Welcome! We're Now Official: The Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Online Sellers Assoc (or AVCOSA)

[Julie Law, Orallo]

Okay, to be honest, we're not official until I file the "official documentation" but we are well on our way! How fitting that we form AVCOSA (pronounced av-cosa) at the beginning of a new year! What for most is a time of reflection, for those of us in the "trenches" of online selling it's a time of researching, planning and ultimately, TAKING ACTION!

Since sales typically slow at this time of the year, it's the perfect opportunity to re-focus on your antiques, vintage and collectibles business - and joining a trade association specifically designed around your online selling needs is a great place to start! Let's talk about the association and how you will benefit...

AVCOSA will function as most ACTIVE trade associations do. Obviously, we are at the beginning of this endeavor but I want to provide you with a very precise picture of what this group can ultimately become.

What is AVCOSA?

It is a professional organization to represent the interests of and to promote professionalism among online sellers of antiques, vintage and collectibles products through education, information and technology.

What will we do?

At this time, we will leverage the benefits of community (i.e. networking). We will share ideas, information, resources, etc. so that we can effectively make business decisions and manage our time. When it comes to your professional needs, AVCOSA should be your preferred resource for news and information about relavent and timely topics affecting how you conduct your antiques business. Additionally, we will use the affiliation of a professional association to our advantage - placing the AVCOSA logo on your site will encourage sales by recognizing you as a reputable seller.

In time, we will provide advocacy services directed to online selling venues to assure that our interests are adequately represented. Speaking to these online auction sites, marketplaces and more with a COLLECTIVE VOICE will give us more power and opportunities to influence change.

Additionally, we will offer professional development opportunities, industry research and product information, and other valuable seller resources. We may also organize events - both on- and offline (e.g. online antique show).

Who can join?

If you specialize in the sales of antique, vintage and/or collectibles products and you sell those products ONLINE, you are invited to participate if you agree to conform to the following:

- you will offer integrity and fair dealing in all transactions
- you will assure that your products are honestly represented (regarding authenticity)
- you will provide preferred customer service to all collectors and buyers

What does it cost?

At this time, you will not incur annual dues for 2009 if you join at this site; HOWEVER, there is an opportunity for you to pledge your support of our new group by making a donation through PayPal.

This information should provide you with a brief overview of what this group is about. HOWEVER, it is important to note that we are still in the formation period so your input is valuable! Please let us know how we can tailor this group to fit your independent needs. Now is the time to have your voice heard by those of us who are actively listening.

[Nflgirl]

Wow, I just joined and this looks to be a treasure trove of creativeness and ideas. Thanks for starting this!

[George Porter]

This is great. A place for people with antique and collectable intarests to get together and chat.

[Pam, WhimsicalVintage]

A great idea! I'm very excited to be involved with a positive and informative group that I can learn from and contribute to - thanks so much for getting this up and running.

[rainbowseeker]

This looks to be a great idea. I'd like to share ideas with other professional sellers of antiques and collectibles and can't think of a better way to do it than a site like this. I 'm sure we will all be able to get some good ideas from each other and there is definite power in numbers.....count me in!

[Coach Gary]

I am ready to Coach..... or be Coached..... Count me in....

[Orange Cat Antiques and Vintage]

Yes, this a great and timely idea. Thanks for getting it started.

-Ken

[LadyBelle]

You can count me in on this. As a seller and owner of an Auction Venue, I think this is a great idea.

[Mitzi]

Count me in too! I think it is a wonderful, and much needed, idea. And Gilded, your quote sounds like AuctionWally :)

[Gilded Elegance]

Jules,
You have once again paved the way for us to unite. I would like to express my appreciation for your continious efforts.

I believe that in order for small sellers to be successful, there is going to have to be a coming together of like minded individuls that want to process in a positive, professional manner.

I have recently spent a great deal of time researching advertising placement. Coporate America is no longer looking to advertise on television, just 24 hours in the day. Print publications is in a steady decline, newspapers dropping off the map, why not we only have to open a browser to find any thing we want. The trend is moving to internet advertising for all forms of industry.

If we are to reach our core market it must be done I believe on the internet. Today's young adults are likely to be a group that we might target, and they only know the internet.

Forgive me I can't remember where I found this, but I believe it to be so true. If history repeats itself as it often does it will be true.

"Wall St. investors will funnel a large amount of money into the antiques & collectibles market as they realize that tangible assets have out performed EVERY other investment over the long term.
Antiques, fine art & collectibles experts will become the new investment gurus.
Quality used and antique items will expand in market share as the economy tightens, the younger generation realizes that these are the ultimate green products, and we finally grow tired of cheap over-produced goods that break after the second or third time used."

In the marketplace of today, together is how small sellers will survive. Count me in!