| I love shopping for antique furniture for my home but | | | | carefully for flaws since this will help you come up with |
| years ago when I first started out, I really didn't know | | | | what you think is a fair value and price. |
| what I was doing and I'm sure I ended up paying more | | | | Finally, the type of sales outlet in which you are |
| for some pieces than I should have. Shopping for | | | | shopping can greatly influence not only the asking price |
| antique tables, chairs, desks, and other furniture without | | | | but the actual price you will pay for your antique |
| paying more than you should is great fun but it can | | | | furniture. A traditional store will often price items to |
| also be difficult and confusing unless you know some | | | | reflect the condition of the piece, its history, and rarity. |
| basic guidelines to help you come up with a fair price | | | | This is where your own knowledge based on your |
| for both you and the seller. This article will give you | | | | homework (see first tip above) will come into play so |
| some basic tips so you can determine the value of | | | | you know whether the price is in line when compared |
| each piece allowing you to get the best deals. | | | | to the information you have gathered in advance. |
| First, do your homework in advance by reading and | | | | Alternatively, in a consignment shop, the owner may |
| studying buying guides and auction sale lists for the | | | | have priced the piece based solely on his own opinion |
| type, manufacturer, and style of the furniture you are | | | | of its value rather than market factors. In either case, |
| considering. When you find out the recent selling price | | | | always be open to making an offer based on your |
| of furniture you are interested in, you will gain a good | | | | own determination of value. You will be surprised at |
| understanding of the value of similar pieces that are | | | | how many times your offer will be accepted. |
| currently for sale. Then, you can determine whether | | | | Armed with these tips, you fill find your antique furniture |
| the price is something that makes sense. | | | | shopping excursions more adventuresome, more |
| Next, realize that there are two primary characteristics | | | | rewarding, and more fun. Keep in mind that prices are |
| of an antique furniture piece that determine its value: | | | | not set in stone and that haggling on price is part of |
| Age and condition. Generally speaking, an older table or | | | | the game. Start with a reasonable offer and many |
| chair that is in pristine condition will fetch a higher price | | | | times you will find you are able to purchase your |
| than a similar piece that is not as old or has scratches, | | | | antique furniture for less than the sticker price. You will |
| dents, or stains. The good news though is that when | | | | feel satisfied knowing you got a good deal at a fair |
| you are looking to buy antique furniture that is not in | | | | price. As such, you will enjoy your antique furniture |
| mint condition, you have more negotiating room when | | | | even more! |
| talking price with the seller. So examine the piece | | | | |