@shopsbh: SHOP THE SELLER. 👀 It’s one of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone shopping for antiques, art or vintage. Brimfield is a magical place for dealers, designers, decorators and collectors. There are incredible things to find, great deals to be had, and the overwhelming majority of dealers are hardworking, knowledgeable and honest people trying to bring great merchandise to their customers. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your homework. My philosophy has always been: trust, but verify. I can’t tell you how many times this week I’ve been told something “comps for $1,500,” only to look it up and find comparable pieces actually selling for $300–$400. And yes, I still look things up. I’ve been doing this for decades, and I’ll still pull out my phone, check auction results, question whether something could be a reproduction, or text another dealer for a second opinion. There is no shame in doing your research. In fact, the best dealers usually encourage it. They’ll explain why something is priced the way it is, discuss condition, provenance, rarity and comparable sales, and let you make an informed decision. Sometimes a seller simply doesn’t know. Sometimes they’re pricing based on what they paid. And yes, occasionally someone may be intentionally misleading. That’s why you shop the seller. Know who you’re buying from. Ask questions. Check actual sold prices. Get another opinion when you need one. And most importantly, don’t let this discourage you from buying at Brimfield. There are fantastic deals everywhere if you’re willing to look, learn and do a little homework. The hunt is half the fun. Have you ever looked up a “comp” and discovered the real selling price was nowhere close to what you were told?

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Thursday 10 September 2026 12:41:06 GMT