Last Updated on November 19, 2021 by Rachel Granholm
Antiques are full of wonder. Come along today as I share 5 habits of a successful antiquer!
Shopping for antiques is special. Each time you walk into an antique store, the thrill of the hunt is on, whether you have been there before or not! I’ve learned over the years, through having antiquing as a hobby, that you develop a special set of skills for finding what you are looking for. Whether you are brand new to antiquing or have been enjoying it for years, I hope these 5 habits of a successful antiquer are a help to you!
How To Be A Successful Antiquer
- Go Often.
To be successful at finding quality pieces of antique and vintage decor, you need to be able to get out often. To me, this means at least once a week but you don’t necessarily have to go to an antique store. Thrift stores often have genuine antique and vintage if you take the time to look for it. Now don’t make it a chore, as another thing you have to do. Even carving out 30 minutes in your week just for YOU is necessary so treat yourself! Grab a coffee and spend time with you. The more you go, the more apt you are to find items that you are searching for.
- Understand Values.
The more you go antiquing, the more you learn how much certain pieces are worth. It’s important to understand pricing of antique and vintage items to be able to gauge if they are priced fairly. When you (roughly) know fair pricing of the types of antiques that interest you, it is easier to ask for a lower price that you think is within reason.
- Have An Idea of What You Are Looking For.
It’s always helpful to have some idea of what you are on the hunt for. For me, I’m always looking for vintage copper, linens, and vintage artwork. My husband usually goes in looking for watches and anything industrial. This way, you aren’t going in completely blind and makes it a little less overwhelming. And, as you are looking for what you came to look for, you might come across something brand new to you!
- If You Love It, Buy It.
Speaking from experience, if you find a piece that you love for a good price, don’t hum and ha over it for too long or someone else will snatch it up! When perusing a store and something catches your eye, either carry it around with you or have it held up front while you are thinking about it. That way, even if you don’t decide to purchase it, another customer won’t have grabbed it out from under you. The other thing is if you find a piece that you love, buy it then because it will most likely be gone the next time you go back.
- Go To Different Places.
In order to find the treasures that you are looking for, I encourage you to go to different stores often. I love my local thrift store and do a quick spin through there at least once a week. I also have my favorite local antique stores but you don’t know what else is out there if you don’t expand your shop radius. Who knows…you may find a beautiful piece for your home and your new favorite shop in the process!
Antiquing is such a creative and fun process. My hope is that these 5 habits of successful antiquers are an inspiration for you. It takes dedicated effort to be a successful at antiquing but the rewards are so worth it.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any other tips for antiquing!
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Go shopping in The Antiqued Journey shop!
16 Comments. Leave new
Thanks for all the great tips! I agree if you love it, buy it!
Thank you!!
Oh, I so agreed with you about picking up a piece you like when you first see it. I have missed too many beautiful pieces by saying, “I’ll pick it up on my way back through.” only to see it in someone else’s cart or arms! Someday I am going to take my blood pressure before and after browsing through an antique place as I find looking at beatiful things (that someone else has to dust!) very stress reducing. I have explained to my SO that just because I say, “Oh, I love that.” does NOT mean I ache to OWN it! I love so many different types of things; I can never collect them all!
That is hilarious!!! But so true…I find myself in a much calmer state after browsing an antique store for a little while! It’s so relaxing and really helps me stay creative. What are some of your favorite pieces to collect? Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!!
All so true! I live for the thrill of the hunt so I totally understand! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thank you Kathleen!! The thrill of the hunt is something that many don’t understand and I feel bad for them 🙂 It’s just THE BEST!!
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This is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing on Fabulous Friday Link Party. We sure appreciate you. Hugs and blessings to you.
Hi Renae!!
Thank you so much…I sure appreciate that!
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