Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Did you know? The Brimfield Antique & Collectible Show is THIS week!


The Brimfield Antiques Show in Massachusetts has been a most popular attraction for antiques enthusiasts since the 1950’s. Brimfield is a quaint, picturesque rural New England town. The the town's 35 square miles are surrounded by apple orchards and wooded hills in the foothills of the Berkshires.

The shows runs three times a year, this week it's from September 2-7.


IF YOU GO...


  • Get there early to secure a good parking location. Spots fill quickly. Keep in mind how often you might need to haul items back to your car.

  • Be prepared for changes in the weather. Dress appropriately in layers. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. When the weather is bad, the crowd is smaller, and so you’ll have more bargaining power if you hang in there!

  • Bring cash. It’s the preferred method of payment for most dealers, and using it will give you an advantage when haggling.

  • Bring a backpack, wagon, or cart to help in transporting whatever you buy. Some things can be awkward to carry.

  • Carry your own water. It’s not always easy to find a drink at the show.

  • Dealers expect you to bargain. Don’t hesitate to ask, "What’s your best price?".

  • If you see something you want, don’t wait to return later, it may be gone. Pay for it and ask the dealer if they’ll hold it for you. That way, you can pick it up on your way back to your vehicle. Remember where the dealer is located, and don’t forget to find out when they’ll be closing up!

  • If you plan on returning to a specific booth, be sure to write down the name of the show venue/field and the booth number. It may not be so easy to locate later in the day!

  • If you’re looking for something in particular, ask a dealer who is displaying similar items. Even if they don’t have it, you can get great recommendations.

  • If you’re a collector, it’s a good idea to hand out business cards printed with what items you’re looking for, your name and contact information. (VistaPrint is a great resource for these! Simple cards can be created online at a very reasonable cost. )

Some of the shows charge admission, typically $5.00. You can purchase tickets at those fields on the days and morning prior to their opening.


For more information, check out:

http://brimfieldshow.com

http://www.brimfield.com
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