It seems antique shops have been around longer than the nation itself. At the Old for New Antique Shoppe, we want to a part of your history, too. We cater to the people who are new to antiquing as a hobby. If you have experience in shopping for and buying antiques, you are certainly welcome, too, but our Shoppe is really geared to get "the newbie" hooked on antiques. If you are curious about history and just enjoy the experience of browsing thorough old collectibles, you've already come to understand that antiquing is quite different from going to yard or garage sales. Antiques are generally not even considered to be antique until they are about one hundred years old and the item has firmly established itself in its place in history.
How to Learn the Ropes of Antiquing
Buy Some Books – We have a small library of books that you can purchase about antiquing. Most of our books are introductory books for beginners, but we also have quite a few titles that will take your antiquing experience up to the next level. If you are not sure what book is a good title for an absolute beginner, ask one of our salespersons for his or her help. They'll gauge your interest in what area of collectibles is of greatest interest to you. There's no need to buy a book on collecting art if that's not what interests you. Because you won't be guessing about what book is appropriate for your interests, you'll actually be reading the book you purchased, and you will be improving your knowledge of antiques. You'll be examining glass and sniffing old wood before you know it.
Talk to Others – We have an antique club that meets twice a month. If you don't have a vast knowledge of antiquing and haven't got the time read all those books, spend your time with some of the pros. They'll give you first-hand knowledge and experience about the world of antiquing. We have fireside chats in the winter and garden parties in the spring and summer. We have lectures at each meeting about a different type of antiquing, so you'll be broadening your knowledge of antiquing before you know it. There is no fee for the meetings and no dues to be paid. Light refreshments are served at each meeting, so come to our shoppe on a regular basis to get to know more about antiquing and the people who share your love of them.
Talk to Owners – Antique shop owners are a unique breed, and they tend to be people who like meeting other people. You can learn a lot by meeting and greeting antique shop owners. While you're browsing, talk to the others around you. Sound them out on what they know so that you can absorb their years of experience.
Resist temptation – If the item is selling for an unbelievably low price, there's a real reason for it. You may fall in love with what you think is a genuine antique, but resist the urge to buy on the spur of the moment. Do your research. If the item requires authentication, don't hesitate to tell the shop owner that you definitely are interested in the item, but you want to make certain of the authenticity of the item. If the dealer balks, that's a bad sign. A reputable antique dealer has no qualms whatsoever about having someone ensure that the item is everything it's supposed to be. If it's too good to be true, it usually is.
Bargain a Little or a Lot – You don't have pay the asking price for every item you see. The price of antiques is subjective; there is no fixed item cost. Speak to the dealer or the shop owner and ask what's the firm price for the item. If the price seems too high, examine the item to see if there are defects that might lead to your getting some bargaining power in the negotiations. Don't be too quick to accept the owner's first price. Cash often carries more weight than plastic. There may be a discount for cash, so if you have the cash with you, ask if paying in cash will make a difference in the price. Be polite in your bargaining, but be as firm as you need to be. If you really want the item, then, of course, be more flexible. If it's an item that you can live without, then adopt a take-it-or-leave-it attitude, but if you see that the negotiations are not going your way, just thank the dealer and walk away from the deal.
Appraise when needed – If you are interested in an item, such as a piece of jewelry, and you want to have that item professionally appraised, don't be shy about it. The more reputable the dealer, the less likely the dealer will object or hesitate to your request to have an item appraised. If you have the time and the item is of considerable value, you might also consider getting the item appraised by at least two appraisers.
Want it delivered? Delivery can be a sticking point. If you have your eye on an armoire and will need it delivered, make sure that you go over the delivery policy very carefully. Some small shops that sell primarily smaller items may have trouble arranging for delivery. Make sure that all delivery terms and costs are discussed fully. You don't want unpleasant surprises and learn that the item you purchased won't be delivered for several weeks.
The Proof's in the Pudding and the Receipt – Make sure that you hold on to all receipts, especially if the item is going to be delivered. Inspect the item you are going to purchase very carefully. Sometimes in your haste to purchase an item, there is a natural tendency to overlook things. You may discover a defect or blemish only after you bring the item home. Carefully ask about the store's return policy. If all sales are final, then inspect each item your purchase very carefully before you bring it to the counter to pay for it.
