The sad truth is that most people end up paying too much when they try to buy antiques. Most people simply don’t know what items are worth, so antique sellers take advantage of them. Fortunately there are some simple ways to avoid paying too much for antiques.
Here are a few good tips that can help you avoid paying too much:
• Find out what the item is really worth. If you are looking for something find out the price it should be going for. Try to avoid so called guide books, instead check auction sites like E-bay to see what people are really paying. This can be a real eye opener because it shows you what people in the business are paying.
• Bring cash when you go antiquing. In many cases offering a lower price in cash will get you a deal. If you are visiting venues like flea markets or garage sales you will definitely need to bring cash.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle or make a lower offer. Even when you see an item for sale in an antique store, make a lower offer. Do the same at garage sales and flea markets. In many cases, the price could be lowered for you.
• Come back later. If you see something you want at a garage sale but think it is lower priced, go away and come back later in the day towards the end of the sale. Many people will lower prices at the end of the day. Also don’t be afraid to return to antique stores in the future and make offers on items.
• Seriously consider trades or swaps. If you have other antiques you don’t want, ask antique store owners and others what they will take in trade. You could be able to work out some sort of deal.
• Let those selling antiques that you might be willing to buy in the future. Leave a card with your name and phone number or e-mail on it so they can contact you later on. They might change their mind later.
• Try antiquing when business is slow. This includes the fall, spring and winter in many parts of the year. It also includes weekdays and evenings. In many cases you’ll have an easier time bargaining at these times.
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