Whether you are a new collector, a seasoned collector, or just someone looking for something unique; you will need beneficial information to make the choicest decision.
“Knowledge is power,” as the phrase goes, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to buy antiques with confidence and save money eventually, just like in everything else.

You may think, “I hope this article helps me make a decent purchase from an antique shop near me,” and you’d be right. So, let’s go through the top 9 tips for buying antiques:

1. Know Your Antiques
Know Your Antiques Learn the difference between true antiques, near antiques, vintages, and collectibles before you start searching for antiques. True antiques date from before 1930, or are at least a century old; near antiques are 75 to 99 years old, vintages cover a range of antiques from a certain time, especially those from the 40s, 50s, and 60s; while collectibles are antiques from any time or place valued or looked for by collectors.

2. Know Your Antique’s Condition
Learn the differences between mint, excellent, and good condition to have a better idea of the kind of antique you’re looking for. Mint condition means that an antique is in perfect condition; excellent condition means the antique has few flaws; while good condition means that the antique is in a decent state, but may require repair after purchase.

3. Find Your Antique
Antiques can be found in countless places if you know where to look.

● The internet, particularly eBay, is unquestionably the most ubiquitous location to check. It’s an exquisite place to look for genuine antiques, near antiques, and vintage items.

● Local antique stores are fantastic places to find cheap deals on antiques, especially known ones.

● Local thrift stores are sometimes a treasure mine where you can find antiques for a fraction of their worth; people who believe that their old items are worthless donate them there, when they are, in fact, rare antiques.

● Flea markets are remarkable places to look for antiques. However, before visiting them, check their listings online to see whether they have what you’re looking for.

● Garage sales are not left out in this. At a garage sale, you never know what hidden gems you’ll unearth. However, before going there, take a look at their online listings to see what they have.

● Estate sales can be a jackpot of antiques. All you need is a contact of a relative to the deceased.

● Reputable antique dealers can give you a fair price based on their evaluation, provide you with all the information you need about an item, and guarantee its authenticity. However, let them know of your budget and personal interest.

● Local auction houses revolve their events around specific themes. Learn about the auctions occurring in your location, and pick the one that suits you. But as a beginner, learn the rules of buying at auctions, go to auction previews, and observe auctions before you participate.

4. Set Your Budget
Before you go out and buy antiques, figure out how much you want to spend so you don't get carried away and buy more than you can afford, placing you in serious debt. When faced with a difficult decision, consider your particular interests and use them to reduce your options.

5. Research Your Antiques
Find out how to scare your antique of interest. Rare antiques are things that were made in small quantities, were produced in limited quantities, or are difficult to replicate. The rarer an antique is, the higher its value.

6. Authenticate Your Antiques
There are lots of remarkably done reproductions, fakes, and forgeries out there, so endeavor to check for what an item is made of, artist signatures, damage, and era markers. You can as well compare the item’s feature to similar items of its kind that are from the same time.

Furthermore, consider patronizing dealers that are members of either BADA or LAPADA. These are the key trade associations of the art and antiques world.

7. Evaluate Your Antique
You don’t have to do this yourself. You can always enlist the help of an appraiser, broker, or specialist in your antique of interest. Present such person with necessary information about the antique. This will help them assess its worth accurately.

8. Consider Repairs
When you find that one antique you can’t let go of, and it has some defects to it. You need to keep your emotions aside, and consider the cost of repair before purchasing or bidding. Analyze if the antique is worth it, or if the damages exceed its value.

9. Bargain, Pay and Verify Your Payment
Negotiate politely and ask for discount as well to get yourself a sweet deal. Pay attention to code (X10, X25, X15, et cetera) marked somewhere your item interested and use it to your advantage. Dealers use these to tell the least they can go on the price.

If the offer impresses you, go ahead and pay, and make sure you get a receipt, especially if it’s a cash transaction. Equally checklist the following information on it:

● Age of your item.
● Composition of your item.
● Damage on your item (if any).
● Value of your items.
● Dealer’s full name and contact details.

Note: This tip doesn’t apply to auction houses.

Conclusion
Now that you are equipped with these tips, I’m certain that you will know what you are doing next time you go shopping for antiques.