i dont mind im picking up bargens at the mo just got 2 prints off ebay under cost price

burnz- I know I love it.... Honestly though it is hard to stomach all of these people that act like they are buying just because "they love it" and then you see them list ten to twenty things for sale.

I think the sales have more to do with people raising funds for santas ghetto than the 'financial markets correcting themselves.' Few people can afford to collect endlessly, occasional sales allow the collecting to continue.

I know people buy stuff and need cash, but if the prices weren't falling as they are right now people would not be selling half of their collections as they are right now. If you are in the buying position just hold tight and be picky because the supply is much higher then demand and you will be able to name your price in the coming month or so. I wonder if anything like this ever happened to Warhol and/or Basquiat? It would be interesting to see a graph of how their sale prices have tracked over the years.... I am not getting down on anyone I just find it interesting. To each their own IMO!

I feel like we were having the same discussions last year. everyone was freaking out because prices dropped at xmas -- I think it has more to do with Ghetto purchases and xmas gifts in general than it does with the art market. remember people -- we're on the low-end of the art market.. well, at least most of us on here are (i think....)

The reasons are endless. They could be selling in order to buy gifts for X-Mas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah. The current value of the print could be viewed as over valued. People might have morgage problems, they might need money for a morgage. I picked up a Faile Original two months ago because the seller needed money for a house down payment. Taxes, to line up a sale before 2008. Fundraising for Santa's Ghetto. Paying off the debt on an old piece. They may just be too many buyers out there, who knows?

I think thats a little scare mongering saying people are selling their collections. I'm certainly not and i don't know anyone that is.

Mike has picked up a gem, hence his sale, but then he's always upgrading, hence previous sales.

I'm glad to read CBL's comments on the state of play this time last year, I was wondering and he's answered my question.

Pick up the bargains you can cos come the spring its all go again hopefully. This may be affected by city bonuses this year, but we'll see.

im loving it just cant wait to get payed next week getting a bonus for xmas seen a few bits i want got my eye on a few ov man micks stuff too ( 1st thing is signed Jack & Jill ) wanted lady in red dress (micallef) but no 1 wants to sell me ther print

Burnz - thats quite some bonus if you are wanting to buy a Girl In The Red Dress.

You'll be lucky to find one though......

Good luck.

I hate to disagree (and for the record, I don't think the prices at the moment are anything to be concerned about, as long as you didn't buy what you couldn't afford) but I remember this time last year, people were selling eelus prints for £200, Micallef Friendly fire for £1200, Flags for £600, insect dead rebels for way more than cost and a whole host of other print!

My point is that I think this year is a mixture of a large amount of prints released and money is becoming tighter!

I do agree however that we will see an increase again in in the new year, after xmas and all the shows are over.

CR

I have bought lots recently at v good prices and am now holding back as I can not afford anything significant for a while plus need to pay for some pieces to be framed. I am still buying prints if either just released or up to original price if special ;D I have been looking at the same pieces on my lounge wall for 6 months now so I will rotate them in the new year. I don't think any will be leaving the collection, just changing their outlook

my bonus is going towards my jack and jill trying to get rid of my flags but like you say not going to well for what i want thort £550 was cheap

i payed £1450 for my FF got robbed but love the print

But the Ghetto was totally different last year. I went about half way through and there was loads of really good stuff left then