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Why Don't You Want My Stuff?
Josh Levine, author
Why Don't You Want My Stuff?
A Boomer’s guide to downsizing, their Millennial kid's psyche and just things that are so…
An easy to understand (maybe even fun) guide through the secondary market of online retailing, auctions and estate sales. Gather consignment insight, trend forecasting (from Pokemon to music boxes), appraisal techniques and buying tips from CEO and auctioneer Josh Levine's almost 20 years of experience in the auction world.
Collectors - Pick at the brain of an experienced appraiser and auctioneer. Uncover Levine’s projected market trends on a variety of pieces, compare war stories and gain tips on online retailing.
Boomers - Stop asking your kids why they don't want your stuff! Levine will reveal some of the psychology behind their disinterest and even resentment of your items. From China to furniture the Gen-Xers and Millennials just don’t view your treasures like you do. Gain an understanding of the supply and demand of the market and the cyclical trend that is style, purchase behavior and ultimately life.
Gen-Xers - Are you caught between a rock and a hard place? Don’t worry, we’ll break the news to your parents about their collection of China and the like. As for you, we'll explain the trouble of trying to sell all of your parent's and relative's items that you don't want and where to go from there (hint: think of all the people who also don't want their parent's stuff).
Millennials - Yup, there’s even some knowledge for you in here. You escaped inheriting some beanie babies and VHS tapes from your parents, so what do you do with all of that space? First off, pass on the minimalist trend. Then, think about the possibilities. You know how bell bottoms are back in? Soon, so will these trinkets, furniture styles and fad pieces like Pokemon. Get ahead of your peers and start collecting now. Levine will shed some light on what's hot and what's not.
From any perspective you will finish with an understanding of the disconnect between the generations as well as with actionable knowledge for your inevitable quest to liquidate seemingly unwanted stuff.
Reviews
Levine, owner and founder of J. Levine Auction & Appraisal in Scottsdale, Ariz., shares two decades worth of wisdom regarding antiques and collectibles in this breezy and informative guidebook. While reality shows like Antiques Roadshow extoll the virtues and sometimes extraordinary value of decades-old furniture and ephemera, Levine shares a harsh reality: in many cases, nobody wants it. The current “buying generations,” with differing interests and lifestyles, along with shifting tastes, has resulted in once-pricey items like china and toy trains dropping dramatically in value. Levine has yet to meet a Gen Xer who collects Hummel figurines—most don’t even know what they are, he writes—but vintage watches and pens are hot right now, as are Star Wars toys and Chinese antiques. Levine argues that the key to succeeding as a collector is patience, an eye for quality, the ability to recognize the cyclical nature of collectibles, and knowing when to sell before the market cools. Levine’s insights into antiques economics along with his terrific needle-in-a-haystack anecdotes about discovering treasure among clutter will inspire readers to not only dig through their attic, but maybe visit some estate and tag sales. (BookLife)
