Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums Want to Buy Petroliana Who has porcelain signs for sale? Be reasonable $$

If you have any porcelain signs you are willing to sell at a reasonable price comment on this post or send me a PM!

ebay search does not recognize this user name; Xmonkeybawlzz

You must look in baallz.

Been a member on eBay since 2010. Haven't sold anything though

I'm am 22 just starting in antiques. Looking to buy

"sell at a reasonable price"

that wording might not get you much here....this is a
NO MEAT ON THE BONE ZONE....LOL

You are on a collector site and you're asking for prospective sellers to be reasonable in their pricing to you, so that you are able to make a profit on the flip????????
I guess everyone wants someone to sell to them reasonably enough, but to find someone that would do the leg work for you, to make your enterprise profitable, is pretty far fetched, even in todays dreamer world!!!!
The collectors on these pages aren't really interested in what an item costs, more that the item they purchase is worth the money they have to pay. They all sell a few items to help fund the collecting addiction, but it certainly isn't at a level where some newby picker can make his wages off the daily finds of these collectors!
There are a certain amount of pickers that frequent these pages too, but unless they are very savvy, they generally pay too much for their inventory and rarely get anything sold because their prices are so darn high!
You would do well to concentrate your time and effort on ebay and Craigs list, to pick thru the offerings of those who just want to dump some excess property for quick cash!
I know of no successful pickers out there that have people calling them up with all of the inventory they might need? Just doesn't happen! You want to be successful at this---get out and do the leg work! Spend 12 to 15 hours a day on the computer---spend money on newspaper ads, drive hundreds of miles to auction sales--make a good name for your self--never cheat anyone--get to know a whole lot of people and maybe someday, someone will give you a call! MAYBE??

...and don't believe everything you see on TV.

Once again Kevin Has acted as a true ambassador to the hobby. Do yourself a favor and read it over as many times as it takes to sink it in. He speaks the truth and offers great advice.
Good luck.

Just figured there might be more people on here doing the same as me.

So when I do find people selling & I post the signs on here at a good price you guys aren't going to jump all over it? Yeah right!

Welcome to oldgas....you are destined to flounder like the hoards of others before you.

Case in point....... started out at $4,500 now down to $2,000 after the:
"BIG PRICE REDUX.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

http://oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=555910#Post555910

People are harsh on oldgas. You think they would try to help a younger guy that appreciates antique signs. Not try to put him down lol

there seems to be a trend on this site and others, HAMB and AACA come to mind that a group of seasoned collectors, aka "old guys" are easy picking. Just hit up somebody who's spent years in a hobby, chances are they'll be out of touch on some stuff and are ready to be taken. American Pickers has made it popular and look easy. The people like Sean here just don't understand how anyone can possibly be offended by them wanting to take advantage of someone's ignorance or lack of knowledge.

poor guy

MOST have a Weakly Weekly PRICE REDUX.

Define good price; history has shown that "Pickers" idea of a good price and reality are miles.... or hundreds to thousand of dollars a part.

Due to the influx of flippers or flipping of Petroliana prices have skyrocketed; Pickers buy at retail or above retail and think that there is still meat on the bone.....but there isn't. Search today postings you'll see a great example of what we are describing to you.

I think that is what everyone is trying to do is help . It would be better to say send me a PM if you have any signs to sell and you decide in private if they are reasonable.

In my opinion, the reality and words of wisdom that are being offered to you will help you throughout your life time.

Best advice offered was by DB. Get an education, trade/career that will feed you and your future family. Don't bank your future away on a passing trend. Nothing like a steady paycheck, not affected by peoples interests or economic trends.

I would echo everything that Kevin had to say. To reach into this hobby, get out and hunt for the stuff, its still out there. We (the hobby) are willing buyers - at least within our own personal price ranges for items we seek. And we will gladly give direction, advise, and assistance to all, old or young, newbie or old timer. But understand there are no handouts or easy finds. Its a great bunch of folks, some I've known nearly 40 years, and the real find is the friendship in the hobby.

Wayne Henderson

I definitely don't think the "old guys" are easy picking. Just looking for a place to start. & just so everyone knows I've received 2 messages from different collectors already will to negotiate.

Very well said Kevin.
Even though I have a few signs that I got when I was a kid, a number of years back I got out and went to auctions, swap meets and gas shows. And though It took some time buying and selling, I now think I have a pretty sweet collection. I think like everything else in life this generation just thinks they deserve it all to come to them without hard work!

You guys are assuming I'm expecting everything to be handed to me. I do go to auctions, meets & show. I will put in my work eventually, just looking for a place to start.

As said before, Read Kevin Frith's message a few times and let it sink it. And have patience so you don't overpay....And look at e-bays completed auctions, and completed auctions on auction houses websites to learn prices. There's your start!!

I appreciate advice & tips like that.

Thanks!

Welcome to oldgas. Calling these knowledgable collectors "harsh" doesn't get many favors. Just because your 22 doesn't mean these guys are going to bend over backwards and do flips for you. I'm 21, and been around antiques my entire life. Being young in the hobby means quite the opposite. People will watch you like a hawk to see if you do your homework, as well as hard work into it. You will have to prove yourself just like the veteran collectors had to do when they first started. Being a "picker" on this sight doesn't go over so well on this site, just ask the others. Oh that's right they realized it wasn't as easy as TV showed them.

Please read every comment these guys make on here, they are very knowledgeable about the subject, and very willing to help of asked correctly! If someone says something to you that you don't like. Don't retaliate. Take it with a grain of salt, chances are nothing was meant by it. Read all you can, listen all you can.

Hope this doesn't offend you or anyone else, just my opinion. I'm glad to see someone else my age join the site, but us new guys are like children: to be seen, and not heard.

Welcome to Oldgas!
Brandon.

I haven't taken any offence from the comments directed towards me, I know I have I work my way up & I will eventually do that.

Oldgas hazing at it's finest, and you stood up and took it like a man, good job! Well said Kevin and Wayne!

One day soon ill be negotiating with you guys. Don't count me out.

As a twenty-two year old with a few years of experience at buying and selling, I wanted to underline this point especially. You will learn quickly that it is usually the most honest and genuine people who have the most success in this industry. I rarely contribute to all the vitriolic arguments about dishonest sellers on this forum, but what I have learned from reading all the reactions is that most people are in agreement on one point - your reputation is all you have. I can tell you from experience that a good reputation will never hurt you in the long run. Acting professional and honest is what it takes for others to take you seriously and, with enough luck, to remember you when they have an item to sell. There is something to be taken away from the idea of treating others the way you would like to be treated. If you have ever spoken to a serious collector - either of porcelain signs or porcelain urns - you understand the pride most of them take in what they have assembled. And you should at least not trample over that pride on your way to the bank. I agree with what a few others have said - use this forum to learn a few things about porcelain signs, oil cans, what have you. I am not a specialist in service station items and, in truth, I almost never have an opportunity to purchase any of them at a "reasonable price," but I still enjoy using this forum as a research tool. And hell, I like these things too.

I usually never talk in such inspirational tones, but as someone who loves what he does and what he buys and sells, I felt inclined to share what I have learned in the brief time I have been at it. Not trying to preach down to you from the pulpit, just a little friendly advice.

LOL, I'm just guessing the offers or PM's that you received offering to sell you signs were from guys who need to dump inventory they have had too long or paid too much for.

A lot of wisdom spoken here. I think you get the point now, so no need for me to reiterate things.

One good thing I see this! If I read these posting correctly, I see 3 young guys, 20, 21,& 22 that are getting established in the hobby. So I may have someone to sell my collection off to someday after all. But sorry guys, if it be in the Father's will, that won't be for about 30 years.

Well said.

And welcome to Oldgas.

We know prices we're obviously cheaper before the internet boom. My question is, was it easier or more difficult to buy and sell back then? Seems like selling would have been extremely difficult.

Easier to buy (no world wide competition), tough to sell. Tough in the sense that you'd buy for six months to a year and have to sit on inventory until a major national show.....

PS - welcome to old gas! Happy hunting!

Networking with other collectors... Finding stuff in the late 80s and 90s You had to get out there and drive the back roads looking...You still can today just a lot more harder to come by. And of course shows like Check the Oil in Columbus etc.

if you really want to be successful... dont go looking for the big home run (like a lot do). take the quick wins when they present themselves.

if you find a good deal for $300, be happy to get $350-$400 for it. A LOT of vendors in this hobby would sell a lot more with that method. A good amount of them will buy something for $600 and then mark it $1400 and they will carry them to the same show or venues over and over and over again. which is fine if you enjoy the stuff while you own it, but if you are picker/flipper then you need to price it to move.

dont let people tell you that Ebay is the only place people go fishing... you see it just as much at the shows. do your research and show some due diligence, there are no handouts in a hobby that revolves around finding the right items at the right prices. EVERYONE is on the hunt for a deal... not just you.

If your looking for a place to "start" picking. Oldgas is the last place to look. I'm 27. Started doing this 5 years ago. No one is going to hand you anything in this business. You have to put in the work just as Kevin stated. You have to start from the bottom and work yourself to the top. Go buy the books and read them cover to cover multiple times. Research for hours upon hours. Knowledge is king in this business. Know that this stuff in plentiful. Spend your money wisely. Be patient. Network. Hit the road. Search on the computer. An item is only worth what another is willing to pay, Doesn't matter what one sold on ebay for.( I get so tired of hearing that) did I mention networking already? Most people are not going to like you because your young and think your in it just for the money. There just a bunch of grumpy old men so do not mind them(LOL).

Rule 101 do not go on oldgas and expect to pick someone. Go find it your damn self!!!!

You might want to consider changing your ebay name also.
I personally wouldn't bid on anything from a seller using the ID "monkeybawlzz"
But then again that's just me.

IMO the business of selling this stuff has unfortunately attracted a lot of lazy

people who are trying to make a quick buck without doing much work. Sure, they

are the minority and don't last. But, there seems to be a ton of them and they are all very young.

If you think about it, someone could take the 2 day selling signs, cans, and

pumps for dummies class. Then go out and make a couple buys, make some

Money, and then foolishly believe they have figured it all out. Selling Petroliana

For Dummies is simple. Involves finding stuff on the internet, and cross checking

ebay for a value. Works well, until you pay 1200 dollars for a sign because the

last one on ebay in similar condition sold for 1600. Then find out the hard

way that the one you saw sell for 1600 was a fluke and the sign regularly sells for

900. You get to take a bath.

Kevin is definitely right on the money. Building relationships and a network are

key. You can know everything about Petroliana. But, if everyone thinks your a

Jerk, you're done for. About three months ago I decided to stop commenting

And started reading as many threads as I could. Amazing how much you can learn

quickly when you shut your mouth and open your ears. You guys that have been

doing this for decades impress me and also scare me at times. How much you

Guys know is remarkable. I for one appreciate the information you guys share

with us newcomers. The majority of the veterans are cool to the people who

show a genuine interest in learning and aren't obviously just trying to pump guys

For easy information that they are to lazy to look up on their own.

Thanks for the help guys.

MOST of what we know came by way of Hard Knocks & Taking to other collectors. There were NO BOOK, CD's, Internet & Very few shows devoted to Oil/Gas.

Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge.

If you have been on OG for more than two years you have seen me post this statement many times.

I have been picking for over 56 years. I started in 1958 when I got out of the Army. In 1958 I was in a barn north of Philly trying to buy a radiator, when I spotted a 1929 Henderson (that is as motorcycle for those of you who don't recognize the name). They wouldn't sell it, but about a month later I was in the basement in Philly and purchased a 1916 Harley. Over the years I bought and sold a 1930 Studebaker roadster, and many Model Ts. All to put me through college.

In 1989 I met Cindy, my wife. In the long run we became a team. She knew jewelry, ceramics, dolls, dishware, and much more, I knew automobile, farm equipment, Civil War, WWII. When we went to an auction we many times knew something about 75% of the items that were offered. We didn't have time to look up the values of these items, we just knew what was worth bidding on and what was not.

One of the best examples: Went to buy a parking meter for $10.00, asked what else he had, he showed me a very large case of calendar pictures. It seems a relative once worked for the Brown and Biggelow Co. Spotted some pin-ups in the bunch. In the back of mind I had the knowledge that pin-ups were collectible. Purchased it for $10.00. When all was sold we had sold over $1200 worth of calendar pictures. I became a expert in illustrators, ever heard of Maxfield Parrish? I knew his works. Purchased a old mag on Ebay for $20.00. Was leaving for Alabama when it arrived. Took a quick look at it, turned to Cindy and said look at this ad. She didn't recognize it. Put it on Ebay before I left. In seven days it went to over $225, it was illustrated by Parrish. I didn't have to go on the web, look through guides, I knew it was a Parrish. Same thing happened later to Cindy, she went to a estate sale, picture hanging on the wall, paid $.25 for it, it too was a Parrish.

Yes we did buy just about every value guide that was available back around 1990. We kept most of them in the bathroom where we did most of our reading.

Just tonight I was offered an old beer sign, ran my fingers over it, said it was a reproduction.

In addition to this I have only missed three Iowa Gas since 1988, two CTOs since 1988. I have set up to sell at Iola, Hershey, Carlisle, Turkey Run, It's as gas, Lawrence Ks., Tulsa, Kansas City car show, Auburn, Indy, some little show in the middle of Georgia, and all the local shows here in St. Louis including the Model T Ford show (which is the longest running swap meet in the mid-west, which was my idea and I was the first chairman when I was in the T club) at one time I was doing 22 shows per year. I would also estimate that Cindy and I have attended over 500 auctions in the past 25 years.

What does all this mean, probably nothing, but what I am trying to explain is that you need to put down that cell phone, get away from the computer, and go out looking.

Here is two examples:
1. Do you like handy-oilers? One of the best place to find them is in old barber shops. They never threw away the old cans, just take some new Wahl cans with you and trade for their old ones.
2. Old auto signs, parts racks. Just go out to the old repair garages, ask what do you have up there in the rafters.

By the way, look at my membership number.

Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge.

Jack & Cindy Sim

Get into the hobby because you love it..not to make money..too many damn people on here want to be the American Pickers and it gets you no where on here. It just ruins the hobby when you cant find a $100 sign for less than $500.

Now that you have been chastized,preached to,ridiculed and keel hauled,welcome to "oldgas"!!

SeanCarder.... These are Mobil and they are porcelain... they've been reduced $3,700 from their original asking price so they must be "reasonable $$".
Good Luck......
http://oldgas.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=555910#Post555910

call frank and mike

Maybe try looking in the "For Sale Petroliana with prices and without prices " section of OLDGAS,,, it will be easier than the current way your trying to buy stuff.. IMO..

The thing that turns me off about people wanting to buy something "reasonable" is that usually translates to "cheap". A reasonable price to me is "fair market value" and no more. As collectable as this stuff has become, it rarely comes "cheap".