Antique Hunting Etiquette

You know how your dad always told you, when you buy a car, don't express too much interest in it or the price will go up? Same with antiques. If you go to an antique dealer with a story of how you've spent a lifetime searching for this dresser because it's just like Grandma's, you'd better bring a wheelbarrow for the cash you'll need. Not that the dealers are necessarily dishonest. They're in business to make money, and just like any profession, some are more honest than others. But if you're unguarded enough to pour out your heart, prepare to pay for it.

Making small talk with the dealer is fine, but as mentioned above, play your cards close to your chest. If any seller knows you're dying to buy the goods you just lost your ability to negotiate.

Don't ask a dealer to hold something for you, unless you are prepared to pay before you walk away. A hefty nonrefundable deposit might hold it for a short period of time, but beyond that, it's not fair to the dealer to ask her to miss a potential sale.

Don't insult the seller by pulling out yard-sale tactics, like offering a few dollars for an obviously valuable article. Try asking if the price is firm or if there is room for negotiation. If that doesn't work, either fork over the whole price or walk away.

On a similar note, don't say to a dealer that you just saw the same thing for half the price somewhere else, especially if you're bluffing. The dealer will know and may think you're a simpleton. If you really did see it for half price in the same condition, just go buy it.

Don't say anything that questions the integrity of the dealer, such as, "is this table really this old?" If you have doubts, a better way to phrase your question may be, "What can you tell me about this table?"

Don't show up at an antique dealer or booth and ask them to appraise an item for you. They're not appraisers and they want to sell, not give you free advice.

Don't burn your bridges. If you feel a price is too high and the dealer won't negotiate, just say it is out of your range and walk away. Only a buffoon degrades the goods with comments like, "you're out of your mind, you'll never get that much for it!"