Finding Antiques at Cost Effective Prices

Items that are over one hundred years old are classified as antiques, although the present value of each antique will depend on the specific item and its current condition. Antiques can be found at various marketplaces, homes and shops at discount prices. Over the past ten years antiques have become trendy and a fashion statement in the market place that now appeal to younger generations. Due to the current appeal antiques have on younger generations, antiques that are priced low are often sold immediately after hitting the shelves or the internet. An antique may be sold for less than its worth due to one selling it without prior knowledge of what they could potentially get for it. In other circumstances antiques are sold as bundles making each item cost effective or life long collectors are happy to see their antiques passed on to a new generation at a cost effective price.

Before attempting to purchase an item it is important to do some research to understand how much that particular antique is worth in today’s society. One can use resources such as books, e-books or online websites to find out more about the value of an item. Many antique appraisal sites have yearly memberships which are great if you are looking into buying a few items that you are unsure the worth of. Online antique appraisers are also useful if you wish to resell your antique item in the future.  If it is an expensive antique you are hoping to purchase, having an antiques appraiser look at the item before purchase may also be a smart move to ensure you are paying a fair price for the antique piece.

Where can one see antiques and purchase them though? It is amazing just how many places near you sell antiques without you even realizing it. Some places are more obvious such as antique stalls while other places such as a local markets many people pass by not realizing that many antiques that are someone’s trash are actually your treasures.

Specific Antique Stalls

Although antique stalls will have a larger variety of antiques within one location and are a safe place to buy at because they are professionally dated and had a thorough once over, these antiques will be priced at exactly what they are worth or sometimes more. Antique stalls are great to scope out what is available, which antiques you may be interested in collecting, and an approximate price of an item but it is important to always shop around before purchasing from one. Antique stalls sometimes will have a clearance if they get too much stock and it is important to keep your eyes open for these sales as you may save yourself up to fifty percent of the original price they were asking.

Antique Shows

Antique shows are a great place to get information about a varied range of antiques and also a place to buy antiques which are generally a set price. It is rare to find a great bargain at an antique show although if an item is out of a sellers knowledge and general collection they may price it slightly lower than what it is worth; making for a great bargain. Antique shows often offer impeccably good quality antiques with minimal damage as they know many people will be viewing each item. This makes these shows excellent if you wish to make a one off purchase due to purely loving a specific antique with no intention to make a profit in the near future.

Online Auction Sites

Online auction sites can be a great way to find the exact antique you are wishing to purchase with only a few clicks of a button. Antiques are sold on an array of sites across the world with most of them happy to ship globally. When purchasing an item always remember to account for the cost of shipping as you may be able to find this same piece locally minus shipping fees. Some popular online sites where people sell their antiques are eBay, Amazon etc. These sites have millions of users per day which means there are thousands of antiques to purchase but also lots of competition. Browsing the internet for just a few minutes a day allows you to be the first one to a grab a great antique bargain. Due to multiple sales online of the same antiques, a bargain can be found if an owner prices to sell theirs urgently. Other times people list antique items passed on from relatives without getting an appraisal which can sometimes benefit you if the item is listed for far less than it is worth. Always remember though  the opposite of this can happen and a seller may price an antique for greater than its value.  When buying online it is essential to read all the fine detail and if you have any questions about the condition of the antique, ask the questions before putting a deposit down or paying for an item in full.

In Person Auctions

Furthermore in person auctions also provide antiques at reasonable prices although there is often lots of competition for in trend items. With auctions, if you intend on purchasing, it is important to show up prior to the auction to inspect all items for sale. If you see an item you like write the lot number down and also the highest price you will pay for that item. This ensures when the auction becomes heated you do not blow your budget or pay more than the value of the antique piece. Local auctions are generally advertised online on websites such as liveauctioneers.com but the easiest way to find antique auctions near you is the newspapers; in particular the weekend newspapers. We also have an article on the best auction houses in the US.

While looking for auctions in the newspaper also read the items for sale section as some elderly people prefer to advertise in the newspaper opposed to online.

Garage Sales

Garage sales are a great place to find various antiques although are only suitable for people who go in with the understanding that out of five garage sales most likely only one or two of these will have items of value to you. If you are lucky in some suburbs multiple houses organize joint sales on the same day which gives you a greater chance of finding an antique item. Garage sales also have that added benefit of being able to bargain down a price if you feel like the person will lower it where as if you buy an item within a proper antiques shop the price is already set in stone.

Community Group Sales

Ran for charity or the good of the community, items at these sales are priced to entice a customer to purchase so that the funds can be used to finance certain aspects of the group. These type of sales are often ran by churches, non-profit organizations, charity groups and scouts or girl guides. Antiques at these sales are generally only sold for a few dollars but if you were to sell them to the right buyer they could be worth a few hundred. If you don’t mind crowds, competition with other buyers or scrummaging through a lot of trash to find the treasure then community group sales are a great place to find all sorts of antiques from artwork, to jewellery to furniture.

Car Boot Sales

Car boot sales are generally held by people who have no idea about the value of the antiques they are selling meaning one can grab a great bargain. Arrive ten minutes before the sale starts and hover around as stall holders unpack to ensure that you are the first to find great treasures. It is important with these types of sales to bargain hard and generally if you offer a reasonable price the seller will agree as the sole purpose of these sales is for one to get rid of things they see as unwanted junk in which they have been hoarding for no reason. It is important to have cash ready and small notes so when you see a bargain you are ready for purchase. Having cash ready also gives yourself a limit of how much you want to spend up to on the day.

Thrift Stalls and Op Shops

Thrift stalls or Op shops are often noted as some of the best places to find antiques of value. This is due to people cleaning out their houses or those of others and compiling bulk lots of items. Op shops and thrift stalls sell a vast range of items from kitchenware to clothing so generally there is an antique piece for sale that suits everyone’s criteria. Due to the popularity of antique items, they often sell out fast in these places so it is important to drop in every few days as new stock gets put onto the shelves. This way you do not miss out on a well priced piece of history. If you are after a particular piece, some thrift stores will take your name and number and call you if any come in as the staff cannot tell the items that will be delivered from one day to the next.