Television shows such as Antiques Roadshow and web sites such as that of eBay are encouraging more people to become collectors of antiques and collectibles. Attendance at large antique fairs is booming. For example, the Brimfield, Massachusetts, show began in 1959 in one field. Now the show uses over 21 fields for six days three times a year, and attracts 4,000 dealers and 60,000 to 100,000 people per show. "Atlantique City" began in 1986 in a small convention hall; now it covers the equivalent of 12 football fields in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Convention Hall and has doubled the number of dealers. Ticket prices have risen from $4.50 to $27 for the weekend.

Smaller antique shows have not had the same success. They have to charge dealers as much as $1,000, compared to a few hundred dollars at large shows. Also the large shows attract more shoppers. As a result, some dealers have resorted to selling on eBay instead, where it is cheaper to sell and more consumers can be contacted.

(Updated May 1, 2000)