Antique-Buying Etiquette
Learn What To Say and What Not To Say When Shopping For Antiques
People who sell antiques for a living often have quite a bit of scholarly knowledge in the areas of history, art, and culture. It’s a byproduct of working in the industry. They are also small business owners who have to put up with a lot. So treat them and their wares with the respect they deserve. It may seem silly, but there are certain rules of etiquette that should be respected when shopping for antiques. These rules often apply to flea markets and yard sales as well as antique shops and markets.
Placing a Hold on an Antique Item
Sometimes it’s hard to make decisions, especially when it comes to one-of-a-kind and unique items. Sometimes it can be hard to commit, but it’s equally scary to wait and think it over in case the item sells to someone else. So don’t be afraid to ask the dealer or storeowner to place a hold on it. Many dealers will be fine with holding the item for 24 hours or so.
Having said that, if a dealer is kind enough to extend this courtesy, be sure to return the favor. Either come back and purchase the item or phone the storeowner or dealer to let them know that it’s a no-go. It isn’t fair to the seller, who is trying to earn a living, to leave them hanging.
Negotiating the Price and Asking For a Discount
Asking for a better deal is common in the antiques and vintage industries, but don’t expect that the answer will always be yes. Some dealers negotiate, some don’t. Either way, it is their business, and their right to decide. If the dealer says yes and offers a discount either say thank you and accept, or let them know that it’s still a little steeper than you had in mind. Suggest another price and see if they agree. If they don’t, respect their decision and either buy it or don’t.
Do not under any circumstances insult the merchandise. Antique dealers know all the nicks, scratches and flaws on the piece. They also know the rarity, the demand and the value of the item on the market. They have decided what they want to charge, and having customers insult the piece is annoying and frustrating (especially if they have already offered a discount!). If the item doesn’t seem worth it, don’t buy it.
The best way to ask an antique dealer for a discount is to inquire whether they are willing to negotiate, or if there is any room for movement on the price. Don’t just be abrupt and offer a lower price. Sometimes the seller will ask what price you have in mind, so be ready with an amount you are willing to pay. Sometimes they’ll accept it, and sometimes they’ll make a counter offer. It makes good sense to offer a price a little lower than you’re willing to pay so that there’s room to negotiate if they come back with a counter offer. If they do accept the first price, buy the piece. It is rude to ask for a particular price and then not buy the item.
Asking For More Information
Antique dealers love what they do, and more often than not they will happily discuss their wares. Most sellers will include some basic information (age and provenence) on the tag, but chances are they have more information to share. Don’t be afraid to ask about the construction, style, time period, or anything else that piques curiosity. Ask them to put all the relevant information on the receipt. Not only is it good to have the information for your own sake, it’s a handy tool in case the piece is later found to be different than the description states (for instance, a label is found that gives a later date; it does happen sometimes. If this is the unfortunate case, the buyer has some recourse.)
Antiquing is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, but remember that the people who work in the industry are trying to earn a living. While it may be a leisurely activity for those meandering about, sellers and dealers are working hard. Don’t waste their time and do be respectful of their merchandise. When everyone respects the guidelines, shoppers get wonderful items at fair prices and sellers make a sale and get to keep earning a living.
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