Huge discounts on items on Antiques Roadtrip

Been a long time since I watched Antiques Road trip but I was always astounded that they bought, what looked like bits of junk, and then sold them on for silly amounts. I wonder if the people putting in bids, actually bid more than the stuff is worth, simply because a sleb is getting giddy in the corner when his item comes up?

I wanted an old chamber pot to use as a pot holder for my plant. At the local antique (junk) shop, I spotted one I liked, and confidently made my offer.

“It’s the price on the label, no discount” I was told.

I weakly handed the full price over.

DH was not impressed with my negotiation skills.

I still think that, even with the discounts, the items they buy are unlikely to make a profit. I watch open-mouthed sometimes at the idea that they actually think a profit is a possibility!

I remember when Bargain Hunt came to a local town. The week before I was browsing the many antique type shops there and got chatting with one of the owners about it. She told me that local businesses had very mixed feelings about it because of the huge discounts the programme expected them to offer. She basically said that it was all rigged and that ‘scouts’ had already been to sniff out likely items. They do get publicity of course but it isn’t really free for those businesses who sell items cheaper than they should for the programme but the owners main issue was the realistic expectations such programmes set for the ordinary buyer.

I never ask what is your best price I have a price in my head that I'm prepared to pay and that's what I offer. By this time my OH is walking out the door with embarrassment ?

We always ask for the best price for an item. Usually only get 10% off and I think that's often built into the price anyway!

I hate it when the buyers flirt or wheedle with the vendors, but haggling a good deal, especially if several items are purchased, is good to watch. Some of them are a pushover though.

biba70 on Antiques Roadshow, the profits go to Children in Need, as alluded to in the O.P!

Oh yes, I see what you meant now. Profits from the programme, not in real life. As others have said, totally unrealistic.

Aepgirl Mr P and I regularly watch this in the early evening, and scoff at the discounts offered!

Totally unrealistic!

what do you mean by 'all profits go to charity'? My great local antiques' shops certainly do not give profits to charity- they re serious businesses.

I think most of them give big discount because all profits are going to charity and shop gets free advertising .