Nothing here is trouble to me !! I enjoy helping even if I get a bit of backlash on occasion !! Much of what I find here is that people do not know how to properly research an item !! Thats half the battle !!
As I said I had an antique shop but I started restoring furniture and that was not a wise idea !! I was bombarded with work and after a few years closed it down !! Holding down a full time job and doing that evenings and weekends was a bit much !!
The other forum I mentioned is www.antique-shop.com that is my main forum !! Its like a big worldwide family there !! But I would suggest you get over the privacy issue !! One thing that you will need in this business is contacts !! And its a very visual thing !!
You can not describe some things,, we just need to see it !! For instance marks on pottery can change and in order to accurately give an estimate of the date you just need to see the item and the mark !! That can make a difference in getting $20. for an item and $200. !! Accuracy or as close as possible is important !!
Hubby took a fall and messed up an eye along with a few stitches in his head !! Trying to keep him from being in pain !!
Go to the other forum and look around,, I think you may enjoy it and find everyone helpful !!