Showing posts with label antiques collectibles wealth building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label antiques collectibles wealth building. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Daryle Lambert: Indian Artifacts - Points and Blades from Antiquity


As you know probably know by now, I'm not one to sit around too long without trying to learn something new. And so, when I was visiting in Kentucky over the long Christmas holiday, there were only so many hours I could spend joining in on small talk about shopping and watching TV. I knew right when it was time for me to go on a field trip, so I soon headed out with my wife, Vickie, and my son, Joshua to meet up with my two other children, Dana and Lawson. Lawson brought his new bride, and so the six of us squeezed into a small sedan and headed out for a day in the country.

Our first stop was to the farm where I spent so many great days with my grandparents. I've written about some of those times in previous blogs, so I know you are aware of how special those days are in my memory. As we traveled down the roads, I pointed out to Joshua all the of places where there had been a particular milestone or memory in my life -- where I killed my first rabbit, the old family plot on the hill, and the pond where I caught that really big fish that should have been entered into the record books but somehow escaped notice.

Further down the roads, and after I shared most of the old war stories, we were approaching my Uncle's farm. I caught sight of a young man walking through the plowed field. I told Lawson to pull the car over, and then bet everyone that I already knew what this young man was doing there wandering the field. They all laughed, and then I asked them to follow me out into my Uncle's field. They looked suspiciously at me, but followed anyway.

I know the young man was wondering what I might call him on, and as I walked a bit ahead of the rest of my group, I called out to him saying, "I bet I can tell you what you're doing out here."

He smiled, relieved, and replied, "What am I doing?"

"You're looking for arrowheads, aren't you?" He was surprised I knew. I told him that in this same place, as a boy, I would patiently wait until the workers had finished plowing the fields on my Uncle's farm. Once they were gone, I would dash out into the fields with my gallon bucket and pick up arrowheads until my bucket overflowed. "Did you find anything good, " I asked him? He smiled and showed me one arrowhead, and then told me that he frequently came out here to look for Indian Artifacts, and had look all up and down the Ohio River banks. Although he was college age, turned out he was already an advanced collector.

Today I wish that I still had all the arrowheads I found back then. Their value could be considerable. If you want to know more about Indian Artifacts, the book I told you about yesterday, North American Indian Artifacts, by Lar Hothem, is not only good for learning about pots, but it also covers a variety of other artifacts. Click here for additional listings of books.

An eastern U.S. Lost Lake Sunfish Blade, from 9000-7500 B.C. had a value of $4,000 in 1998. I wonder what it would be now. An early Archaic Lost Lake Sunfish Blade, only 4-1/2 " long found in Kentucky was valued in 1998 at $6,000. Check out the book for yourself.

Today, those very fields I roamed so many years ago are still filled with treasures. It's just not possible for me to find the words to properly tell you what it feels like the first time you find an arrowhead in a farmers field that you know had been there since before the time of Christ. -- Daryle

There are a couple things to be aware of when dealing with Indian Artifacts. First, beware that fakes are being made to this day. Look at as many of the real ones as you can, and even after that -- consult an expert if you still have questions. Second, there are laws in place regarding Indian Artifacts, and you should become familiar with them before you become involved. Please look at these two sites for further information: Safely Collecting Indian Artifacts, Contemporary Issues about Native American Art.

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you build more personal wealth than you might have thought possible. And doing it in the Antiques, Collectibles, and Fine Art Markets rather than the traditional methods. You won't find these kind of results with your bank or your stock broker!

Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge members are participating in.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Monday, December 31, 2007

Daryle Lambert: Italian Glass - Real Sleepers


Several years ago, my friend Henry in Los Angles told me to study up on Italian Glass, but I was to busy.

What a mistake that was! And looking at Maine Antique Digest this month really brought home to me what a huge mistake I had made.

Indianapolis, Indiana was the locale, back in September, for a sale of Italian Glass that was listed as the most important sale of its kind in this decade. About $700,000worth of glass was sold, and there were only 250 hand picked pieces represented. We are talking about big money here.

Henry has offered me several pieces of Italian Glass over the years, and to tell the truth, I was a little skeptical at the time. However I did venture out and purchase a couple of Lino Tagliapietra pieces. These were sold by my friends at the Cincinnati Art Gallery, and I did quite well with them. I wish that I had bought all of the pieces he offered, but I just didn't know enough then. You see, I need to continue my education as well as you. Learning is a lifelong process.

If this interests you, then call or write the Maine Antique Digest. I feel sure they will send you a free copy of the January paper. You may also be able to email them. The title of the article in the paper is “Fifteenth Anniversary Premier Italian Glass Auction." I would suggest that you mention me and 31 Club, and that we suggested that you contact them.

Here are some of the results of that sale: A Venini vase designed by Fulvio Bianconi, 14 inches high brought $25,300. This was only one of the many pieces that exceeded $10,000.

What really caught my eye was a figural candlestick by Venini and designed by the same artist as the vase I mentioned above. It is a double candelabra with a man sitting in the middle of the piece. This wasn't a very large piece, standing only 9 ½ inches but the price it achieve made it a giant. I have seen this piece at a garage sale or house sale in my travels, but didn't have the slightest idea that it had the value that was obtained at the auction: $18,400. You can bet I will be putting in some hours of study on Italian Glass in the future.

One thing to watch for are fakes. Remember, when anything becomes popular, the fake masters slither out from under their rocks. Also many of the makers didn't sign their pieces, so you must be able to identify them or know an expert that can.

The more I write on this story the more sick I am becoming. Yes, there were these other two pieces that I saw at a house sale and they had the from of a woman's head in clear glass with a cap upon them in colored glass. If I remember right, the asking price was a little over $1000 each, and in this Indianapolis sale two like them sold for over $14,000 each. Oh, well. Better luck for me next time. Some things we'll just have to learn together.

Take a look at some of this fine art glass and the realized prices here.

Learn more about Italian Glass here.

Discover how our book can be the tool that helps you become financially free buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art according to a real wealth-building plan.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about The Million Dollar Challenge.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us. Contact us here.

If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don't have to sign in to leave your message. Chime in and participate with us.

Friday, November 9, 2007

ANOTHER KEPT PROMISE - Treasures Still Out There. Art Pottery



I will always do my best when it comes to satisfying a promise that I have made to you. Just a few days ago, I got a report about the great find one of our members made and his surprise when it sold at Cincinnati Art Galleries auction.

Here's the great report: Cecil R bought a piece of pottery just from his experience of looking at quality pieces. It was totally unmarked, but there was something about it that said, "You be sure to buy me," which he did.

This goes back to lessons that I have shared with you in the past. The more items you visually examine, the better your eye will become at detecting quality even if the piece isn’t marked. I am going to let Cecil's words speak for themselves. Here is a E-mail I received from Cecil yesterday.

"Daryle: Perfect timing on the article about knowing quality. I recently bought a vase at auction that was not signed and I thought it may be a rare piece of Camark Pottery (which was made in Arkansas). However, when I got home I found that it was similar, but not Camark. After a few days of it sitting there, I had to put my "research cap" on and find out who made the piece. To my amazement, I found out it was made by Owens Pottery of Zanesville, Ohio and that it is one of the rarest patterns made by Owens! The pattern is called "Opalescent Inlaid" and was only made in the last year and one-half that Owens was in business, which was from 1896 to 1907.

The vase was not marked in any way, but I knew it to be a quality piece when I saw it at auction, just by examining the craftsmanship of the vase. I bid the piece to $25.00 and the auctioneer almost said the magic word "Sold!", when another bidder decided he like it too. I won the bidding at $80.00. Even though I did not know at the time who made it, I was certain that I would make a reasonable profit. Last week, the vase sold at auction in Cincinnati. The price: $2,400.00! Not bad for a piece that was unmarked and unsigned! CECIL"

Quite a story, wouldn’t you say? With in a year, I know we will be publishing several stories a week like this from our members. I am sure that your name will be among the ones we list. I would like for the ones writing the obituary for this business to tell Cecil that these aren’t the greatest times in history to be selling Antiques and Collectibles.

It won’t take long before you will begin to develop the eye necessary to spot these unmarked treasures. You see, Cecil didn't have any idea who made that vase. He only knew that it might have looked like a piece that he had seen previously by another company and was a piece of quality craftsmanship. It turned out to be even better than he thought.

Great guns! Just four more steps in Cecil's race to his millions from this sell. You bet I am sure that Cecil has read my book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles. The only worry I have is that he might beat me to the finish line! I am looking back every day to see which one of you is gaining on me and the 31 Gang.

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

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

Monday, November 5, 2007

NUMBERS CAN COUNT - The Appeal of the 31 Club Community - Groups - Friends

We still have an 11 year old boy trying to start an after school Club with his friends so they can enter our Million Dollar Race here at the 31 Club. If you have been reading the blog, you have heard me talk about him.

Our hopes are that the school will encourage this wonderful group of boys and girls to expand their knowledge of economics by studying along with us. I have received several emails from them, asking for their advice and guidance, which to me is a great honor. I hope we can continue to support them in their efforts. If you have any ideas how we can get this message into our schools so that more students can become educated in ways to create their own future, would you please share them with us?

Yesterday, I got surprise when a wonderful lady, by the name of Marsha, approached me and asked if I remembered a phone conversation that we had.

At first, I honestly couldn't remember, and it took me a minute to get on the same track with her. It finally all came back to me. I remembered that she and some friends were looking for new challenges and opportunities and decided to start a business and they needed some space. We had spoken about where this space might be found. While we were speaking together today, I mentioned to her that I had also started a business, shared with her about the 31 Club, and gave her our website address. Lo and behold, Sunday morning she walked up to me at church and said, "Me and my friends are going to join your Club." Wow! That sure caught me by surprise. My only response was, "That is great, Marsha."

When I returned home after church and Joshua’s soccer game, I couldn’t get what Marsha had said to me off my mind. We were appealing to all ages? And if so, why? I’m sure that the possibility of making money might have something to do with it, but I can't help but think there has to be more to it than that. But what?

Then, I remembered what Pastor Marty had said in his sermon today. He said, " We need to be connected to God and then to one another, and after that, to reach out to others." I had my answer. We were doing just what Pastor Marty had said.

When we first started the 31 Club, I knew that it was going to be God based, because that is what I prayed for. In fact, I asked God to make it fail if it wasn’t pleasing to him. But if it was pleasing to him, that its success would change people's lives and the way they operate in the world.

Soon, we received e-mail from people who heard our message. We heard from Todd and he shared his story about his son. We hear from many others who read our blog and have joined our club who ask to be kept in prayer by our members. I believe this speaks volumes about how God is viewing our efforts. Maybe our message from the 31 Club is just beginning to be heard.

We are becoming a community through this Club. Yes, Marsha wants to join with us, and this will even draw her and her friends closer together because of their common interest. Yes, the young man of only eleven, along with his friends want to join with us so that they can share their common interest and set goals for themselves. Yes, we desire to bond together in a common goal that will not only benefit us, but all that come in contact with us, as we share our knowledge, friendship, and our lives with one another.

People need to share with others, both friends and strangers. My hope is that the 31 Club gives them the opportunity to do that very thing. Today has reawakend my desire to send our message to all that will have ears to hear. Yes, we can be as concerned about others as much as we are about ourselves.

Working together we are going to make a difference, I promise you that.

Let us hear from you. We are always open to new ideas and your input is highly valued.

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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Thursday, November 1, 2007

YEAR BOOKS - Could Mean Cash If Signed. Presidents - Movie Stars - Sports Figures


How often have you seen old school yearbooks at a sale and never even picked them up to see who had signed them. This could have been a huge mistake.

On occasion, I will take my year books down off the shelf and read the wonderful things my friends have written in them about me from high school and college. Sure they did, you bet.

This can be fun, and there are a lot of these books out there with the names of some pretty famous people in them. Presidents and Congressmen and women did go to school, even if I do sometimes wonder about a few of them.

How about a yearbook with Babe Ruth's signature in it or Michael Jordon's. Could they have value? You bet. You may not pass those books by so quickly in the future, and if they wrote a message in the book, this will make it even more valuable.

The special things about signatures is that the ones that you think might be the most valuable might not be. You will often find signatures of people that you don't recognize that are worth thousands of dollars.

Let me give you a few examples. Clyde Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde fame will bring over $4500 in the market today. How about Frank Baum, the author of the Wizard of Oz? His signature is worth $2500 plus. Humprey Bogart - $2750, James Dean-$7000, Greta Garbo-$9000, Jimi Hendrix-$2000 and the list goes on and on. All these people went to school and had friends and signed year books. Wow!

Why stop now. How about sports figures? Jake Beckley, baseball, $3500. Joe Jackson, baseball $5500. John L. Louis, boxing $2000. Then we have government employees Susan B. Anthony $2000 and historical figure Daniel Boone $12,500.

I am running out of space but I think you get the picture. All these prices came from the price guide "The Standard Guide to Collecting Autographs" by Mark Allen Baker. Be sure to check the 31 Club's recommended reading list and order this book if you are interested. We've provided an excellent list of the books we like.

My son left me a message on my answering machine that everything looked good but I hope to get more of a report tomorrow.

Thanks and God Bless for your prayers.

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

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

DADDY'S DAY - I’M SO PROUD


Some may ask why I’m am doing all this, and the answers may surprise you. First, I have been looking to see what the Lord had in-store for me after my retirement, and I think that I have found it. Helping others to live a "Funded Life," as Cindy would say. That seems to fit the bill.

Second, staying active keeps me out of my wife Vickie’s hair, and she likes that. Third, I get to be very close to Joshua, my 8-year-old son, and I can assure you nothing makes me happier than that.

I have had many surprises since writing the " 31 Steps to Your Millions" book and forming the 31 Club, but the biggest surprises have been coming from the interest in Joshua by the media. Cindy has been kept busy answering inquiries asking if Joshua is available for different events.

It all started when we got a call from the Chicago Antique Market asking if Joshua would speak to the Junior Collectors at the market, which he did. From that our Local NBC news had him and his collections. on the early show.

All this seemed exciting but what happen next was unbelievable. I was sitting at my computer when the phone rang and the lady ask to speak to Joshua. When an adult wants to speak to my son I definitely want to know who’s calling. So, I ask and she told me that she was calling from Jay Leno's show. Yes, I am thinking that it was a joke, but because of the NBC appearance, I put Joshua on the phone.

He took the phone and began to walk through the house with me following him and feeling a little like I was intruding on his business. After about twenty minutes he handed the phone to me and the lady asked if we could put together a short film of Joshua showing and answering some questions about his collections and send it right off to the studio in beautiful downtown Burbank, California. We did. We haven’t heard from them yet, but the experience for both Josh and myself was wonderful.

Thinking this was the end of the attention, we settled back down to our normal lives until the phone rang again last week. A very pleasant voice on the phone ask if Joshua would be interested in auditioning for a advertisement for a very large well known company. She had already talked to Cindy, and Cindy had given me a heads up that the woman would be following up with me the kind of details a father would want. So, this Saturday Joshua will be going to Downtown Chicago for his audition.

As you can see I am very proud, but also thankful that my son is getting some wonderful experiences at this young age. This Club is responsible for these wonderful things happening, and I want to thank each and everyone of you. Yes, I am getting my moneys worth and I am thanking God ever day.

Now to more serious business. For weeks I have encouraged you to study and share with us things that you have learned. If you have read the Star of the week, Cathy C. has earned that spot this week, and I would like to share an e-mail that she just sent us. Remember, when I talked about the books with the gold edges and said that if you fanned them, there might be a surprise for you there? Well read this article sent in by Cathy C. She didn't send me the source of it, so I can't state it here.

"Fore-Edge Books

Take a look at the edge of the book shown here. What you’re seeing is a small hand-painted scene showing the port of Naples, Italy, from the sea. Books like this one, with a painting on the edge opposite the binding, are called "fore-edge books."

The 1833 book pictured, The Tourist in Italy by Thomas Roscoe, sold for $920 at an Indiana auction that offered nearly 100 lots of fore-edge books. The painting on its edge was based on drawings by J.D. Harding. At the auction, single fore-edge books sold for prices ranging from $345 to $3,738.

Fore-edge books were the rage among London publishers from the 1780s until the 1830s. An artist was hired to paint a scene usually related to the content of the book. The artist would slightly fan the edge, secure the edge in a vice and paint the scene. That way, when the book is closed, the gilded edge shows; but when the pages are slightly fanned, the painted scene becomes visible"

Thanks for the info, Cathy. Don't let these treasures get by you.

Also we have a prayer request today from a member. Tomie Sue and Bill need our prays because Bill will have surgery this Friday. Let's pray for the surgeons and for healing.

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

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

Thursday, October 18, 2007

THE MAIL MIGHT SERVE YOU RAIN OR SHINE. Collectible Postcards-Stamps-Santa-Airplanes Might be Your Treasure


Tomorrow I am going shopping at the garage and estate sales, and I will be accompanied by a friend from Texas. His name is Jeff, and we talked about my starting a company several years ago when he was in the Armed Services, living in the Chicago area. Unfortunately he was relocated, but we have remained close friends.

When I first talked about writing a book, Jeff was one of the first to encourage me, and he helped with the title,"31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles." Jeff and I spent many days talking about the antique business, and he proved to be an excellent student. Even now I get calls from Texas asking about what my thoughts are on the price of an item he is considering purchasing. His field is musical instruments.

Jeff was one of our first members of the 31 Club, and tomorrow we are going to look for items that will take us another step or two in our journey through the 31 Steps.

We will go rain or shine just like your local postman, but we will be looking for what the postman leaves behind. What do I mean by that?


Some items that will be on my wish list tomorrow are boxes of old postcards and letters. Stamp collections can also be found at these sales and you might find their price to your liking. Yes, we will be looking for things that are mailed.


If you remember, I have said before that some of the best collectibles are things that appeal to more than one collecting group. In the trade, we call this cross collectibles. If two people want the same thing, but for different reasons, then the price will probably go up.


Postcards and letters fall into this category. Stamps on the cards can attract the attention of the stamp collectors, but the card itself could be attractive to the card collector because of its content.


Rare stamps have been found on cards or letters in cheap box lots that have been purchased for just a few dollars. These rarities may include one such stamp known as the upside down airplane stamp, that was selling for over $100,000.00 when I was a boy. What if you ran across one of these while rummaging through a box of letters? This was a miss-print stamp that is still the most sought after stamp in the world. One last sold for $525,000.00 on June 4, 2005. Can you imagine that? But just think this stamp would also be valued by people that collect aviation items.


What if you find a box of letters, like the ones that I mentioned before in a past blog, that were from Martin Luther King Jr. or, perhaps some that were signed by Babe Ruth. Can you even think of what their value would be? You see the stamps can have value as I mentioned before, but so can the letter inside. And, even the postcard might bring you a pretty penny if it is a early Santa.


I could go on by saying the letter might have historical significants, but to wrap this up I think you get the point. Often boxes of letters and cards can be purchased for only a few dollars, and the return on them can be unbelievable


I think that you would have to agree with me, that the postman carries some valuable merchandise.


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

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

Friday, October 5, 2007

F-R-E-E-D-O-M! 31 Club - The New Vision for the Antiques & Collectibles Markets


For months now, we, at the 31 Club, have been putting out the good news that the Antiques & Collectibles Markets are very much alive and thriving. Others, aided by recent articles and news stories about what appears to be the industry's "death toll," continue to complain and then wave their white flags and roll over dead. But, we see the vision of a new opportunity and the financial freedom that lies ahead the minute we set foot onto this territory.

How can we be so confident? We, at your 31 Club, know that nothing ever stays the same. That’s a given, and we accept it. We know that this market, like any other world market, is subject to shifts and changes in light of economic conditions and advances in technology. And we accept this, too. We also know what other investors know regardless of what market they're investing in: "Bad news" in one area means there is good news in another. We've identified the new opportunity, and we're heading out onto the battlefield, like William Wallace of Braveheart, to win our freedom. Our financial freedom. How many of you have hearts brave enough to join the clan and fight for your financial freedom?

If the stock market is falling, savvy investors know that a falling market creates an opportunity somewhere else. They suit up and take action to shift into that market territory.

I am telling you, we can do what stock market investors do, only right here in the Antique & Collectibles Market. If you'll listen to the fresh new voice of the 31 Club, despite reports of a marketplace that article after article reads like an obituary, you won't regret it. Let me ask you this: If the lower end and middle range items in the antiques and collectible market, those readily available, aren't moving at the current price and appear to have lost their value, but the rare and high end items sell at record highs, quickly, what does that tell you? Where should we focus? Think you can't do it?

Your 31 Club will prepare and lead you step-by-step to be working in this high end area of the market. Most others only dream about doing this. We lead by example. For those of you following along with our progress, you know we started with a $100 purchase and now have completed Step 3. Our members Cecil and Vicki have moved on from Step 1. We are advancing through our 31 Steps, together, and this will assure our prosperity just down the road.

We're instructing those that have ears to hear a fresh new voice, and join us, in preparing and arming ourselves, so we are equipped to head out into higher end markets with support, knowledge and confidence. You might feel like you're wandering out in the cold, damp night of the Scottish hillside right now, while the English continue to oppress you, your family and countrymen. But if you can catch a vision of what freedom can look like and are willing to kilt up, sharpen your skills, your spears, and paint your face blue, together we can take to the fields at Bannockburn and win your freedom.

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

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

Saturday, September 29, 2007

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

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