Antique stores are fun and interesting alternatives to regular retailers. Even if you are just browsing, you will find dealers who will be more than happy to ask questions and describe the history of the items they are showing. If you don’t have much experience doing this type of shopping, here is some information to help you make your first antique excursion successful and fun.
Developing relationships
Smaller antique stores are great because they provide the opportunity to develop relationships with dealers and their employees. The owners will likely always be there and will often share some of the same interests as you. Instead of just walking in and out like a normal store, you’ll have a great time chatting with employees that you’ll want to stay with for hours.
Safety
Once you go to a place you trust, you will feel secure in knowing that your purchase is of high quality. For example, if your dealer says that the sofa you are interested in is a true Victorian era model, you will know that he is telling you the truth. Unlike auctions, where what you are buying is “as is”, reputable antique stores will have fair return policies. In many cases, they will even allow you to test an item to make sure it is exactly what you want. This can be of great help if you are interested in an old oak chest or oriental rug, but it doesn’t quite fit in with the décor when you bring it home.
Specialized stores
There are probably many antique stores in your city that have their own unique personalities and specialize in certain items. One store may have French furniture, while others may have antique books, jewelry, and collectibles. Look at each store’s website and make sure they sell something that piques your interest before you pay a visit.
Negotiating
Most of the time, the prices you see in these types of stores are not set in stone; there is little “room for maneuver” where you can negotiate. But you should not take this as an opportunity to criticize an article and point out everything that is wrong. That can result in a courteous invitation to take your business elsewhere. Just ask the dealer if they can improve the price and you can receive a discount of about 10 percent.
Dirty
Most stores in your area tend to have large sales events once or twice a year, so if you’re not in a rush to get a particular item, you’ll probably be better served by waiting a bit. The results may well be worth it.
Don’t be afraid to go to various antique stores in your area and just browse. Chances are you don’t have to deal with any kind of “hard sell” approach and you may even end up making a new friend or two.