Antique shopping tips for first timers

Are you planning to redecorate your home with vintage pieces? Then it’s time to pay a visit to a Jerry’s antique stores in Montclair, with antique items ranging from old coins to large furniture pieces. Antique shopping can be confusing for first-time shoppers, so use our tips to find your newest piece often get confused on how to approach antique stores in Montclair NJ.

No matter what you are looking for, it is important to know the right places where you can get best deals. Here are some tips for a successful antique shopping:

• Understand the terminology used by professionals

If an item is labeled as "antique", then it should at least be 100 years old by legal definition. Vintage collectibles needs to 50 years old at the minimum. Keep an eye out for terms like retro, reproduction, collectible or old-fashioned. They might not be as high-valued as you would think

• Stay true to your style

When you are buying antique furniture determine your requirements first. Look at the style of pieces around your home to see what would match or clash. After deciding what kind of decor suits well with the architecture of your home, you can easily pick the right ones.

• Know the price range

This is very essential. Before visiting a shop, you have to know the average price details of the items you are interested in. If you want to purchase functional antiques from the 18th century, go through a comprehensive guide that covers what the typical piece of furniture costs from that time period. When you are familiar with the typical cost, you’ll know that you are neither overpaying, nor buying a fake piece.

• Know about the dealer

Before inspecting the items, ask the dealer if he/she is specialized in any particular type of collection. We recommend dealers that are certified, or that belong to any trade association. An experienced merchant is more trustworthy and would rate the items more accurately.

• Study the piece carefully

No matter how rare the item is, its value lowers significantly when it is damaged. Thus, look for any wear and tear before you make the purchase. If you are still interested to buy the piece, you can ask for discounts. You will have a greater chance of striking a bargain if you have any reasonable claim.

• Get everything in writing

Ask the dealer about the store’s return policy. You need to get appropriate receipts for all your purchase that clearly describes the age and the condition of the products. Make sure to know if the dealer takes returns if a specific product is proven to be a reproduction. Keep each item’s papers safe, as this will help authenticate the piece if you plan to sell it later on.

Be careful and take your antique shopping seriously. You’ll never know what hidden treasures you may find someday that could make you a fortune.

The author has been working as a sales coordinator in a reputed gallery for over 10 years. He has written various blogs about paintings, sculptures and antique furniture. He recommends Jerry’s antiques and estates for buying antique pieces. To know more about this antique stores in Montclair NJ, visit https://www.jerrysantiquesandestates.com

Established in 1989, Jerry's Antiques and Estate Sales in Montclair provides experienced and reliable on-site estate sales and liquidation services throughout New Jersey as well as parts of New York and Pennsylvania.