Buying Antiques through a dealer - Collectables & Toys - Antique Dealer

Buying Through a Dealer


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Choose a Reputable Dealer

Choosing a reputable dealer is a good way to minimise the risks. By choosing a dealer recognised by the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), you can rest assured that your deal would be legal, and adhere to the standards and the code of practice contained in its strict bye-laws.

Such safeguards can be important, particularly if you have grounds to question the authenticity of your purchase and wish to claim redress. Under the BADA codes of practice, a mistake in the description of an object usually entitles the purchaser to a full refund from the member.

Use Specialists, Not Generalists

Good dealers tend to be specialists within their chosen field, rather than generalists, with years of expertise that the customer can draw on for help, not just with the initial selection but also with follow-up advice on care and repair. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; as a serious potential customer, you are entitled to get as much information as possible from the vendor, and no reputable professional should begrudge any genuine enquiry.

Antique Jewelry

Ask for an Invoice

Ensure that the invoice reflects all the important information that helped you make the decision to buy. For example, if the dealer points out some restoration, ask for it to be recorded on the invoice as it can protect you and the dealer for any misunderstandings later. Make sure the invoice indicates the period of the article, if known. There is futile buying what you believe to be an 18th-century table, described on the invoice as ‘a fine walnut table’, only to discover later that it is a Victorian copy.

Payment of Your Purchases

While some dealers incorporate terms and conditions of sale into their sales invoices, others do not. This can imply that ownership rights to the antique you intend to buy will vary depending on whether or not they have been paid for in full. Always make your intentions clear, and if you do not understand any aspect of your purchase arrangement, such as deposits, or who bears restoration costs, simply ask the dealer. Do not tell the dealer you intend to buy an item if in truth you are unsure if it is right for you; the dealer might be prepared to hold the piece for a day or two, but (s)he also reserves the right to sell in the meantime should a firm offer come in.

The Golden Rule

Your guiding principle should always be to buy what you like. Don’t delve into the process of buying for investment. It is true that most antiques appreciate in value, but let the dealers take those financial risks. Under the expert guidance of a good dealer, you have the opportunity to indulge your own tastes.

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