Collector's Plates, How Are Sales?

[hfn]

I was looking to add some new items to our product mix. I know the decorative collectors plates where good sellers in the past. Do they still add to your bottom line. Has that market shrunk along with the limited edition print sales? Any advice on whats working or not for you would be great.

Thanks

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

Hello hfn,

I believe this market has gotten pretty soft over the past three years.

We sell one particular artist, and I do see her work on Ebay more frequently pulling lower prices.
PB Moss Collector Plates at The Frame Workshop (http://www.theframeworkshop.com/store.cfm?SubCatID=15)

I know of a few framers who also carry plates and have a back load of inventory - Also not a good sign.

John

[DTWDSM]

We used to be a big dealer for Bradford Exchange and their plates as well as Hadley House, had nearly 100 different plates on display at any given time. That was 3 years ago and we now have a few Redlin plates for the collectors and that is it.

Most collectables are down in sales this year, I read something like down 50+% last year. I would not advise anyone to get into collectable plates right now. There are many other gift items that you could invest in that will turn quicker. The big gift show in Atlanta is the weekend before the Decor show, go to that and find something there.

[boxer1]

I think most people are finding out that the resale market for collectors plates is pretty much in the toilet.