Antiques and secondhand pieces have never been more popular—and there are more ways than ever to shop for them. From curated online marketplaces to respected antique fairs, trust that Antiquario Roma is teeming with quality collectibles that make stylish additions to any home.
Interior designers love using Instagram to follow vintage and antique sellers who host weekly story sales. They also call out Facebook Marketplace as an underrated resource for finding bargains.
Do Your Research
As anyone who’s ever complimented someone on their tasteful home décor is aware, secondhand and antique pieces often offer a more unique aesthetic than the stuff you can find in stores today. This is especially true for those who live in a city where the streets are a veritable treasure trove for antique lovers.
For those who can’t make it to the city, however, there are still plenty of resources online that can help you uncover coveted pieces. Interior designers and collectors, for example, call out Facebook Marketplace as one of their favorite online vintage resources because “as long as you check it frequently, you have the highest potential to score amazing pieces for incredibly affordable prices as sellers are often trying to unload things quickly.”
Another site makes tracking auctions you’re interested in easy thanks to customizable saved searches. She also points out that following individual vintage shops on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on their latest finds. Chairish is another well-established online marketplace for antique and vintage items that offers a more curated experience to its users.
Know Your Limits
In the antiques business, knowledge is key. This doesn’t just include knowing how much a specific piece of art or furniture is worth, but also understanding what makes it special. For example, a certain type of piece might be more valuable because it was made by an established designer or artist. It may also have a unique mark that proves it is authentic. You might be able to locate this information by checking the internet or consulting printed books that have been updated annually.
Staying informed about market trends is important too. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and make smarter buying and selling decisions. In addition, specific types of items may become more valuable during particular seasons or economic climates. For instance, antique Christmas ornaments might experience a surge in demand right before the holidays.
When you are ready to purchase or sell an item, it is vital to find a reputable antique dealership for quality collectibles with a good reputation in the industry. When you do, this will help you ensure that the transaction goes as smoothly as possible.
You should always ask for a written contract to confirm the terms of sale. This will protect both you and the dealer and reduce the risk of misunderstandings or disputes. It should set out the price, payment methods, delivery or pickup arrangements, and insurance for the item while in transit.
While you should be prepared to negotiate, you should be careful not to be overly pushy or impulsive when it comes to negotiating a deal. Remember that each dealer is a small business with their own overheads and expenses, so they won’t necessarily be able to offer you a big discount just because you are a savvy shopper. In fact, expecting more than a 10% discount is unrealistic.
Another way to increase your chances of scoring a bargain is to visit several booths, even those that don’t seem like your style. Often, those seemingly uninspiring spaces will contain the hidden gem you’ve been searching for. It could even be something as simple as a vintage glass vase that starts off your new collection.
Ask Questions
When shopping for antiques, it’s important to ask questions of dealers and be aware of what to look out for. This will help you identify real antiques from fake ones and make the best buying decisions possible. A good dealer will be willing to give you a full description of each piece, including its history and whether or not it has been restored. They should also be able to offer you a 100% guarantee of authenticity in writing.
Aside from ensuring that the items you’re interested in are authentic, you should also be aware of their condition and price. If a seller seems hesitant to provide these details, or if their prices seem inflated, it’s likely a red flag that you should walk away.
As the popularity of antiques has risen, so too has the number of counterfeiters. Unfortunately, some of these counterfeiters are even posing as real dealers and selling their fakes at real antique shops. This means that it’s more important than ever to ask the right questions and do your research before making any purchases.
For many antique enthusiasts, one of the most fun and rewarding parts of the hobby is searching for pieces at fairs, auctions, and car boot sales. It’s a great idea to have a clean vehicle with plenty of space available for any items you may find, and make sure that you’re well prepared both physically and mentally before going shopping. For example, it’s a good idea to bring a measuring tape, some rags, and old blankets or towels to wrap and protect your treasured finds on their journey home with you.
Another great resource for finding antiques is online marketplaces. Interior designer and blogger notes that this site offers a highly curated experience for its shoppers, which is ideal for those who are serious about finding genuine antiques. She also points out that it’s often easier to negotiate prices with sellers on this platform, since they know what their pieces are worth.
Lastly, for those seeking more affordable antiques, charity shops and house clearances can be excellent sources of quality home items. Just make sure to check the policies of any group you’re planning on sourcing from, as many of them have rules against reselling items.
Make the Right Decision
Ultimately, a reputable antique dealer will always aim to make their customers happy. The best way to do this is by offering a good deal. If you see something you love, but it’s slightly out of your price range, try negotiating. You’ll be surprised how many dealers are willing to work with you. Just remember, it’s important to be respectful and polite throughout the negotiation process.
As with any industry, there are a number of rogue antique dealers out there. One of the best ways to avoid them is by looking for a dealership that is a member of a trade association. This is a great way to ensure you’re dealing with someone who has been thoroughly vetted by experts in their field.
Another great option is attending local antique fairs and events. These can be a great way to find new and exciting pieces that you may not have seen at other dealerships.
Alternatively, you can also shop online for antiques. There are a number of reputable online marketplaces that specialize in antique items. These can be a great place to start, especially for first-time buyers. For example, sites offer a highly curated experience for their shoppers, and they often carry some of the most respected antique dealers in the industry.
If you’re interested in a particular piece of furniture, for example, be sure to look for things like dovetail joints and other signs of craftsmanship when assessing its authenticity. It’s also worth considering the condition of the item, as even minor damage can affect its value. For example, a porcelain figurine with a cracked finger will be worth less than one in mint condition.
Finally, it’s important to consider the payment and delivery options when purchasing an antique. Be sure to discuss these with the seller, and be clear on what your minimum acceptable terms are. This will help to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes down the line.
If you’re a first-time buyer, it’s also worth discussing with the dealer whether they offer a warranty or return policy. This is particularly important if you’re planning on buying something expensive. While a guarantee or return policy won’t prevent you from getting duped, it will provide some peace of mind if you do get burned by a rogue dealer.