| We bet as soon as you saw this title, a particular | | | | painfully apparent that she does not carry any of the |
| antique shop you know immediately came to mind. It is | | | | antique fishing lures you collect. You gaze around |
| important to note that there are many fine antique | | | | quickly looking for any signs you may have missed. |
| shops in the marketplace that are familiar with the | | | | Since you have yet to see one that says, "Do Not |
| concept of excellent customer service and they work | | | | Breath," you take a deep breath, thank her for her |
| very hard to meet the needs of their clients. This is not | | | | time, and move toward the door as quietly as you can. |
| about them. Mixed in with those friendly antique places, | | | | These curators who are disguised as antique dealers |
| whose owners will not only find you what you want if | | | | really believe that their offerings are of museum quality |
| they can but will work with you on the price, are | | | | and can only be appreciated by those with a |
| antique museums cleverly disguised as antique shops. | | | | discerning eye and an unparalleled admiration for that |
| They are easy to identify. You will know that you | | | | which is truly exceptional. They have got to be kidding. |
| have found one as soon as you open the door to | | | | Most likely there are a small number of items in |
| walk in, if you are allowed to walk in. You might have | | | | inventory that could be considered very hard to come |
| to buzz first in order to gain entrance into the inner | | | | by. Such items would warrant celebrity status and |
| sanctum. Once inside, you do not need to look further | | | | would therefore deserve to be accompanied by |
| for any additional telltale signs that you have found a | | | | unprecedented price tags. |
| "museum." There will actually be real signs just about | | | | Those who are not very experienced in the antiques |
| everywhere you look. Cabinets will have "Do Not | | | | business cannot fully appreciate the term "museum |
| Open" signs. Chairs, sofas, chaises and ottomans will | | | | quality." Those who are in the know understand that if |
| have signs that say, "Do Not Sit." Tables will have signs | | | | an item is "museum quality" then it is actually in a real |
| that express the curator's desire that you not lean. | | | | museum. At the very least it is in the private collection |
| Some larger pieces will have "Do Not Move" signs. | | | | of some multi-millionaire. When and how did this |
| Move them to where? | | | | happen? Did your average antique dealer get lucky |
| Suddenly you see one or two statues that are out in | | | | one day and sell some items to a Hollywood movie |
| the open because they are too big to fit into any of | | | | star that had more money than sense? However it |
| the display cabinets. You have finally found a couple of | | | | happened, the owners of these shops have turned into |
| items with which you can develop a more personal | | | | royalty and we, the customers, have become their |
| relationship. Suddenly you feel all warm and fuzzy | | | | subjects. |
| inside. Hey, not so fast! Didn't you see the "Do Not | | | | Some dealers have a misguided notion that they have |
| Touch" sign? Don't look now but here comes the | | | | to make a killing on everything they sell. This attitude is |
| curator of the museum. For an instant you consider | | | | pricing antiques, and average antiques at that, right out |
| fleeing as quickly as possible. However, because of | | | | of the marketplace. These are the same dealers that |
| the "Do Not Run" sign you do not dare. You try to | | | | complain about their sales being way down. They |
| make the best of an uncomfortable situation so you | | | | blame it on the economy rather than their exaggerated |
| offer, "Nice day today, isn't it?" You are met with a | | | | prices, unfriendly atmosphere and lack of good |
| look of disdain from over the top of the curator's | | | | customer service. Lower prices would produce more |
| half-glasses. She then responds, "Hmm. I suppose it is. | | | | turnover and therefore more sales. A welcoming smile |
| How may I assist you?" | | | | at the door wouldn't hurt either. |
| There is really nothing for you to ask her. It is already | | | | |