Buying antiques can be fraught with dangers, and there are many unscrupulous people out there looking to make some easy money, so when you are new to the world of antiques, you will need to be cautious. Before making a purchase, you will want to find out as much about it as you can and ask plenty of questions, no matter if they seem stupid or not. Below you will find some of the most vital questions you need to ask when looking to purchase antiques to stay safe and ensure you are getting what you think you are.
How Do You Know This Antique Is Real?
It may seem like a silly question, but with some many fake antiques available on the market, it is a pertinent one you should ask. Any antique dealer or seller worth their salt will be happy to explain to you how they can tell a specific antique is genuine or not. An added benefit of this is that it can also increase your knowledge about the antiques you are looking to purchase, and you can put this newly gained knowledge into effect the next time you are out shopping. There are no silly questions when it comes to learning about antiques, so do not be afraid to ask anything before you part with your money.
Can You Guarantee The Authenticity?
The next question you should ask before purchasing an antique that catches your eye and after you have been told it is genuine is whether the dealer can guarantee authenticity. You find that even the most experienced antique dealers can be duped from time to time and end up purchasing something that is a fake, reproduction, or not a genuine antique. Sometimes these dealers will attempt to cover their losses by selling the items to people who do not know the difference. If they have a policy where they can guarantee authenticity, it can give you that added peace of mind. It is also best to only deal with reputable UK dealers selling antiques.
What Is Your Returns Policy?
You will also want to ask what the dealer’s return policy is, and you will often find that when purchasing from an auction, online or traditional, or antiques fair, they will most likely not accept returns. Ask the dealer what their policy is before buying from them, and if you have any doubts, be prepared to walk away, saving your money for another day.
Can You Do Anything On The Price?
When it comes to purchasing antiques, there is often room on the price for you to negotiate with the dealer, so this is a question that you should always ask, no matter where you are purchasing antiques. You should always haggle on the price of antiques, and this can often get you a better deal and save you some money, and most dealers expect to have to move on the price, even a little. Make sure that you are not afraid to ask this when you see something you like, and if you want some advice on haggling for the best price, there are plenty of information online that may save you a couple of quid.
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