When buying antiques the buyer has a multitude of ways
to buy, including online internet auctions, local auction
houses, newspaper and classified ads, antique dealers, etc,
etc.
 But
there's only one way not to buy your antiques and that's.....
Do not buy unless you know what you are buying.
The UK is probably
the best place in the world to search for and to buy
antiques because of its rich history of invasion, conquest,
trade and invention. It probably has more genuine antiques
per square mile than any other country. Almost every town
and village has an antiques shop and all cities have a reputable
auction house.
However, there is one Golden
Rule when buying antiques. ' Only Buy The Things You
Like '
Buy the best you can afford and if it's for
your own personal use or collection, don't worry too much
about whether you have overpaid. The modern, probably inferior
equivalent, will cost a lot more anyway
What antiques to buy.......
Whether you buy from antique dealers, antique fairs, auction
houses, or boot sales, always, always, always, buy the things
that appeal to you directly. If something appeals to your
sense of style or your idea of beauty, you
will develop a passion for it.
Whether you buy antiques as an investment or for a collection
or to sell them on; Always buy what you like and buy what
you are interested in.
There is nothing worse than
having something on your shelf that does not hold your interest.
You will never invest time in it or take the time to discover
whether it has any hidden qualities.
If you buy something you don't like, it will sit and gather
dust for generations; and you or your children will eventually
sell it for pennies.
Remember -- When buying antiques
the cheapest isn't always the best and the best isn't always
the surest way to profit.
Antique auctions and local antique dealers are usually cheaper
than the big city outlets, but not always, and antique fairs
at your local county showground or exhibition hall can be
among the most expensive ways to buy.
Top 10 Tips
for buying antiques. Memorise them and never present yourself
as an amateur.
1. Always ask for discounts .... No
matter where you buy from -- Many
professional dealers will have a code marked somewhere on the item
that you're interested in and this will tell them exactly how low
they can go. Something like X10 or X50 could mean they will discount
up to that figure or go as low as that figure. Use your own judgment
and always ask.
2. Always, always, ask about damage
and/or restoration -- If you don't
ask, they don't need to tell you.
3. Always, always, always, handle
the item -- Get touchy feely.......
Pick it up, put it down, pick it up again. Look at the bottom, the
top, the sides. Look from odd angles and use a magnifier to look
close. 
Never be afraid to pick anything up in a shop, at an auction,
on a dealers stall or at any other sales event.
It's your money you're spending and you'll only kick yourself
if you miss a flaw, when you look again at home.
4. Never pose as a Trade buyer --
You may lose your consumer protection rights.
5. Never offer Cash... until
you've agreed a price for paying by cheque or credit card.
Once you've got your maximum discount, get your cheque book
or credit card out, then pause and ask if there's any further
discount for cash. You'll never know, if you don't ask.
6. Always get a receipt....
Even if you pay cash -- Make sure your receipt lists the items
age, the material, any damage or restoration and it's value.
7. Look for the odd one out...
The odd ones are usually the best bargains.
Look for items that don't belong, such as ceramics in a jewellers
shop or stall; or bronze in a silver dealers display. More
likely than not the antique dealer or seller will discount
the unsuitable item to move it on.
8. Buy from your local auction
house .... The profit is here
Get to know your antique marks and your local auction house.
The bargains are there and in all categories. Increase your
knowledge about auction procedures and become an auction bargain
hunter.
Buy from auction houses and markets abroad ...... But know
the local rules before you do.
In the U.K. all valuable items bought from abroad and shipped
into the country must be declared at british customs control
and the receipt produced. If you buy items that are over 100
years old then no UK duty or Value Added Tax is due on the
item. Always make sure the seller or supplier marks the age
on the receipt.
9. Check antique
shops for trade association memberships.... Just in Case
BADA (British Antique Dealers Association), or LAPADA (London and
Provincial Antique Dealers Association) are just two of many.
Find the one that covers your area and get yourself a greater
degree of security and protection.
10. BEWARE of reproductions, fakes
and forgeries -- They are very good and they are out
there..... (more)
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