday I shared with you the two things I purchased for the 31 Gang plus the one piece I missed. They were the music box and the enamel painting, plus the Doulton figurine that I was unsuccessful at buying. I spent a total of $60.00 and believe the enamel painting will bring between $300 - $500, the music box $100.

Guess what? I returned later in the afternoon and the Doulton figurine was still there. I figured that it must have been meant for me. So I paid $65 for it, bringing my grand total of expenses to $125. It would have been easy to just have given in and bought it while I was at the sale, but then I would have broken the rules that we are going to live by, right?

I still had my money when I left and later, if the figure wasn't still available, then it would have meant that it wasn't to be and I would have just moved on to the next item. These three pieces should bring $550 minimum. If I sell them, I will have met my goal.

This happened to me another time several years ago. I made a offer on a Grueby vase and was turned down in the morning but later returned and bought the vase for less than half of what I offered earlier plus I got several other things as a bonus. This purchase netted me over $10,000 and you can read about it in my book.

The difference between being successful or not in this business will be your ability to evaluate a piece quickly, make a fair offer for it and then not be presuaded to change your mind about that value whether you are able to purchase it or not.

When you are putting a value on a item be sure to think in terms of what value the buyer would be looking for not necessarily what value it would have for you. Always remember when you buy something you aren't the final owner. It is just passing through your hands. Also, guides are just that guides. Be sure you are current on the values as they stand today. This isn't a static market but a fluid one where the values of items are constantly changing and you must keep up with them.

Good luck in your hunt and email, email, email us!

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

END OF THE WEEK - Still Treasures to Find

It is the end of my first week searching for treasures that will start the 31 Gang in the Race for the Million. We are already trailing in the race to Vicki H. who jumped right out in front of the field and is the star of the week.

It has been a slow start for us, but I did pick up a painting on copper for $35. It just so happens that I know a person that collects these. Hopefully this will prove to be a good buy. My next purchase was a music box with a Swiss movement for $25. I hope that I didn't buy it just because my son, Joshua, is becoming very good at the piano and I was thinking of him. With the last part of our $100 I made a offer for a Royal Doulton figurine but was unsuccessful. I was told to return later and they would consider my offer if it was still unsold.

Not too bad, I feel, of a start and I will be posting the results of the sale of these pieces later. It feels great to get my feet back into the water again after a short layoff to start the club.

Tomorrow I will be off to the Antique and Treasures in a field event in the town of Lake Forest, Il. This is a annual event to raise money for the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. This type of event has proven to be where some of my greatest treasures have been found. You never know what you may come across at a charity sale.

I am beginning to hear from our members and their excitement is very contagious! I hope that more of you will be e-mailing me with questions about what you are seeing in the field. I am already wondering who will be next weeks "Star"...

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

It Won't Break - But Still Can Have Value

When I first arrive at a sale, I usually head for the Art Glass, Pottery or Paintings, thinking this is where the greatest value is going to be.

Often I have made the mistake of not going to the basement, garage or other out buildings. Did you know that some of the most expensive things that you might find at these sales could be antique tools?

An old wood plane with ivory tips might bring up to $10,000 or a rare wrench $4,000 or more. The Stanley company was the leader in metal planes and an old one can command a pretty penny.

Saws and hammers are also great collectibles for a tool collector. You may even find pieces that are mysteries because no one any longer knows their use. Who would still recognize a wheel wrench for a wooden wagon wheel? Not me.

This list can go on and on, but I would bet that very few of you would even take a second glance at old tools. Just a few more items that could easily exceed $1000 in value or more include axes, chisels, hay forks, joiners [ big time ], slide rules and metal tongs. The one that surpised me most was a lawn mowers at over $1500.

Often these tools are manufactoried by machinery companies such as John Deere, Ford and others. Many a man was known by the tools that he used, Unfortunately, the era of the craftsman my be gone forever. Working wood by hand today is to time consuming when all you have to do is set the computer and hundreds of pieces can be produced in a day. I for one am sadden to see those day pass on.`

Don't forget these items as you search for treasure to keep you on the path to reaching your 31 steps in our $1,000,000 Race. You may get your clothes and hands dirty as you dig these things out of greasy tool boxes but it may well be worth it.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Don't Go Too Far - Start Search at Home

I have found that most people think that Treasures can only be found if they travel to find them. However many of the best Treasures that people have reported to me were found in their own homes and this may be true for you, too.

Have you looked in the closets of your children, the ones that are adults now? You may find Star Wars figures or other pieces from that era. What about you parents toy collection that you just store in the attic? Items like marbles, cast iron vehicles, comics and baseball cards? How about the vintage clothing and hats in boxes stored in the basement?

All of these things could prove to be your Treasures. They are hidden from view and forgotten, just waiting to be rediscovered. They may not have meaning for you any longer but there are collectors waiting for them to resurface again.

I remember the movie about a toy boy in Toy Story where it was damaged and no one wanted it any longer. But then a child found the toy and loved it as if it were new. Always remember that other people don't look through the same eyes that you do.

A great little book for you to read is a Acres of Diamonds. It tells the story of a man that traveled most of his life in search of diamonds but as he got older returned to his old home. You guessed it-- that is were he discovered diamonds. Some times we just make things to complicated. Its like the story of the butterfly. The more we chase the butterfly the less chance we have of catching it, but if we merrily sit still it will come and land on our shoulder.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Trash or Treasure? - Be sure to ask Vicki H.

Even if it doesn't glitter it may still be a treasure. Sometimes things that are rather common can have great value if they are needed.

We have our first club member out of the starting gate! Vicki H. was at an estate sale and her eyes focused on six boxes of phonograph needles for $100.00. Hesitating for a moment and calculating the cost per piece she made the purchase.

Not too exciting you say? Wait until you hear the results. She put them up for sale on eBay and when the auction was completed, her total for all the needles came to.... (drum roll).... $832.71! She told me that only $500.00 was going into her account but that is still more than two steps in her race to a million. Can any of us catch her? That is yet to be seen.

Vicki has taught us all a great lesson. While others were looking for that great looking vase, lamp, toy or piece of furniture, she was looking for value. Over $600 in profit on something as simple as phonograph needles. I'll bet you there were other dealers at this sale that bought pieces for $500 and they won't make a 20% profit on their purchase. Way to go Vicki! You win the gold star for that buy!

Often, if you are able to buy multiple pieces at one time, the cost per piece is reduced to a value within your budget. I once knew a gentleman that bought a large quantity of vacuum tubes for radios. His profit reached several thousands of dollars because these were no longer being made and collectors needed the tubes for their vintage radios.

Who will be next? I hope that it will be our gang but I know that there are several of you out there looking. Good luck in your hunt and let us hear from you.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions!

"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert

Returned Empty-Handed - But It's A New day

The treasures eluded me this weekend but today I will start looking again as soon as possible.

I still have my $100.00 and can't wait to spend it. My friend Cecil and I went to the Greenville Flea Market in Kentucky and I was tempted several times to spend my money.

The first time was for a group of Indian postcards. There were 51 of them for $250.00 and a few were worth $20 - $25 but the rest were questionable. This meant a lot of listing and still possibly not reaching my goal. I passed them even though I might have doubled my money. We aren't looking to take a chance and I couldn't be sure.

Next came the Fiesta salt and pepper shakers. There was one each of the red and medium green ones, with the green piece worth $150.00 but it had a chip. The red was perfect. I could have bought both for $10 and this was a good buy. However, the red one would have brought $10 but then I would have had to sell a damaged piece for my profit and I don't deal in these pieces unless they are extremely rare.

My only real disapointment all day was when we encountered a young boy carrying two large double handled Hull vases. We ask him where they came from and he said" I just bought them over there for $6.00 a piece." Then believe it or not he asked us what are they worth? Cecil told him $100 to $125 each. Latter passing his booth there they were priced at $100.00 each. Now they were a good buy but we got to them too late. Better luck next time.

I was offered several things during the day but I was never sure that I could double my money, so on I went searching with every step for a treasure. I just new it was in that next booth or just around the corner.

I have heard from only one of our treasure hunters this weekend. They, like me, came home empty handed. But that just makes us more determined. I hope you can see that I too try to follow the rules that I outlined in my book and I hope you will too.