Most people are fond of antiques because of the style and nostalgia they they evoke. Antiques also have a high perceived value. However, this high perceived worth discourages numerous individuals from looking for them and collecting them. This is a pity because not all antiques are expensive. Valuation is hard though unless one is in the antiques trade either by profession or by hobby / interest.
Comparison is not normally an option either when you see an antique that you like. For example, if you see a candlestick telephone from 1920 on sale in a car boot sale, it is not likely that you will find others to compare it with. Is it worth $20, $50, $100 or more? It is very hard to judge, so the only thing is to enquire of yourself: what is it worth to me? How much money am I prepared to part with to own it?
Once you have the article, you can take it to an antique dealer and get a valuation so that next time you see one, you will have a better idea. This may seem like an expensive manner of learning, but you do end up with a collection of things that you like.
If you are starting to take an interest in antiques, it is a decent idea to check out the reputations of some local dealers and then foster the friendship of a few of the better ones. Spend time in their shops, purchase things that you like, sell items that you have found, but do not want for your collection and invite friends to go to the shop with you.
Smaller antique stores and second-hand shops that are run by a family are the best type to concentrate on because you can build relationships with people who matter in that shop.
Employees tend to know less and have less remit to negotiate prices. The owner will also almost certainly have bought the item him- or herself, so they will know some of the history (or provenance) of it.
One way of getting a discount is to pay with cash. There are certain costs attached to paying with credit cards and cheques, but antique stores and second-hand shops like cash transactions because they are less visible.
In the world of antiques almost everything is second-hand and as such it will have been used. ?Used? means worn, so look out for wear and tear. The more perfect the item is, the nearer to its top market value it will be.
Therefore, it is up to you to ascertain the real condition of something before you purchase it. You can hardly ever complain the following day that you did not notice a scratch or crack and expect your money back.
If you are going to concentrate on a specialist field, say, antique telephones, you can get handbooks on antique telephones. Read it, study it and carry it around with you. Immerse yourself in it and do not move on to studying another issue until you are self-confident in your chosen area. Then take in an associated field like telephone accessories.
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a variety of topics, but is now involved with searching for old fashioned telephones. If you would like to know more, please visit our web site at Family Plans For Cell Phones.
Tags: antiques, business, careers, collectables, entrepreneurs, happiness, Hobbies, management, nostalgia, other, product reviews, recreation, sales, shopping
Source: http://home.blogmeout.net/2011/09/how-to-find-antiques-at-a-bargain-price/
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