What Is A Cord Show?

NO REPROS OR NEW MERCHANDISE AT CORD ANTIQUES SHOWS
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We have noticed a new trend at shows with managers allowing a myriad of merchandise to help fill space. We have no plans to compromise our reputation to fill shows and have asked our dealers to please cooperate. FOR THIS REASON, YOU CAN SHOP CORD SHOWS WITH CONFIDENCE.

We do appreciate that "Collectibles" are a very important and integral part of show biz and this is NOT about "Collectibles."  Someday we may opt to expand the titles of our shows to, let's say, "Antiques and Decoratives," but at this time we wish to remain true to our show categories whether they be "Antiques and Collectibles;"  "Stocking Stuffers;" or "Vintage Clothing and Accessories, Textiles and Jewelry."

WE DO NOT WANT TO SEE REPRODUCTIONS IN CORD SHOWS. WE DO NOT WANT TO SEE BRAND NEW DECORATOR ITEMS THAT ANYONE CAN PICK UP AT COSTCO or PIER 1, just because they look cute in a booth with a plant stuck in them. WE KNOW THAT THEY SELL AND HELP PAY THE BOOTH RENT.  We even realize that the customer might be thrilled to find such a useful item at the show. There are many other shows that will allow these items, just not ours.

JEWELRY DEALERS DOING CORD ANTIQUES SHOWS MUST BRING ONLY ANTIQUE, ESTATE AND VINTAGE COSTUME JEWELRY. If a piece can easily be replaced with one that looks just like it, THAT PIECE DOES NOT BELONG IN OUR ANTIQUES SHOWS! (We do realize that all antique and collectible jewelry is not necessarily one of a kind). 

The reason that Cord Shows Ltd. has been in business for just under 38 years is no secret. Our shows are not "Brown" shows. They present a colorful cross section of exciting merchandise in all price ranges with treasures always to be found.   Dealers appear to be having fun interacting and enlightening their customers and we like to think that it could be because we've taken the stress out of their participation.   Merchandise in a Cord Show is usually fairly priced because we have kept our show rents under control. Customers generally have fun, seldom leave empty handed and usually compliment us on how wonderful our dealers are. 

We don't have time or man power to vet our shows.  We hope that dealers respect our reputation in the business and their place in our shows and monitor their own merchandise and inform us of anything that we might miss.  We love folk art, which doesn't have to be 100 years old, and might even include handmade carpets; fine art in all forms is certainly collectible, if not antique.

Cord Shows Ltd.  is a member of the PSMA (The Professional Show Managers' Association) and therefore we promote the idea that customers can shop with confidence knowing that all sales are made with a money back guarantee as to age, condition and authenticity to the best of the dealer's ability . We appreciate that not all dealers can be fully informed about the many items that quickly pass through their hands. If they could, customers wouldn't have the fun of finding an unrecognized treasure! CUSTOMERS SHOULD ALWAYS ASK FOR A DETAILED RECEIPT INCLUDING CONTACT INFO, as their receipt is essential should any questions arise.

WE PROMOTE THE USE OF DESCRIPTIVE PRICE TAGS and we remind dealers that all items MUST be priced.

We think our philosophy is VERY important for the continued success of our industry, which has been under considerable strain of late. Since this philosophy is NOT new to Cord Shows, this might be why we produce some of the busiest shows in Westchester County and Southern Connecticut.

We are always open to your comments and encourage you to stay in touch and be a part of our Customer Show Reminder list.

ANTIQUES DEALERS RESPOND TO THE CORD SHOWS' PHILOSOPHY...

"Thank you for taking the position you have so eloquently stated in your email. We agree with you 100% !!"  Mark Marsh (dealer is American Art Pottery, Garden items, containers and early kitchenware)

"...there are many, many container importers selling 'period style' furniture made from uncured wood that splits & cracks the first year... It's unfortunate, but many buyers don't understand the difference between period merch. & period STYLE merch."  Ellen and John Windecker (selling antique furniture redesigned as folk art by decoupage)

"Vivien,  I really appreciate your philosophy and your intent to keep the quality of your shows high.  It is very distressing to see new and repro merchandise at antique shows." Paula Cohen (selling antique toleware, stoneware, art pottery)

" I think this note was just great, Vivien....If I were a 'real' promoter...I would do the same.... All the best to you both....for continued success in the difficult business of yours..."
Susan Levine (the REAL promoter of the Larchmont Antiques Show in March at Mamaroneck High School and dealer in a general line of quality antiques)


"Well said and thanks.  When we were at Brimfield - the booth next to us was selling out all Repros on Garden Equipment.  It was unbelievable what he was selling - and truthfully people were buying.  Go Figure!!!!!!!"  Joellen and Al Finnie (dealers in a general line plus vintage clothing and accessories)

" Hi Vivian,
I admire your efforts to protect and foster the antique industry.....good for you!!" Karen Steinhaus (dealer in a general line of decorator items for the home)

" Hi Vivien,
Thanks for this note. I appreciate your intent to keep things on the up and up, and you're right that it's the only way to differentiate between Pier 1 and a real antiques show."   Martin Webster (dealer in hooked rugs, art and furniture)

" Way to go blondie! You hit em square between the eyes... What a refreshing email. I hope you stick to your guns at the show"  Robert Schicke (dealer in period oak furniture, Depression Glass and porcelain)

" You really shouldn't have to be telling this to dealers, because they should simply know not to be bringing such things.  Maybe they think that just because an uneducated customer might buy something new, that that makes it OK for them to bring it for sale.   I'd like to think that a decent dealer has enough pride in themselves and their merchandise not to be doing this.  There must be other things they could be doing if they needed the money that badly.  When a dealer next to me at a show has such things, it's not good for me or the rest of the show, because it creates guilt by association.  I don't demand that everything that a dealer has in their booth be great quality (although that would be nice ), but it should at least have some age to it.  In other words, it might be ----, but at least let it be old ---- ."  Jon and Nancy Kugelman (dealers in antique prints, kitchenware)

" BRAVO, VIVIAN AND ED !!  WE WISH OTHER SHOW PROMOTERS WOULD FOLLOW YOUR LEAD. THANK YOU FOR SENDING THIS.  WE RESPECT YOU GREATLY !"  Fred and Janice Aibel (dealers in American Art Pottery, primitives, country, glass and early toys)

" Hi Vivian:
As always, a big AMEN to all that you wrote in your letter to the dealers.  Anyone can go to Home Goods and buy cookie cutter pieces for cheap.  If cheap is what people want let them go there any day of the week. If they are looking for that special piece be it a piece of furniture, lamps, or a textile, let them wait for the show and come and buy quality, it promotes anticipation for the find.
Dealers and customers alike need to remember this and stay true!!
You guys are doing a great job!!"  Connie and Steve Brown (dealers in antique quilts, textiles and furniture)

"Viv and Ed,
We truly appreciate your message and are, as always, delighted to be part of your shows.  Thanks for maintaining standards rather than being profit-driven."  Carol and Bill Freeman (dealers in antique French Enamelware)