Shopping for antiques can be fun and daunting at the same time. You love the look but you are not sure what you are doing when it comes to pricing items on the spot according to what they are really worth. Sometimes you are going to get a great deal and other times you may pay too much for something. The value of something is one thing, but what it may mean to someone else is another. If you learn about what things may be worth in any antique furniture stores, you can then be sure to get a better deal when you are out looking for a great deal on the perfect piece for your home.
Remember that some things that you find in antique furniture stores are going to cost a lot of money because of the age and the condition. However, other things are going to cost more just because someone placed a lot of personal value on something, and it may have been hard for them to part with the item. This is where things get tricky. What you want to do is remember to place a value on something according to what it is worth to you. There is no sense in buying something you only vaguely like just because it feels like a deal, and there is something to be said for paying more when you just have to have something.
Think about what type of antique furniture stores you are going to shop before you decide what something is worth. If you are going to a traditional store, the prices are more in line with the value of the piece due its history, rarity, and the condition in which is has been kept. On the other hand, there are stores that work on consignment, which means that the owner has put the price on it, and that price may be based more on what they think it is worth or sentimental value rather than the market value of the item. If you know that, you can better decide what something is worth to you.
Look each item you are considering over for any hidden flaws that you may not notice at first. These can greatly change how much you think something is really worth. You should also ask about the history of the item. There could be an amazing story behind something that makes it worth a higher asking price. See if you can get the story verified, as some people will make up stories, or embellish them, so that they can get more money out of something that may not be worth much otherwise. If someone tells you that George Washington used a desk, find a way to verify that first. It is probably not true.
Be ready to haggle on any items you find in antique furniture stores. These prices are always open to change. If you are not good at bargaining with someone for a lower price, this may be something you want to work on, or something that you should bring someone else along to do for you. You should never pay the sticker price unless the item is truly an historic piece. Very few prices are set in stone, and may be set higher to make room for negotiation. They expect that you are going to try to lower the price, so use your head and get the best deal you can.
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