How to Shop for Treasures at Antique and Collectible Markets

The term antique implies that the item is more than 100 years old.  If you are looking for unique one of a kind furnishing for your home, antique or vintage design furniture, jewelry, decorative objects, or artwork, try your nearest antique market.  Terrific one of a kind treasure can be found at flea markets, second-hand stores, antique stores, auction houses, and garage sales.  Check your local phone book to find second-hand stores and antique shops, and check the newspaper for weekend garage, estate, and tag sales.  Since web sites change frequently, find the most current information by using a search engine for internet listings.  Here are some guides to help you with the hunt:

1. Make a wish list before you start out.  Do a research on the items such as special marks, or styles for the period you are interested in.  Reference section at your library or the internet is a good start.  Read trade magazines to help you recognize what is good quality.
2. Dress appropriately; wear comfortable clothing and bring a pair of cotton gloves; limiting displays of jewelry and wealth will give you rooms to bargain; wear clothes with pockets to protect your cash and leave your hands free.
3. Buy what you like but try to avoid mass produced items. 

For one of a kind item, judging value is often more art than science.  If you are shopping on a flea market site, don’t automatically settle for the list price.  If you feel the price is a bit steep, ask for a chance to bargain.  Negotiation is part of the flea marketing process.  Be courteous when bargaining.  If you see something you love and feel the price is fair, buy it.

When buying expensive brand name products or antique, it is important to verify the items’ authenticity before making an offer.  Ask for a copy of written appraisals.  If you are not sure what a telltale mark is on a particular item, do research.  If the item you want costs a few thousand dollars, get it appraised; ask your home-insurance agent for names of reputable antique dealers, auction houses, or appraisers.  Be prepare to pay a fee for the service; it is worth it.

1. Buy what you can afford.  If you are in a position to buy for investment, work with an expert.
2. Buy quality products.  Check for damage, especially with glass or porcelain; condition matters.
3. Know how much to pay.  A simple rule of thumb is to pay what makes you feel comfortable. 
4. Learn to buy at auctions, on line, and from dealers.  You can get variety of products and best deal in each of these places than with a single shop.

The auction business is a whole sale business.  People who buy at auctions are dealers who will resale the items for double or triple the face value.  When you buy at auctions, you eliminate the middle man.

1. Look for vintage paper goods, old Valentine cards, and post cards, black and white photographs that you can write notes on or frame.
2. Don’t pass up something with initial that aren’t your own.  It is like buying a piece of history.
3. Find new use for old things.  Think about creative ways to use antiques.  For example, early pressed glass tiebacks (for curtain) were often brittle and easily chipped, undamaged sets are harder to find, but a single tieback makes a unique wall hook for a quest bathroom towel.

Antiques never go out of style; they tend to appreciate in value; and they are affordable compares to constantly following top design trends.  Even English or French furniture from the 18^th and 19^th centuries can be easily incorporated into any decorating scheme from retro to classics to modern.  Buying antique give you more value for your money, and what a better way to use recycle products.