Larry Shapiro antiques and the show promoter

Larry Shapiro from appraisalsandantiques.com an antique buyer, seller, and appraiser recently was quoted on the subject of the "traditional antique show". Shapiro said: " The traditional antique show is no longer a viable entity in today's fast paced market". He went on to say: "Everything is different today". "Dealers can't show up at a show today and expect to sell items that sold three or four years ago." "Promoters have to work harder to get dealers who connect to todays marketplace and todays prices". " The average buyer today needs to be excited by a show". "The WOW FACTOR is necessary to keep the customers coming back." "We are in a transitional period that needs fuel added to dying embers". "The market today is a buyers market". "They control the market and dealers and promoters have to listen to their customers".

appraisalsandantiques.com larry shapiro/ Family division

Dividing your personal property in your estate can easily be handled with a qualified appraiser. Let's say you have antiques, art, collectibles, and other items of value and you are concerned that your children will quarrel over them upon your death. Hire a qualified appraiser to assign values to each item. When you estate is settled, each child picks out what he or she would like to own. You could use the draw straws method to see who has first pick. Once the first family member has picked an item, then the process continues with each member having turns in the same order. Once everyone has chosen, the dollar value for each individual is added up. The person who has the least in dollar value is compensated with cash to equal the amounts taken by the others. When the process is over, each child has an equal amount either in objects or cash or a combination of the two. Whatever is left over is either sold to a dealer, at public auction, or donated. This system makes the process fair and equitable for everyone.

appraisers/ what to look for

When you are looking for an appraiser no matter what you need appraised, you should look for someone with credentials. Do they belong to the I.S.A. or the A.S.A.? Both of these organizations are very well recognized and all members are tested both for knowledge and background. Is your appraiser well versed concerning todays laws and tax issues? Do they know the difference between fair market value and replacement value? And most importantly, do they know how to apply values concerning your appraisal? Talk to your prospective appraiser before hiring . Give as much information as you can and ask questions. Remember, your appraisal is important to you and you want it to be accurate. Larry Shapiro I.S.A.