“The year 2021 has been very complicated for me. It was even difficult to buy and sell. The pandemic has changed our profession. Fortunately, we see each other when unpacking, ”summarizes Bernard, an experienced exhibitor domiciled in Paris, Sunday January 9, during the bargain hunters meeting, Place Billard.
The professional, who exhibits his objects once a month in Chartres, observes: “On the one hand, prices have increased, on the other, people are negotiating much more strongly than before. It is even easier to do business between professionals than with individuals. “
“You shouldn’t be greedy when you want to sell”
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He adds: “The Internet has played a harmful role for years. “According to him, some buyers do not distinguish flea markets from antiques and” fairs at all “.
Discover the incredible wooden games made by this native of Chartres
30% decrease in turnover
Another exhibitor accustomed to the place has a correct 2021 balance sheet: “A stable year compared to 2020. You should not be greedy when you want to sell. »In front of other stalls in Place Billard, another traveling merchant is not completely satisfied with the results of his activity over the past year. “A very average, stable balance sheet, with two years weighed down by the Covid pandemic. However, I am still in second-hand goods outside, ”he is surprised.
Another exhibitor, Philippe, from Loir-et-Cher, also reveals a very difficult year: “I am nevertheless in a generalist register, decorative objects, furniture, paintings… What saves me is that I do not only work with individuals, but also with professionals, on volumes. “
A selection of auctions for the year 2021 at the Galerie de Chartres
The Covid-19 continues to weigh on this second-hand dealer profession, as confirmed by Micheline, who came from Loiret: “I estimate the drop in my turnover at around 30%. “The reasons are multiple in his eyes:” The cancellation of many shows, reduced gauges or the fear of people to contract the virus by crossing in a crowd. “However, she is motivated by satisfaction:” New customers are starting to take an interest in what can be found at second-hand dealers. This is the second time that I come to Chartres. The first was very conclusive. There, it is a period after the holidays, it is quieter. “
Satisfied merchants
Philippe seems optimistic about the future: “I felt a new influx and more purchases from last August. People let go, I saw that they wanted to have fun to improve their interior. The second half was good, but it does not make up for the delay. “
The Loir-et-Cher merchant maintains contact with the Chartrains in a town where he had a shop in the past: “I have about 60% of regulars, people passing through or foreigners, but who take care of them. small items for obvious reasons of ease of transport. “
For his part, Franck, specializing in particular in sales of stamps, books, postcards and photos, confides that his 2021 turnover is up: “I refocused on objects and I have them. stopped others, such as advertising enamel plaques. This fashion has changed. There are hardly any more customers for this type of item. “He comes twice a month to Chartres, to present objects bought from private individuals,” because it’s a good market with a lot of regulars, very interested. “
Thierry delaunay
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