A Guide to Buying from Online Antique Dealers


23rd August 2022
A Guide to Buying from Online Antique Dealers
If you are new to it, buying antiques can be an overwhelming task. Nowadays there are a number of dealers selling antiques online. Just like everything has gone digital, so has the antiques market with dealers opening their online stores too. But if you are new to the world of antiques, unless it is an established and well-known dealer, buying from a random dealer online can be tricky as you have to be cautious due to potential scams and fake items.
 
That said, it is also true that the internet has brought the world closer and you have a lot to explore. Buying an antique is all about the process as much as it is about making the purchase. So, when you have an ocean of websites to browse through, how do you know which ones are legitimate?
 
Here are a few things that you can keep in mind while buying from online antique dealers:
 
If you find a website that seems to be genuine, do a little bit of research to find out if there is a proper brick and mortar store. If the dealer has an established business, he is bound to have its pictures on the internet. Having a look at the actual shop can give you a fair idea about the authenticity of the online store.
 
Always check for reviews and ratings. It is never wise to trust only reviews and testimonials on the website. There are plenty of third-party websites that list the different dealers. Check these for an impartial review of a dealer.
 
If the website has social media accounts, these can also give you an insight into the business. Check out the Instagram or Facebook accounts for real pictures with people and the products. Product pictures across plain backgrounds shouldn’t always be trusted as these can be picked up from elsewhere too.
 
Many dealers nowadays upload product description videos. These are also a good way of judging the authenticity of the product.
 
And lastly, check whether the website that you are looking at is a member of a dealer’s associations such as BADA or LAPADA. Members of such associations can typically be trusted as dealers have to undergo stringent screening processes before they can gain membership to theseorganisations.

These are some of the important things to keep in mind during your search for a reputable antique dealer in Warwickshire or elsewhere.
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