7 Tips for Buying Great Vintage Furniture

1. Research Before You Take the Plunge

Do your research before you commit to buy anything and you will be rewarded with better understanding of the state of the market, pricing of certain pieces and be prepared to snag a deal when you see it.

• Beware of imitations as sellers of vintage furniture often keep replicas along with authentic pieces.
• If you want to learn more about vintage furniture, Google Image Search comes in handy, particularly if you have no idea what you want or where to start.
• It is a good idea to join Facebook groups devoted exclusively to buying thrifty vintage pieces. Here, you can ask the opinion of seasoned buyers before you make any purchases yourself. Facebook friends can help you find the best places to shop to find authentic vintage pieces.
• You should research vintage furniture brands in your era of interest before you start bidding at auctions or going shopping.

2. Check the Quality

Check the quality of the piece before purchasing it. An authentic piece is bound to have some scratches and loose parts. Consider purchasing those items that can be restored with just a few repairs and with minimum cost.

Sellers may try to hide flaws in some way, such as painting or polishing them. Defects in chairs are often hidden by dark patches, and in cabinets by untidily glued veneers.

You can use such cases to your advantage as a bargaining chip to reduce the price. And if you purchase a piece that has some faults or flaws for a low price, you can consider having it refurbished by a professional so it gives your home an authentic look and feel.

3. Learn About the Background

Not all second-hand furniture is considered vintage. Train yourself to look for original pieces and those with historic value. One way to check the authenticity of an item is by looking underneath.

See if the construction is consistent, and search for signs of wear that should be present. Genuine pieces will have a tag with a serial number or the logo of the company that produced it.

When it comes to auctions or estate sales, get all the information you can by looking at the pictures and descriptions posted online.

4. Check the Cost

Many buyers like to bargain over the price, so many sellers overprice their items to compensate. If you know what the piece should cost and factor in any repair costs, you can calculate what price you want to offer.

Do not rush into negotiating and don’t try to force the sale. Most of the time, when you start to walk away after making your offer, the seller will counter with a new offer. You may end up getting a bargain.

5. Find Good Sources but Don’t Buy Instantly

Visit several furniture stores before deciding on a purchase. Some of the best places to buy vintage furniture are at auctions, estate sales, and flea markets. If you are interested in larger items, look in older neighborhoods where garage sales may contain more vintage items.

Once you find a good source, visit regularly and get to know the experts because they are a great source of reliable information that will help you in deciding on a purchase. Most vintage furniture stores will automatically lower prices on pieces that haven’t sold in a reasonable amount of time.

Although bargaining is a part of sales, always offer a fair amount, not an unreasonable one. You do not want to insult the seller just because you are looking for a bargain. If you wait until the end of a sale, you increase your chances of paying a lower price.

6. Look for Sturdy Furniture Items That Have Been Gently Used

Vintage pieces should be gently used — not falling apart.

Before buying, ensure all drawers and hinges open and close smoothly. Make sure upholstered items have strong frames and are structured to reupholster if needed. In most cases, cabinets, chests, and dining room furniture made of durable wood holds up better than upholstered pieces.

7. Payment

A third party escrow service such as Escrow.com is designed to provide complete safety to buyers when paying for high-value transactions vintage furniture. No money will be exchanged between the two parties until all terms and conditions of the sale have been agreed to. Escrow removes the risk of dealing with an untrusted individual by providing a trusted payment method.

If you are looking to buy a classic piece for your home, contact Escrow.com today to ensure that your transaction is secured and protected.