Looking to find antiques for sale? Make it a point to exercise the old saying “buyer beware” if you shop online.
Yes, the web offers loads of opportunities, but you need to know what keep an eye out on before making a buying decision.
The sad fact is that there are many shops that are just out to get your money and take advantage of beginning antique hunters.
Do Your Research Before Buying Antiques Online
Doing research is one of the most important things you should do before making any purchases online. Make it a point to learn about the reputation of the store you want to buy from by checking for reviews. If you find that a company does not want to give you direct contact information, don’t deal with them. In addition, if a company refuses to provide you with additional photos of an antique they are selling, this is a red flag.
The fact is that better companies will make it a point to communicate with you and provide you with as many photos you need for a particular antique you are interested in. Be sure to request photos of the back, inside, top and underneath the item you want.
Check to see if the company has a returns and returns policy. Better shops will allow for them if you ask for either within a reasonable time. If the business doesn’t allow refunds, this is another red flag and you should pass on buying anything from this company.
Keep An Eye Out For Reproductions
One of the hardest things to do when it comes to buying antiques on line is to examine the item. Since you can’t hold it in your hands, you need to know of other ways to identify the antique by looks. The 2 easiest ways to check if an antique is a reproduction is to look for aging and imperfections.
When it comes to aging, it depends on the antique you are after. For example, antique furniture tends to show signs of cracking, fading and warping as real wood shrinks over a period of time. The edges hould be a little ragged, as antique furniture is generally made using a handsaw. Other types of antiques, like china and books, present more of a challenge. You should do as much investigating as possible and ask the seller directly about the age of the item.
For imperfections, it is pretty much the same, as it depends upon the type of antique. Expect to see imperfections for furniture antiques. Since they are made by hand, they shouldn’t be perfect. The opposite is true for books and china, as imperfections cause the value of the item to drop.
Whatever type of antique you are investigating, a respected seller should offer you plenty of information to make an educated decision. If you are just starting out, you could always ask an expert if an antique is real or a reproduction.
The Best Way To Make A Purchase
When you are ready to buy an antique, here are some tips you should follow to make the transaction smooth and safe. Think about shipping costs. The best way to keep this low is to search for shops in your area. Never make a payment by wire transfer. It is simply not safe to send money to someone who you don’t know. Paypal tends to be a safe way to pay online as they do offer buyer protection and a guarantee. Make sure that you read the fine print to avoid being a scam victim.
Places To Find Antiques Online
There are no shortage of stores that offer wonderful antiques online. Just make sure that you protect yourself by purchasing from a reputable shop.
Once you know what you are after and how to shop online, you can collect antiques for sale from all over the globe!
Here are more great antiques shopping tips!