If you're just beginning to explore the world of antiques and collectibles today, you'll probably be drawn to antique stores to start. While antique shows are a great resource, they're not your only option. Estate sales, antique shops and flea markets, thrift stores, auctions and even garage sales provide new and experienced collectors alike with a wealth of opportunities to discover the next great find.
Antique Stores
Antique stores are the traditional source for antiques and collectibles, but keep in mind that store prices are typically higher than other places you might shop. On the other hand, shopping at antique stores may increase your chances of discovering items that are marked below their actual value. Generally, antique store owners specialize in a one or two kinds of merchandise, like furniture or jewelry and may not realize that that a piece of pottery they're selling for $10 is worth ten times that amount.
The key is to visit your local stores regularly, not just to see what's new but to begin establishing a relationship with the owner. Not only will the relationship contribute to your knowledge base, but you might get a call when items you're interested in arrive and occasionally receive a discount on certain purchases.
Estate Sales
Usually estate sales are held at the home in question, where all of the home's contents are offered for sale. Most estate sales are run by third-party professionals, but you may come across private-party estate sales from time to time.
Look in the classified section of your local newspaper for estate sales ads. Generally, these ads will list the type of merchandise being offered (furniture, books, clothing jewelry, etc.), the date and hours of the sale and whether the sale allows buyers to sign up in advance or assigns buyer's numbers to facilitate sales. The sign-up process usually takes place the day before the sale or early in the morning on the first day. In either case, plan to arrive early. You'll see more and have more opportunities to get the best deals.
When it comes to negotiating on price, the rules vary from sale to sale. Some estate sales won't negotiate, period while others may be willing to go half price at some point during the last day of the sale. Still others may negotiate based on the quantity of items you're purchasing. Be sure to ask the estate sale staff what the policy is for that sale if you're unsure.
Antique Shows and Flea Markets
The advantage of attending antique shows and flea markets is the opportunity to see merchandise from a wide variety of dealers, some of whom may travel from other cities or other parts of the country. Additionally, the merchandise you see at these events tend to be priced lower than what you'll find in antique stores and the dealer you meet may be more amenable to negotiation.
Here too, it's good to remember that even the most knowledgeable dealers don't know everything and tend to specialize in a handful of areas. Always be on the lookout for surprises and if you find an item that you know is marked low? Buy it now and talk about it later.
Look for antique show and flea market listings in your local paper or consult your favorite antique stores to see what free trade magazines they stock that list events in your area.
Thrift Stores
It used to be that collectors hit the jackpot at thrift stores, but as thrift store owners become more savvy vintage items are separated from general merchandise and priced accordingly or not at all-these items may be put aside and auctioned off online by the owners themselves. Even so, with a little patience and keen eye, you'll still find the occasional item the owner has missed and get it for a bargain.
Auctions
Buyers and collectors have the option today to participate in traditional, in-person auctions or online auctions. Both offer buyers the thrill of the bidding process, but the advantage of attending auctions in person is the opportunity to examine and handle the merchandise before you make a decision to bid. If you win an item in an online auction, there's always a chance that the seller wasn't completely honest in their description or you didn't take the time to read it carefully.
Online auctions aren't hard to find and you can search for the items you're interested in from the comfort of your own home. Look for in-person auctions ads in the classified section of your local newspaper, sign up for auction house mailing lists or consult any estate sales professionals you know who also hold auctions and sign up to receive auction notifications.
Garage Sales
Everyone's heard a story about someone who paid a dollar for an item at a neighborhood garage sale that wound up being worth tens of thousands of dollars. Sometimes, the stories are actually true.
Dealers who specialize in shabby chic furniture might be shopping for paintings to resell the frames and pay no mind to the actual painting until later, only to have the painting go for $80,000 at auction. Successes on par with this example are unusual, but if you visit enough sales, chances are good you'll find great value for short money if your eye is good.
Anytime you go to a flea market you might think you are getting a bargain. As a matter of fact, this is not true. When purchasing items at a flea market, you must be just as savvy a shopper as you are at any department store. |
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Antique furniture can be hard to find, especially if you have particular antique furniture styles or time periods in mind. |
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An estate sale is a terrific way to buy a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, from pottery to linens to furniture. |
