Outsmart the Competition with These 12 Smart Antiquing Tactics
They just don't make 'em like they used to. I'm talking, of course, about antiques, but that statement could just as easily apply to the people who shop for them.
It's a different world out there, more competitive in almost every conceivable way, and antique shopping is no exception. Luckily for you, I'm here to share my 12 best tips to keep you at the top of the antiquing food chain.
Sure, you could just spend your life on eBay, endlessly doom-scrolling for items you won't get to examine in person until it's too late to return them, but if you want the thrill of hunting for — and the satisfaction of finding — that one, perfect piece to complete your home, you only need to keep reading.
Map Out Your Route
I know this might sound excessive, but trust me on this. If you want to make the most of a single day of antiquing, you need to make a plan of attack. Identify the stores, flea markets, and estate sales you want to hit, and mark them on a map.
This will allow you to designate the best possible route for hitting the maximum amount of locations while wasting the least amount of time in transit and deciding where to go next.
Start Early
Once you have your route mapped, find out when the first stop on your antiquing tour opens for business. This will be the time you want to show up.
I know it sounds like overkill — after all, what difference could a couple of hours make? It's the difference between you finding your perfect item and someone else finding it first, that's what. We're talking about antiques here; your chances of finding the same rare item twice in one day are slim to nil.
Keep to a Schedule
Once you've planned your route, devise a schedule for your day. Remember you can only go to one place first thing. So, don't make the mistake of spending too much time in one spot and potentially missing opportunities at your upcoming stops.
This is especially important if you have a specific item in mind. Once you determine a store or sale doesn't have what you need, it's time to move on. Don't waste precious time browsing.
Know What You’re Looking For
I know what you're thinking, “Of course I know what I'm looking for. That's the whole point of this outing!” I'm talking about more than just knowing that you're looking for a coffee table; you should know what sort of coffee table would best suit your needs.
Are you looking for oak? Glass top? Something rustic? Something ornate? These are the questions you should know the answers to before you set out on your shopping spree. You know what your aesthetic is. Get a good idea of what will match it.
Prioritize
If you're looking for multiple items in one day — or shopping for a few specific things and allowing yourself to browse (but not for too long, remember) — list the things you want in order of priority.
I always put my most necessary items first. Don't spend all day looking at credenzas when what you really need is a bedframe!
Measure Twice, Shop Once
Not knowing precise measurements is a common rookie mistake — and it can be a costly one if you buy antiques from anywhere with a “no returns” policy.
You don't just need to know the measurements of the space where you plan to display your new antique; you also need to know the measurements of your doorways and any hallways leading to said spot. What use is a piece of furniture that doesn't fit through your door?
Know the Worth
Once you find the antique you want, make absolutely sure you aren't overpaying. We live in the age where the internet lives in your phone, so use it! Hit up eBay to look up the piece you found and see what it's selling for.
If you don't know what your desired antique is called, use Google Lens to see if you can find a name or identify the original manufacturer. Trust me — it doesn't count as outsmarting the competition if you're paying twice what something is worth!
Haggle
Which brings me to my next point: haggling. Antique stores aren't Target; the prices often aren't quite as firm as the corporate outlets you usually shop at. If something is listed for more than you are willing to pay, find the manager and make an offer.
The worst they could say to your offer is “no.”
Check for Damage
Once you've found that diamond in the rough, make sure you check it for imperfections. Even if the damage doesn't much matter for the use you have in mind, or it seems like something you could repair yourself, it could still be grounds for a lowered price.
I always check an antique on all sides, including the back and the bottom. Even if it isn't a deal-breaker, it could be a deal-maker (meaning you can make a better deal than the tagged price, you get it?).
Test It Out
Even if the antique piece you've found looks completely undamaged, make sure you give it a thorough test before buying. If it's a table or chair, see if it sits steady on the ground and holds the kind of weight you're planning to use it for.
If you're buying anything antique that plugs in or runs on batteries, always try before you buy. My pro tip: Bring your own batteries and a fresh lightbulb (in the case of a lamp) with you just to make sure.
Have a Transportation Plan
So you found the perfect size table for your living room, and it will definitely fit through your front door. One problem: It won't fit in your Mini Cooper.
Bring the right vehicle to transport the types of items you plan to buy before hitting up antique stores. Some stores will let you pick items up later (make sure you check this before buying). This is where it pays to have a friend who has a pickup truck and owes you a favor.
Use Your Imagination
While you're out looking for that perfect item, keep in mind that you might find it somewhere unexpected. Sometimes, an old writing desk can be a credenza, a small chest of drawers can be an end table, and old vinyl albums can be wall art.
Remember, this is your home we're talking about, and only you can decide the right or wrong way to furnish it. Keep an eye out for anything you can repurpose, upcycle, or modify to suit your needs.
