Tips for Buying Authentic and Affordable Items in Antique Stores

Antique stores are fun and interesting alternatives to mainstream retailers. Even if you’re just browsing, you’ll find dealers who are happy to ask questions and describe the history of the items they’re displaying. If you’re new to antiquing, here’s some information to help make your first antiquing excursion successful and fun.

relationship development

Smaller antique stores are great because they provide an opportunity to develop relationships with the dealers and their employees. The owners will probably always be there and often share some of the same interests as you. Instead of just walking in and out like a normal store, you’ll have such a great time chatting with the employees that you’ll want to stay for hours.

Safety

Once you go to a reputable place, you’ll feel secure knowing your purchase is of high quality. For example, if your dealer says that the sofa you’re interested in is a true Victorian-era model, you’ll know they’re telling the truth. Unlike auctions, where what you’re buying is “as is,” reputable antique stores will have fair return policies. In many cases, they’ll even let you test an item to make sure it’s exactly what you want. This can be a great help if you’re interested in an old oak chest or oriental rug, but it doesn’t quite fit the decor when you bring it home.

Specialized stores

There are probably many antique stores in your town that have unique personalities and specialize in certain items. One store may feature French furniture, while another may carry vintage books, jewelry, and collectibles. Look at each store’s website and make sure they sell something that piques your interest before visiting.

negotiating

Most of the time, the prices you see in these types of stores are not set in stone; there is a little “room for manoeuvre” where you can trade. But you shouldn’t take this as an opportunity to criticize an item and point out everything that’s wrong. That may result in a polite invitation to take your business elsewhere. Just ask the dealer if he or she can beat the price and you may receive a discount of around 10 percent.

Dirty

Most stores in your area usually hold big sales events once or twice a year, so if you’re not in a rush to get a particular item, you’re probably better off waiting a while. The results could be worth it.

Don’t be afraid to go to several antique stores in your area and just browse. You most likely won’t have to deal with any sort of “hard sell” approach and you may even end up making a new friend or two.