Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
How to attract the attention of quilt collectors? >

How to attract the attention of quilt collectors?

How to attract the attention of quilt collectors?

Old 05-05-2014, 04:07 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
applique's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MA
Posts: 1,507
Default How to attract the attention of quilt collectors?

I work in a small non-profit quilt museum with a miniscule budget. Every once in a while a piece of a collection will come our way to sell on consignment when a collector downsizes or the family is looking to sell a quilt. We also have the opportunity to sell quilts and quilted art made by some of the quilt exhibitors. My question is, if you can only afford to place one ad to attract those who might want to collect this work, where would you place the ad?
applique is offline  
Old 05-05-2014, 04:41 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,804
Default

I hate to say it...EBay. It has become the hunting grounds for collectors of all kinds. Ebay isn't just a junk market anymore. There are lots of high-end collectables thee now and it's probably one of the largest markets in the world, so you'll get a lot of attention. I would also twitter your listings to increase views and prospective buyers. It may take you awhile to get a reputation going, so you might want to start with your lower priced quilts first. Also, make sure that you convey that you are selling collector's quality and not some cheapy goods.

~ Cindy
tropit is offline  
Old 05-05-2014, 04:44 AM
  #3  
Super Member
 
LynnVT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vermont, USA
Posts: 1,346
Default

This might help with other info about selling quilts.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7361187_sell...t-blanket.html
LynnVT is offline  
Old 05-05-2014, 05:20 AM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
Default

My opinion on eBay is that it is STILL the largest garage sale. I sold for a couple of years and every single one of my customers were looking for a bargain. In fact, I shop for quilt fabric and magazines and unless they give free shipping, I won't pay full retail on any item. I noticed that one of my neighbors put her quilt she received from her aunt's death (Aunt was an author and instructor at QIAD) for sale below what I thought of the value of the quilt would be. I watched it for 3 weeks and it didn't sell.
ManiacQuilter2 is offline  
Old 05-05-2014, 06:23 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
ghostrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,688
Default

Some of where you advertise will depend on whether you are looking for an investment collector or one who buys for pleasure alone. Advertise in publications that collectors read...American Craft, American Style, FiberArts, Art in America, ArtNews, Art & Antiques.

Talk to the folks at the Brush Gallery and/or Whistler House for ideas or possibly a showing that would get the pieces seen as art rather than craft. And, of course, be sure to put them on your website and maybe promote them to your mailing list. Collectors want to have a 'connection' to what they purchasee, so be sure to include the story behind the pieces you are selling.
ghostrider is offline  
Old 05-05-2014, 07:03 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,337
Default

I'm surprised all you do is place one ad - and by "you", I'm not picking on you personally, I mean the museum. Do you also do a "press release" of some kind, where you inform other museums of the item? They might be interested. How about your database of previous buyers? Local guilds and shops? If you sent info out that way, you might get good word-of-mouth advertising.
Peckish is offline  
Old 05-06-2014, 04:12 AM
  #7  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
applique's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: MA
Posts: 1,507
Default

Thanks for the ideas. I am working in the museum shop following a string on non-quilters who tried to make the shop a general type museum shop. I am trying to get back to the roots as a quilt museum with a focus on quilts in the shop. We are beginning to be known for the everyday type of consignment quilts and although the sales are slow, non quilters are beginning to show up both to shop and to sell on consignment. We are setting up a five year plan for the shop and this is where I can see a lot of room for improvement starting with appraisals. attracting possible collectors and building a solid base.
applique is offline  
Old 05-06-2014, 06:32 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: greater NorthEast
Posts: 3,004
Default

your type of shop sounds interesting--wish there were more like it in other states! 5 year plan sounds promising; it will take time & a LOT of advertisement until you step in the right circles...
just_the_scraps_m'am is offline  
Old 05-07-2014, 03:18 AM
  #9  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 15,368
Default

I would also post flyers at LQShops listed in the directory of LQS shops.
twinkie is offline  
Old 05-07-2014, 03:50 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West New York, New Jersey
Posts: 1,673
Default

No suggestions, but sending you and the museum good wishes.
mrs. fitz is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tammy cosper
Main
3
04-07-2011 07:23 AM
Simple Pleasure
Main
16
08-28-2010 07:15 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter