The 9 Best Places to find antiques and collectibles
We all have our secrets.
1. Online Antique Stores:
The easiest way to find antiques is in an online antique store. If the store is well organized, you can browse the inventory and make your selection. Most stores offer descriptions of any defects. These descriptions are typically better than what you would get if you saw the piece in person. Just make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller. Beware of fly by night ebay stores with zero feedback.
2. Online Auctions:
Online auctions like ebay are great places to get deals. However, because you may be dealing with someone who isn’t an expert in the product offered, their description may be less than accurate. Also, there are some people who deliberately mislead in their descriptions. My advice when buying online is to always use Paypal. They will assist you in case you encounter a less than reputable seller.
3. Garage/Estate Sales:
Now that the price of gas is reasonable, scouring the neighborhoods for garage sales is a great idea. Finding a really good deal is like hitting the lottery. Amidst the piles of used toddlers’ clothing and toys, you may find a treasure. Over the years, I’ve found plenty … but it requires a lot of time and legwork. I think this is how we get into the business of selling antiques. While looking for that Grueby vase, we find lots of other treasures that we aren’t interested in collecting but just can’t pass up.
4. Flea Markets:
Flea markets are a great place to get a good deal on antiques. But you need to get there early. Seasoned antiquers often pay the dealer fee to get in early and get the dealers while vendors are still setting up their booths. If you sleep in, the good deals will have already flown the coop by the time you arrive.
5. Local Auctions:
I love local auctions, but my wife can’t come with me. She gets competitive and then look out. At live auctions the buyer needs to beware. Carefully inspect every item that you plan to bid on ahead of time. Another note of caution, at some auctions, you need to know the crowd. Some unscrupulous auctioneers will bid up items when they see a newbie bidding. If it’s your first time at an auction, stand in the back and watch who is bidding on what. If two people always jump in together and bid, be suspect. If they always jump in when you are bidding, get out of there fast.
6. Local Antique Shops and Malls:
If you are new to collecting these are must. Touch and inspect the antiques and learn how they look and feel. There are a lot fakes out there, and the only way to learn is through practice. Get to know the shop owners. Tell them what you collect and ask them to call you when the a piece that they think you’d be interested in. Ask for discounts if you are a repeat customer. Ask for discounts if you pay with cash. The downside to buying in an antique mall, is that it takes a lot of time to find the treasure you are looking for at a good price. Remember, local stores have to pay rent, utilities, commissions and payroll.
7. Thrift Stores:
As long as you are hitting the stores, stop by the local thrift store. This is a hybrid betwee an antique shop, flea market and garage sale. I’ve found a few great items over the years, but again, they are few and far between.
8. Advertise:
Put an ad on Craig’s list describing what you are looking for and wait for the calls to come in. I haven’t had much luck with this option and frankly, meeting strangers who contacted you online carrying money isn’t the smartest thing to do, but it can work.
9. Funeral Homes/Nursing Homes and Real Estate Agents:
If you have the cash to buy entire estates, let folks know that you are interested in buying. When people move or die, the convience of having one person buy everything is compelling. You can get a great deal, ust don’t swindle anyone. It’s bad kharma.
If you have any other secrets, please share.
Tags: Buy Antiques