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Antique shops can be expensive, especially for quality pieces. You could spend hours or even days searching for bargains at your local shops and still walk away either empty handed, or paying more than you intended. There's no surefire way to make sure you get the lowest price on a nice piece, but there are some secrets to tip the odds in your favor. Firstly, you should remember that persistence is key. Knowing where and when to shop will assure that you'll be in the right place at the right time. Research which days your local antique shops and flea markets restock, and try to frequent them around those times. Garage and estate sales on Saturday mornings can usually turn up some pretty good discoveries. So don't be afraid to venture to new neighborhoods. Persistence is nothing without proper education though. You can spend all of your free time shopping around but if you don't know that to look for, every adventure could be for naught. Study up as much as possible on your specific specialty. You'll not only want to know what makes a good antique table but what makes an authentic one. You'll also want to research the value of the pieces you want, and what they'll go for in different venues. Antique shops may charge one amount, while a flea market may charge something considerably less. A huge part of the education process can come from observing other buyers. Watch what items they pick up, ask questions, and look for trends. Also, observe your surroundings while shopping yourself. If you pick up an item and notice another shopper is following you around, you may have a hidden gem in your hand. You'll want to invest in reference books. This is especially true for garage sales more than antique shops. There is nothing wrong with taking a second to check the authenticity and value of an item you've picked up at someone's home. You can use this tool to know what subtleties add or even subtract value from an item. This will give you more room to negotiate price or even sneak away with a deal. As with purchase, a deal that looks too good to be true probably is. Don't be fooled by reproductions and knockoffs. This is generally not a problem at certified antique shops, but private dealers and garage sales could be rife with them. Someone may be quick to point out that an item belonged to a grandmother or was found in an attic after years under a blanket, but that doesn't mean it was authentic at the point of purchase. Buyer beware. Now that you have some of the tips the pro's use, go out there and see if you can find a piece of history. Are you ready to discover unique, local antique shops? Portland, OR, residents can start by visiting our site here: http://www.monticelloantiques.com .
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