If you desire to purchase beautiful antique furniture or other antiques that will last long, then there are specific vital questions you should ask before deciding which antique store to patronize. You shouldn’t make the mistake that most people often make. Most people think it is right to just patronize any store they find first. If you have this mindset, you must change it if you wish to get the right antique you desire at the right price. You may have to check on multiple stores before deciding on which one to patronize. However, your decision should not be based on sentiments, but it should be based on the answers you get to some critical questions, you ask. Below are the essential questions you should ask before patronizing an antique store:

How Much Do They Sell Their Antiques

Before you waste your time discussing extensively with the representative of an antique store, you should know how much their antique sells for. However, before visiting the store to make such inquiries, you must have done some little research yourself. You should have checked to see the price of the antiques you want. For a more accurate result, you should check online and consider the prices you find on different pages. If you seek referrals, you should ask the price the person got their antiques and when they got it. Since you already know how much the antique cost, when you finally meet with the store representative, you should know what to expect and at what range to negotiate.

Nevertheless, some stores are classic, and their antiques are more expensive than antiques of the same design and quality in a casual store. This is why you should ask about the price before getting too deep in conversation. If you can’t afford their cost, you should negotiate. If you still can’t afford it, you should proceed to check on another antique store. 

Are Their Antiques Locally Made Or Imported 

Some designs and materials are specific to certain countries. Therefore, if you want quality antiques that look precisely like that, you’ll instead go for the ones that are imported from such countries. Hence, asking the country of origin of an antique is essential, especially if you need one that is specific to a particular country. For instance, some antique designs may be distinctive to France, while some may be specific to England. Hence, if you need an antique with the French design, you may have to go for the ones that are imported from France. 

What Type Of Material Is The Antique Made From 

Another critical question you should ask is the material from which the antique is made from. For instance, if you’re purchasing a wooden antique like shelves, table, or sofa, it is wise to ask the kind of tree from which the antiques are made. Some trees last longer as furniture than the other. Therefore, to know if the antique will last longer, you should consider asking the material from which it’s made. 

How Long Have They Been In The Business 

Asking about how long an antique store has been in business can give you an understanding of the experience of those working in the store. It is advisable only to patronize a store that is experienced. Such a store will know how to handle customers appropriately. They can also recommend the right antique designs for you by just telling them what you want it for and where you want to use it. 

Do They Have Available Transportation 

Before Patronizing An Antique Store, you should ask if they have available transportation. It is better to patronize a store with a ride, especially if you don’t already have a means of transporting your heavy antiques. By patronizing such a store, you’ll save yourself the unnecessary stress of going around to find a means to convey your antiques to the desired destination. You should also ask if you are required to pay for transport or not. This is because some antique stores are offering free transportation if you patronize them. 

How Long Will The Delivery Take 

After asking if the store has available transportation and they respond in the affirmative, you shouldn’t just ask about the cost; you should also ask about the delivery time. There must be a mutual agreement between the two parties regarding when the delivery will be made. This will put your mind at ease since you know when to expect your delivery.

If you can ask these questions, then nothing should stop you from finding the right antique store.