WISCONSIN ANTIQUES DEALERS ASSOCIATION

MERCHANDISE & SHOW STANDARDS

Revision Accepted Feb. 1, 2020 &  June 15, 2022

 It is a goal of the Wisconsin Antiques Dealers Association to produce an antiques show which offers authentic and quality merchandise, attractively displayed, for sale to the general public.  To ensure this goal is met, guidelines have been established for merchandise offered for sale.  Each dealer is to exhibit only merchandise that conforms to these criteria.  Further, the overall appearance of the exhibitor and their booth set up shall exude an aura of professionalism and will be noted by the Screening Committee.

SCREENING

Show exhibitors must pre-screen their merchandise before bringing it to a WADA show.

Prior to the opening of each WADA show, a review of each booth will be conducted by a Screening Committee.  The function of the Screening Committee shall be to review all merchandise and overall displays to determine appropriateness for the show.  The Screening Committee's decision regarding an item's appropriateness is final.  Any item deemed inappropriate will be removed from the show floor by the exhibiting dealer. 

Any merchandise brought in after the screening process must be reviewed by the Screening Committee Chairperson.    Participants are encouraged to contact the Screening Committee Chairperson in advance with questions regarding any item's appropriateness for the show.

Antiques will be judged subjectively and objectively by the Screening Committee.  Worthiness and merit of items will be of prime consideration by the Committee for inclusion in the show and can be influenced by many factors but not limited to the following:

A.  Originality of Merchandise

All merchandise is expected to be complete with all its necessary structural, functional and design components present and is expected to be in functional, useable condition unless otherwise clearly noted on price tag and sales receipt. 

B.  Age of Merchandise

Pre-1960 merchandise is acceptable.  In addition, the "best of the 1960s" will be allowed but will be judged more stringently by the Screening Committee.

C.  Scarcity

Some items are truly ‘one of a kind’ and scarce survivors due to age or use; however, rarity of itself may not contribute to show worthiness.  Hand or bench made items and design pieces are preferred over mass-produced items.  As an example, Pyrex kitchenware would not be allowed, but a very fine piece of hand-made glass from the same period would be allowed.

REGULATIONS

1.) All merchandise exhibited at a WADA show must be clearly priced.  

2.) "Sale" signs of any kind are not allowed.

3.) The dealer will disclose on the price tag any known or suspected repairs, patina, color, or finish enhancements.  The sum total of these may lead to merchandise deemed inappropriate by the Screening Committee and may require removal of the item(s).

4)  Dealer must provide buyer with a pre-printed or stamped sales slip showing the dealer's name and phone number. Each receipt will indicate the date of sale and will provide an accurate description of the item sold.

5.) Dealer must charge Wisconsin Sales Tax unless the buyer claims exemption & has a valid sales tax number.

6.) Dealer must remit all collected sales tax to the State of Wisconsin in a timely manner.

7.) Only exhibiting dealers and the show's auxiliary workers are permitted on the show floor during set-up.  For security and admittance purposes, badges provided at check in must be worn at set up and during the show.

GUIDELINES

The following examples are offered as merchandise comparisons: 



  ATTENTION    PROSPECTIVE   WADA  EXHIBITORS:

Please carefully review our guidelines.

Your compliance with these guidelines will ensure continued quality at our WADA shows.