Top tips for antiquing
I love the thrill of a unique find - It’s exciting enough to get me out of bed on a Sunday morning pre 6am just to ‘catch the worm’ before anyone else nabs it! I know it’s not everyone’s idea of a good time, perhaps because it might seem easy to make a mistake and buy the wrong thing so I thought I’d give you some pointers that may help boost your confidence!
Top tips for buying at an antiques market like a pro:
Buy things you love with confidence!
Get there as early as you can- as I mentioned above it does pay to get there sooner rather than later so that you get the pick of everything. I’m often there when the stall holders are still setting up which might seem a little awkward but trust me the stall holders are used to it and are happy to start selling so don’t be afraid to get stuck in!
Make a list- write down the things you’d like to buy and the perfect dimensions that you’re looking for if they need to fit in a particular space. The perfect place to do this is on your phone so you always have it with you even if you just happen across an antiques market or even a second-hand shop whilst out on your travels. It can help focus your mind on what exactly you’re looking for if you feel overwhelmed by so much being on offer!
Be a good girl guild (or boy scout)- Be prepared! I may be one to my own here but I always have a tape measure with me in my handbag- you may not want to go that far (although it could be a good addition to your car glovebox!) but if you’ve planned to go antiques buying take one along and measure items and then compare them to the dimensions in your handy little list! I go one step further and also carry the colour palette we have in our home with me so I have them to hand for reference. That way I can ensure things will not only fit in the space but work with our colours too!
Look at it from all angles- The buyer is usually going to be displaying things with their best side facing you, much like a teenager taking a selfie! But look at it from all angles to inspect for damage, move any working parts to check they work, look under furniture and round the back of it paying attention to any stamps or brandings it may have too. Don’t be afraid to get up-close and inspect things. The underside off furniture can tell you a lot about its quality from the way it’s been constructed and the materials that are used. It’s a great indication that a piece is good quality if the materials and construction techniques are quality even when they are unseen at first. Think dovetail joints and real wood backs and bottoms on furniture.
Ask for the best price- The seller is rarely going to tell you their best price when you first ask so always follow up by asking them if that’s their best price or if you are interested in buying more than one item for them enquire if they would give you a better price for them all together- they very often will.
If in doubt, ask about- Don’t be afraid to do a quick google search if you’d like to check if there are other options available to you on sites such as ebay or facebook market place. If there are and they are all a lot cheaper (remember to factor in packaging and postage charges) then perhaps it’s best to leave it if you think that you can do better elsewhere don’t just act on impulse. Do seriously consider though if the item is unusual in it’s dimensions, colouring or has unique features that make it perfect for you and your space- then it’s worth paying more!
If you love it, buy it- If you really love it and think it will be something that will add interest to your home or make your life that little bit easier and you consider the price that the seller is offering it to you at as reasonable then buy it there & then. If you leave it to think about it then it may well have gone should you come back. It’s the unusual curiosities that add interest, flair & a story to your interiors!