Florida auctions

Today we began to set up for the show

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Today we decided to set up all of our new tables and to begin to get our goods ready for the Florida Flywheelers

Getting the goods out and priced.

Getting the goods out and priced.

show that starts next week. This is the first time that we have set up the new to us frames and boards instead of our usual long and heavy tables. You can see the frames and boards in the photo clearly.

Part of the day’s work was to arrange the ‘tables’ the way we thought would provide the best trffic flow for our customers. Also we decided what things to put where. We are going to have the old tools on the tables next to the road. This will attract more attention from the men and get them to turn down our aisle in their golf carts or ATV’s or whatever they are driving. Then when they stop the ladies will see the necklaces on a seperate table. Beyond that will be the “Antique” type things including the old leather elephants, the brass vases from Senegal and the wooden round end table from Spain. We also have a lot of nice glassware for sale.

Anyway, we also put price tags on all the things we had bought at the auctions. It is always better if you have everything priced because a lot of people just won’t ask what your asking price is for something. How do we price our things? Well, often we know what things are going for, and if not, google is your friend. (So is eBay if you look at the sold listings.) We did pick up a nice wood carving at a recent auction. We didn’t really plan on getting it but it was put in a lot with an item we did want. Turns out the carving is by a very well known artist whose similar carvings have sold for as high as $450! Maybe this will be one of those great (and lucky) finds.

A long, busy but productive day. We even made our first sale of the show, before the show started. The porcelain enamel street sign from New Bridgeport, Mass. is gone from our inventory.

We had a ball at a Speed King Auction

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Speed King Auctions Evan Minck

Speed King Auctions Evan Minck

Auctions are one of the things that we like to attend where ever we travel. We found a great auction house on the north side of Lakeland, Florida. We spent a little time at one of their auctions a couple of weeks ago, but we went back today to stay for the entire auction.

The auction started around 1:00 pm (after being open early to view the goods) on the outside. Tables were set up in rows, and wow what a variety of goods were sold. First the hundreds of items on the outside were sold, then the action moved inside. There the ‘more expensive’ items were sold. Small items like jewelry and coins were shown on a large TV monitor.

Evan Minck is the owner and auctioneer of Speed King Auctions. Evan calls a great auction. He is fair,  honest, and straight forward in the way he manages the auctions he calls. No bid jumping here. If you are in the Lakeland area of Florida you should consider stoppping by Speed King Auctions. Check the auction house website for times and dates. You just might find something for your RV that you just can’t live without.

We did end up the successful bidder on some things at the auction and had a great time as well.

The Florida Flywheelers January show

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Vintage John Deere tractors

Vintage John Deere tractors

Today the site of next week’s antique tractor show was picking up in activity. Named Florida Flywheelers, this show is really large: there are 240 acres with 1700 exhibitor and vendor spaces. The show grounds are located outside of Ft.Meade, Florida. This is the first time we have been to this event. Some fellow vendors told us about this show last fall, and we decided to give it a try.

There are already several exhibitors here with their completely restored antique tractors. I saw a couple of fellows out touching up the shine on the perfect paint jobs on these fine old machines.

We have already figured out that you will see just about any set up here at the Flywheelers show. There are trucks, campers, RV’s, tents and cargo trailers of every size, age and description. I even saw a truck camper mounted on a one ton flatbed! There are vendors already set up selling as wide a variety of goods as there are vehicle and tent set ups. Everything from tractor manuals to typical flea market goods to new merchandise is offered, with hundreds more vendors due for the start of the show Wednesday.

Tractor seats, all antique, all different!

Tractor seats, all antique, all different!

Sisters run Buddy’s Auction House

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Buddy's Storefront

Buddy’s Storefront

While in Clearwater, Florida, Sher and I found a listing for an auction the evening we were planning on being there. So off to Buddy’s Auction House we went.

We found a great little facility that was packed with items up for auction that evening. This establishment has an auction every Tuesday night. Two sisters run the business which is named after a rescue dog that goes to yard and estate sales with the owners.

Beth shared with me that she and her sister Ruth aquired the business in March of 2014 and their first auction was held on April 15th. Normally a full 70% of the items up for sale each week are owned by the sisters.They are constantly on the move buying at estate sales, yard sales and anywhere they can find good merchandise.

Sold!

Sold!

When we first got to the business Beth was busy talking with folks who were previewing the items for that evening’s sale. She also told us some of the stories of folks she has interacted with in the business. Lots of people will put things in sales on a consignment basis. While I was talking to Beth a fellow came in wanting to put things in on consignment.

Beth shared that she and her sister used to have ‘normal’ jobs but loved antiques and the hunt for good antiques. When the opportunity came along to get their own business they boh jumped at the chance. Now these  lively vibrant ladies are living their dream and enjoying what they do.

The auction stared at seven. We had spent the rest of the afternoon in the coach. About a half hour before seven we went in, got our bidder’s number and took one final look at the items up for sale. Ruth introduced me to their auctioneer, Vince Gepp, and the rest of the staff. We had a great time during the sale. Some items did prompt some lively bidding.

Ruth, Vince, Beth and the rest of the Buddy's staff

Ruth, Vince, Beth and the rest of the Buddy’s staff

And yes, I did end up with a few things that I thought I couldn’t live without. That is what happens we you keep bidding on an item until everyone else stops. Go visit the Buddy’s Auction House website to learn more, and see what is up for sale next Tuesday night. You will find a friendly, helpful staff, have a fun time and chances are good you’ll also go away with a treasure or two. Sher and I highly recommend Buddy’s. Tell Ruth and Beth we sent you!