Here's a few lessons I've learned as of late...
Clothing market is down too, designer and vintage/antique I would say 60-70% less than it was 5 years ago. As with anything the super rare high end is still in demand but weaker prices than before. Clothing seems to be doing better at live auctions than on internet auctions.
Online it seems that mostly brick and mortar dealers and private site dealers buying for resale. Which means low prices and a lot of fishing for partial refunds.
Chinese market is also slowing down too, except (as usual) the best stuff.
I also have booth space at a B/M store. Was trying to sell nice stuff at decent prices but it wasn't moving. I've found that kitchy stuff at lower prices moves really quick. Less profit but much faster turnover. Cool looking fun stuff is selling quickly - 70s toys, small accent furniture especially painted funky, repurposed items, records, Outdoor furniture, garden stuff (like plant stands), small cafe table/chairs, mid century items clean lines (ikea look).
Hipsters seem to have the money right now and they want quirky statement style pieces. Whether or not they are antique doesn't seem to matter just as long as they have an interesting look.
Antiques are in a low cycle, I'm sure they will come back eventually, everything does.
But right now it seems to be weird stuff at reasonable prices that are moving the best.
