(Judy Penz Sheluk is a full-time freelance writer living in York Region. She can be reached @ jsheluk@rogers.com)

   Antique shopping has taken on new meaning with the expanded services available on the Internet. Today, people can sit in the comfort of their home and view hundreds of items in a couple of hours, comparing prices from any number of on-line vendors. Items previously thought to be rare are suddenly available from a host of other countries, while auctions such as eBay provide the opportunity to enter into a private bidding war or sell our own personal 'treasures'.
   Nevertheless, there are risks associated with on-line sales and purchases. Joe Cohen is an antiques expert who has developed several programs approved by the International Society of Appraisers for use in antique education. "Literally 1,000's of items on eBay are not properly identified," says Cohen. "This is sometimes intentional, the work of a dishonest vendor. Other times, the seller just doesn't know the true value of what they own."
    Bottom line? "Nothing can replace shopping in-person, whether that's a small shop, antique mall or live auction," says Cohen. "The novice collector should also consider hiring an expert as their broker, especially when paying serious money."
   Fortunately, there are a number of options available for buying and selling antiques in York Region. The hard part is deciding which one to fit in first.

Auctions
   The history of auction dates back to 500 B.C., when women were sold under the condition they be married following purchase. Reports indicate the less attractive women were actually sold with monetary compensation given to the bidder.

   The Roman Empire used auctions to liquidate property and estate goods and to sell goods acquired by soldiers 'sub hasia' (under the spear). There is also evidence of Buddhist monks in China auctioning off the property of deceased monks to fund the creation of temples.
   Today, as in the past, auctions allow an object to go to the person who values it most. Yet for the uninitiated, the process can be intimidating. "There are many long standing myths about an unsuspecting novice scratching their nose or waving to a friend, only to discover they have purchased a piano," says Carol Beasley, Beasley Auctions. "This is the stuff of urban legend. A good auctioneer knows the difference between a scratch, a wave and a bid."
   "It comes down to knowing and trusting the auctioneer," says Dan Pollard, Pollard's Auctions. "We've heard horror stories over the years about auctioneers who disappear after sales are concluded. These unscrupulous individuals will arrive, rent a hall and move to another province all in the same week."
   Three respected auctioneers in York Region have over 70 years of combined experience. Gary Hill Auctions was established in 1983; during that time, Hill has served as both President and Director of the Auctioneer's Association of Ontario. Hill has sold everything from antiques, household items, tools, sports memorabilia and real estate to livestock, farm equipment, boats and cars. He handles an average of three auctions per week.
   David Beasley, Beasley Auctions, has also been involved in the business for more than 20 years. Active in both the Ontario and Canadian Auctioneers Associations, Beasley holds sales once or twice per month. Most feature a wide array of items and are held at the Pottageville Community Hall or the King City Community Centre. When the situation warrants it, Beasley will also host on-site estate sales or specialty sales, an auction which focuses on a specific collectible, such as coins and bank notes.
   Dan Pollard, Pollard's Auction has been selling by auction for 29 years. It is an occupation which came naturally. "My father and grandfather were both auctioneers," says Dan. "As a teenager, I went to support my father and provide him with breaks. I never tire of the process. To me, auctions are a snapshot in time."
   Most of Pollard's Auctions take place in a reconditioned barn, although on-site sales are held on occasion. Pollard hosts a number of sales from April through November, selling upwards of 600 items each week. 'Cream of the crop' antique sales are held three times per year, on the holiday Monday of Victoria Day, Labour Day and Thanksgiving.
   Selecting an auction house to sell your goods is even more important than choosing one to buy from. A reputable auctioneer will answer all your questions without reservation, including commission rates and any additional charges for moving, packing and storage. They should also suggest that you contact your insurance agent about coverage for the packing and storing of goods until sold.

Antique Malls
   The antique mall, a building which houses a number of vendors offering a wide selection of merchandise, has become immensely popular with collectors. Patrons can expect to find everything from flea market kitsch to fine antiques, glass, china, vintage clothing, lamps, tools, ephemera (old paper), records, books and jewelry. In short, something for everyone, in every price range.
   The oldest antique mall in York Region is located in Sutton. Georgina Antique Mall & Collectibles opened in May 1997 with 10 dealers occupying approximately 3,000 square feet. In 2003, this had expanded to 9,000 square feet of retail space and 18 dealers. The success of the mall can be directly attributed to knowledgeable owners Bev and Don Rintoul, who have been passionate about antiques and collectibles for over 15 years.
   "We discourage reproductions and newer items," says Bev. "Our clientele is looking for vintage collectible items and fine quality furniture and that is the environment we strive to provide."
   The Newmarket Antique Mall opened its doors three years ago, when owners Mark and Holly Whitely decided to leave Corporate Canada behind in favor of their hobby, collecting antiques. Today there are up to 60 vendors in their 16,000 square foot location. "Having so many vendors under one roof provides a diverse selection of merchandise," says Mark. "We also encourage shoppers to ask questions. Internet-based sellers have removed the quality from many retail antique operations. Selling quality is easy in today's market. Buying properly priced quality is the issue."
   In June 2003, Queensville Antique Mall on Woodbine opened with a handful of vendors in a 16,000 square foot facility. Owned by antique lovers Scott and Bessie Ferguson, the mall has enticed additional dealers and today provides a host of antique furniture, glass, books, toys, jewelry, primitives, rugs, clocks and other memorabilia. To Bessie, the best part of operating the mall are the customers.
   "Scott and I have made many lifelong friends in this business," says Bessie. "We've also been fortunate enough to experience the joy of young collectors. We recently had a girl, about age 8, come in with her parents. After careful consideration, she purchased a hat pin for her collection. When we asked how many she owned, she replied "this is the first one." And that's exactly how everyone's collection starts."

Antique Shops
   The local antique shop has probably felt the greatest affect of internet shopping and antique malls. "They have certainly had an influence," says Robert Reid, Reid's Antiques & Consignments. "Before the advent of either, the option to dispose of your objects were to place in auction, sell to 'pickers' who would resell to shops or consign your items to storefront dealers. Now, anyone can put an item on eBay or rent a case or space in an antique mall. However, most collectibles are very trend driven and their value is usually directly linked to that trend; it usually pays to seek expert advice from a reputable and well-established dealer."
   Reid, a third generation resident of Stouffville, opened his 1,200 square foot store in 1997 on the town's Main Street. "We buy, sell and consign yesterdays' treasures," says Reid. "Antique hunters can expect to find a good selection of quality antique furnishings, vintage housewares and collectibles and assorted eclectic items. There is also a fair selection of 19th century china and silver, which is where my personal interest lies."
Dave Shiner has been restoring and repairing quality vintage furnishings for over 25 years. In 1999, Shiner decided to open Olde Mill Antiques in Newmarket. In addition to selling a wide variety of antiques, collectibles and gift items in his 4,200 square foot showroom, Shiner also provides a number of valuable services.
   "We restore antique furniture to original condition and also do repairs or reconstruction of items," says Shiner. "All furniture stripping is done by hand (no dipping) and chairs are disassembled and reglued."
    Olde Mill Antiques also offers skills difficult to find in today's high tech world, including repairs to old clocks - mantles, walls or grandfathers - refurbishing old radios and recaning chairs.
   "On-line shopping, antiques malls, auctions and antique shops each fill a specific need," says Shiner. "The educated consumer will always find the best resource for their own personal requirements."