| A professional who sells antiques, often in a | | | | dealer will spend time talking to you, explaining the pros |
| permanent establishment but also at fairs, is known as | | | | and cons of the pieces in which you are interested. |
| an antiques dealer. | | | | The dealer should be able to tell you how old an item |
| There are many advantages to buying from a dealer | | | | is, what it is made of, and from where it came (auction, |
| rather than at auction. There is no pressure to make | | | | private property, or deceased estate). |
| up your mind in an instant as to how much you are | | | | There may also be some sales tend to be smaller - a |
| willing to pay, which you may have to do in the heated | | | | local boot sale might be a good place to hunt for a |
| atmosphere of an auction. You will also know exactly | | | | Lloyd Loom wicker chair or laundry basket, but do not |
| how much you will pay for the piece - there is no need | | | | expect to find a Chippendale side chair or an oak |
| to worry about adding the auction house premium onto | | | | dresser very often. |
| the price quoted. | | | | As always, the old adage "the early bird catches the |
| Unlike auction houses, where furniture may be quite | | | | worm" is true. The first to arrive are often the dealers, |
| dilapidated, most quality dealers offer furniture in a | | | | who may arrive well before dawn. Try to arrive at the |
| good state of repair and will have the piece restored, if | | | | sale as early as possible and always carry a torch (or |
| necessary, before offering it for sale. This means that | | | | flashlight). The light can be poor if it is early in the |
| there are no extra restoration costs to take into | | | | morning or late in the afternoon, and you need to be |
| account. If you get on well with your dealer, you might | | | | able to inspect items closely before you part with any |
| build up a long-lasting relationship that will be beneficial | | | | cash. |
| to both of you. | | | | If you find something that catches your eye, the prices |
| Most dealers are great enthusiasts about their stock, | | | | at a boot sale are usually flexible, so it really is worth |
| and will probably be happy to share their knowledge of | | | | bargaining (gently, but firmly) with the person selling. |
| the subject as you build your collection. They might | | | | Bring coins and low value notes. If you are in any |
| look out for special pieces that they do not have in | | | | doubt, ask a few questions about the provenance of |
| stock for you, or offer to buy back pieces they have | | | | the piece. You should try to obtain a written receipt |
| sold to you, so that you can upgrade your collection. | | | | with the name and address of the person from whom |
| If you see something that you want to buy, ask for as | | | | you are buying. It is also a good idea to note the |
| much information about the piece as possible. A good | | | | license-plate number of the seller's car. |