Belt Auction

What is the typical or minimum dealer markup on antiques and collectibles?

Also, what happened to all the flea markets? Thirty years ago, my parents spent all weekend going to antique and collectible shows and flea markets. Now these venues are just empty fields or buildings housing other businesses now.

Public Comments

1. I'm not a dealer, but if I had to guess, I'd say they have to make at least double on an investment. If they see an item at a tag or estate sale for $20 and they figure they can only get $30 for it, they aren't going to buy it - it would have to be $15 or less for them to be interested, and they will always haggle to get it for the lowest possible price. As for flea markets - with the economy in severe recession, antiques are one of the first commodities to suffer. People need their money for necessities, so they aren't going to be spending it on trinkets and dust-catchers. Ergo, the flea markets go out of business.
2. thirty percent you buy it for a third of its value sell it for two thirds its value called keymarking - always done in thirds mom does antiques