Terri Ramsey Beavers The world of antiques can be fraught with hidden dangers, and even experienced dealers sometimes get conned. With everything now being available to buy online, it may put you off purchasing antiques as you are cautious of getting ripped off. However, with some due diligence and cautiousness, you can buy antiques safely online and make sure that you get value for money with what you are buying, and below are some tips to get you started.
Understand What You Are Buying
Before you buy any antiques in a shop, let alone online, you will want to get an education in the antiques you prefer. Whether you like antique watches, paintings, jewelry, furniture, or anything else, do plenty of research about what interests you.
There are many antique forums you can join where like-minded people discuss antiques, and you can ask lots of questions to help educate you. You may also be able to get some excellent recommendations for reputable antique dealers where you can purchase items safely online without getting ripped off. Kalmar Antiques is selling antique jewellery and is one of those stores you should check out.
Be Wary Of Social Media
You can purchase almost anything on social media platforms today, and although you can get some excellent bargains, it is also a place where many people get ripped off. If you see something you like on a social media site, look at the poster’s profile in detail and see if anyone has left them any negative comments. If there are any doubts, even if you love the item, it may be best to walk away. There are plenty of genuine antiques available on websites such as Facebook and other social media platforms, but be cautious when buying.
Ask The Seller Lots Of Questions
You will also want to ask lots of questions to the seller of an item you like the look of, and if there are any claims to its provenance, you will want to see proof of this before purchasing it. Reputable sellers that specialise in antique pieces will be happy to answer as many questions as you have. It’s an excellent way to increase your knowledge of antiques, making it easier to spot genuine ones. There are websites that will happily answer any questions you may have and will not pressure you to make a sale, unlike other less reputable sellers.
If a seller is aloof or does not answer the questions you ask, you will be best walking away and not carrying on with the purchase.
Use Your Credit Card
Wherever you can, you will want to make your purchase using your credit card, as these offer additional protection for consumers. If you do end up buying a lemon, the credit card company can charge it back to the seller, and you will receive your money back.
Use Secure Websites
If purchasing through a website, you will want to ensure that the site has the padlock symbol at the top to the left of the web address, which means the site is secure. You will also want to check that the seller has secure payment facilities to help protect you against fraud.
Don’t forget to read the seller’s terms and conditions before purchasing, or else you may get an unwanted and costly surprise if you wish to return the item.