Maastricht is preparing its self for the TEFAF, lovers of the fine and decorative arts are in great anticipation what this year will bring us and the tight-fisted Dutch are on the look-out for freebees or a quick buck if the demand is high enough.

On ‘Marktplaats.nl’ the equivalent of eBay, which was actually taken over by eBay for € 225 million in 2004, the number of people seeking an invitation against a lower price than the standard entrance fee, is growing. Once the TEFAF hits the news here in the Low Lands, you can be sure that the demand will increase even more.

The demand is not limited to people alone who are only prepared to pay less than the standard entrance fee. No there are also a few who want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous during the grand opening on the 11th. They are willing to pay between € 80 and € 100 per head.

Considering the demand, the number of people who want to cash on their invitation is limited to just one, up to now at least. Only recently an invitee of Bernard Shapero Rare Books in the Dutch town of Leiderdorp sold his invitation for € 40 and at present an invitee of Galerie Rhea has his invitation up for auction.