Antique Shows & House Renovation Programmes

[granny grump]

We've just been watching Antiques Road trip.

I'm sure that if we offered some of the prices that they do we would be told where to go.

Same with the house renovation programmes - such as under the hammer when they say that they've carpeted a 3 bedroomed house for £400 what have they used?

[Retrochic]

First question -answer, as an antique dealer i would say you would not be told where to go -most retail shops add at least 30% onto expected price for negotiation., and if you've had an item for a while and its not shifting its often best to accept what you paid for in the first place or even a loss.

2nd question - 'Trade' carpet you can get it for under £7 a linear metre -it won't last but if you are carpeting a rental property you will probably have to replace it every few years so its not worth paying bug money for good stuff.

[granny grump]

Thank you Retrochic I'll stop being so cynical ha ha

[Retrochic]

I like a good haggle lol!

[granny grump]

Now that I'm retired I might give it a go

[silliemillie]

I'm with you Granny, I wish I could get a team of builders to refurbish my house for under 10k including kitchen, bathroom, double glazing, central heating ect ect.

Can't even buy the materials for the budget they say they have spent.

As for the antiques, I have offered a reasonable price for some items I liked (not the half price offers they do on BH) and was still told a flat no.

Maybe it's cos I live in the South, I have been told that materials are cheaper up North and people more willing to negotiate.

[granny grump]

No I'm up north silliemillie

[silliemillie]

Ah, well that's that theory out the window then! LOL!