Making A House Call To Buy Antiques And Collectibles: Tips And Warnings

Annoying House Calls Antique Dealers Are Familiar With

There is no delicate way of  discussing annoying antique house calls. I'm speaking about the person who calls you on the phone (or emails you) luring you to come to their home because they have GREAT STUFF that YOU will like.

These are the folks who have  been keeping an eye on what you like or buy. Perhaps they are customers in your antique shop or mall.

Do You Get That "Cooties" Feeling  ?

The point is that they "have your number". They know how to dangle a collectible carrot in front of your nose. So you go running over to their home (or apartment) to find out one of these all too common scenarios: Their home is a horror house (you get that cooties feeling)......they have cherry picked all the good stuff first (only brown is left)......they tell you everything is for sale...but every time you pick up an item you like, they are not selling it..... and lastly. ...their idea of good stuff is miles away from your idea of good stuff .

Sellers Acting Dumb

I want to throw in, the ploy that I come across a lot. People who say in one way or another that   don't know if what they have is valuable or they need you to help them figure out if something can be sold. Don't buy it. There are no more clueless sellers anywhere. The name of the game is coming up with a fair deal.

 Tips For  Making An Antique Home Visit

1. Ask sellers to email or send photos to you before.
2. Ask them to have a price list prepared.
3. Ask sellers where is the item (make sure they have prepared stuff to sell). I was lured to buy linens only to hear the seller tell me they were packed away in attic when I arrived  to their home.
4. Ask seller to put aside smalls they want to sell in one spot so you are not picking through their closets only to hear they are keeping the good stuff.
5. For kitchen collectibles for example, determine what colors they are selling.  Reds, yellow, greens sell better than brown,  orange avocado green.
6. Discuss upfront(on phone) if items have holes, cracks, tears, rust etc.
8. Don't believe that you are the first person invited in to see the stuff.
9. If you have a shop, ask them to bring things to your shop.
10. Lower your expectations!

I would love to hear from my readers, what have been your experiences, please spill the beans. Do you have advice to add?

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