Sizing Up Antiques And Collectibles When Buying Online

 

Advice When Buying Antiques And Collectibles Online

This post is for newbies who are just starting to buy antiques and collectibles online. I'm guessing the rest of you figured out what I am about to discuss about reading the description on items that you fall in love with online. For beginners, my advise is not to click on the bid or the buy button until you read the small print. What you want to know is just  how big is the item you are after?   Things online appear much larger than they really are.

What Are The Measurements Of What You Are Buying Online?

O.K., this advice  might sound silly, but how many of us have gone ga ga over a sweet children's book because the cover picture was so engaging. The price might of been four dollars and we thought we were snagging a real  bargain and so we went ahead with our purchase. Now the delightful book arrives in the mail, and we open the envelope or box and discover that we just bought what amounts to a pamphlet.


Always Read The Description Carefully

The same thing can happen with buying bowls, vases, artwork etc. The image that shows up online looks large clear and grand but the item is actually much smaller than you imagined. Always   carefully read the description of the item.  Perhaps the vase you discovered is actually a miniature!


Be A Detective When You Buy Online

In addition to size, be sure you check for condition, age, smells etc.
If something is priced too low, go back and re-read the description. Is there a crack? Is there rusting? Is the item tiny?  Slow down when you buy over the internet. Be a detective.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists