Antique Shopping Tips - Helpful Hints for Antique Shopping

Antique furniture can give a room instant character and a sense that the space has been accumulated over time--qualities that distinguish a home from a furniture showroom.

Having just completed a week-long antique shopping expedition, I wanted to share a few of the lessons I picked up along the way:

• How do you find good antique shops when you're traveling out of town? I found it helpful to befriend dealers in shops I liked, then asked them if they could recommend other places that carry similar merchandise. I liked the antiques in my bed and breakfast, so I asked the owner where she shops. If you're just pulling into town, find a store with a sensibility that matches your own, then ask the proprietor for recommendations. I went into a gift shop with lots of funky-chic merchandise, and the woman at the register was a font of knowledge about antiques dealers lurking off the beaten path.
• I prefer single-owner shops to antique malls, although the former are getting harder and harder to find. Single-owner shops offer more personal service, and the proprietor can usually tell you the background on a piece or where it was found. It’s easier to negotiate the price, too. Plus space is limited in many mall stalls, so you’re less likely to find a large selection of furniture in them.
• When shopping at a mall, chances are the stall’s owner will not be present. Usually the person at the front desk is authorized to negotiate up to a certain percentage off the price (often 10 percent). If you want a bigger discount, the attendant will need to call the owner of the stall and ask his or her permission.
• Bring a flashlight and a measuring tape when you go antiquing. Don’t forget to look underneath tables and inside cabinets, and follow other antique shopping tips.
• Carry cash or a checkbook—dealers will usually offer you the best price if you’re not paying by credit card, since they won’t have to pay the fee to the card company.
• Don't try to negotiate a better price by denigrating the quality of the piece. Pointing out that "the leg is wobbly and there's a scratch on the surface" will not endear you to the seller, and your motives will be pretty transparent. Better to simply ask, "Can you do any better on the price?" Or offer an alternative price by saying, "Will you accept $250?" (I usually pick a figure that's about 20 percent below the marked price.)
• When negotiating the price of an object at a flea market or garage sale, sometimes it can be effective to take a wad of bills out of your pocket. That’s a sign that you’re ready to pay, you’re paying in cash and are prepared to close the deal.
• If you're visiting a region that's known for antiques, consider dropping in on an auction. You're often competing with dealers who don't want to bid too high, because they need to add their markup in order the sell the piece.