Q&A: inside Heritage Auctions’ high-end accessories division with Matthew Rubinger
When Matthew Rubinger introduced the high-end accessories classification at Heritage Auctions in 2010, the new York City resident was only just out of Vanderbilt University. during his tenure at Heritage as director for high-end Accessories, the pre-owned high-end purse business has exploded both at online auctions as well as online, landing Rubinger on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” listing for 2014, in addition to on CNN as well as The wall street Journal. Recently, he sat down with us to response some concerns about the high-end business, tracking down unusual purses as well as which dream piece he’s yet to track down.
First, Matt, exactly how did you land what would be a dream task for so many of our readers?
It’s been rather a ride! I satisfied with the partners at Heritage in 2010 – before they had opened an office in nyc – as well as they told me about their growth plans both in this region as well as in general. They were excited about the proposition of introducing such a fun, dynamic classification to their firm. For me, the concept of introducing not only a new auction classification for the company, however a new classification for the entire auction market, was an chance that was difficult to resist.
How has the pre-owned purse market altered since Heritage Auctions very first started its focus on high-end accessories?
I have seen a shift from what I phone call “shopping” to “collecting.” the market is shifting towards special, unique, stand-out pieces. Our clients are constantly editing their collections – commonly buying as well as selling pieces in the exact same auction. It’s nice to see a growing rate of interest in unusual colors, materials, older pieces, discontinued styles as well as so on.
What should prospective purchasers keep in mind when buying your shop selection, versus participating in one of your accessories auctions? exactly how do the two choices differ?
The savviest purchasers tend to prefer auction. If you have a deep comprehending of the classification as well as the market, auction is a piece of cake. waiting on the right piece as well as the right cost can be fun as well as worthwhile – however it takes patience. There are three primary reasons that our set-price shop may be right for you: 1. immediate gratification. You click “Buy,” you pay, as well as we ship FedEx Overnight complimentary. Gemakkelijk. Gratifying. 2. There is a specific piece that you have been waiting on as well as you discover it in the Boutique. In this case, buy it! You’ll regret it if you let somebody else get it first. 3. You see something in the shop that you believe would offer for more at auction. If you see a excellent deal, jump on it.
If our visitors have purses that they’d like to sell, exactly how can they get them listed in the Heritage Auctions Boutique?
E-mail an picture of it to Luxury@HA.com. Within 24 hours you will hear back with an auction estimate, an outright purchase offer, as well as a set-price consignment value. truly easy.
What’s the craziest bag that’s come your method at Heritage? Jouw favoriet?
It’s really upcoming so it’s a bit hush-hush right now…but you all will be the very first to know! (Hint: It’s Hermes from 1996; that’s all I can state for now.)
What’s the very best investment that purchasers can make in high-end accessories right now?
I utilized to state go traditional – a traditional design in a traditional color. That will still be a great location to start, however if you’re feeling as much as it, the very best investment right now is something special and/or unique. You want something unusual since that’s what collectors will pay for. aside from that, I believe Louis Vuitton show Bags from 2001-2006 are extremely undervalued on the market right now, I believe they will be gaining momentum soon.
Why do you believe shoppers are so willing to pay a premium for Hermes bags, as well as Hermes exotics in particular?
Most importantly, they are the finest, greatest high quality bags in the world. Additionally, they hold their value, making people feel risk-free as well as positive about large purchases.
What’s a bag that you’d like to add to the Heritage choice however haven’t been able to get your hands on rather yet?
It’s really not a bag – it’s the Chanel surf board. I want one in the auction! We had the Chanel Bike as well as the interest it got was overwhelming. now I want the surfboard.
Where did Heritage see the most growth in 2013? What type of clients utilized your services the most in the past year?
We only did two online signature Auctions in 2012, in 2013 we added our September Auction in Los Angeles, which we will be doing once again in 2014. It was extremely well got as well as most likely represented our largest area of growth. Our personal sales, on our shop as well as with our amazing partners Barneys new York as well as Moda Operandi, likewise saw siGni -boosts in 2013. De markt gaat van start!
Wat is de meest interessante tas te koop in de Heritage Auctions -winkel op dit moment?
Het meest interessante is hoogstwaarschijnlijk de 35 cm op maat gemaakte, verhoogde Scheherazade & Ultra Violet-krokodil Birkin met gouden hardware. Voor $ 110.000 is het niet goedkoop, maar in ongerepte staat is dit een serieus verzamelstuk. Er is ook een blauwe Thallasa Veau Doblis (Suede) Kelly die ongelooflijk speciaal is. Ten slotte hebben we een mooie Ralph Lauren Crocodile Ricky in de winkel die goed gewaardeerd is bij de helft van de detailhandel en we krijgen niet veel rickys in krokodil, dus een speciale kans.