In today’s digital age, buying antiques online is easier than ever, but browsing from your own home does come with its own set of challenges. How do you ensure the item is authentic? What if it arrives damaged? Here are our top tips to help you buy antiques online safely and confidently.
Identify what you’re looking for
As with buying in person from shops, it’s advisable to have at least an idea of what you’re looking for – this will save time and help you to narrow your search. For example, if you are looking to buy antique furniture online, you don’t want to waste time with online art dealers.
Research the seller
Look for trusted sellers who can be researched thoroughly. They should have a solid reputation, positive reviews, and a history of honest transactions. Antique centres such as Hemswell are a good place to look as we bring together the collections of several hundred dealers in one place, offering our customers the widest choice.
Understand antique terminology
Terms such as "vintage" and "antique" can often be confusing, especially for the novice collector when shopping online. As a general rule of thumb, “antique” refers to an item that is over 100 years old, while “vintage” usually refers to items that are 20-100 years old. Other terms to watch for include "period," "authentic," and "reproduction." Period pieces are authentic and have been created in the era of their historical reference. Reproductions, however, are modern items made to mimic older designs. Familiarising yourself with these terms can help you understand what you’re buying and make sure it aligns with your expectations.
Look for detailed photographs
Photos are one of your main tools for assessing an item’s condition and authenticity. Look for high-resolution images from multiple angles, especially close-ups of areas that could show wear, marks, or repair work. Look for telltale signs of age, like patina, subtle wear marks, or wood shrinkage. Avoid listings with only a few photos or blurry images, as these could be hiding details about the item’s true condition. Good sellers should be transparent and willing to provide detailed images to help you make an informed decision.
Verify provenance and authenticity
A true antique comes with a story. Provenance refers to the history of ownership of an item, which adds value and authenticity to antiques. Ask for any documentation or proof that may come with the item, such as certificates of authenticity, appraisals, or past auction listings. Avoid sellers who are reluctant to provide background information or answer questions about an item’s history.
Check return policies
Return policies can vary significantly between platforms and sellers, so it’s important to review them carefully. Because the item’s actual condition or authenticity might not match its online description, ensure you have the option to return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Look for policies that allow for returns based on the condition, authenticity, or inaccurate description of an item. If a seller does not accept returns, proceed with caution and consider asking for additional guarantees. At Hemswell Antique Centres, refunds are available within 14 days once authorisation has been given by the dealer, without question, but must be returned at the buyer’s expense.
Understand shipping and insurance options
Shipping antiques is a delicate process, so pay attention to how your purchase will be packed and insured. Ensure the cost and responsibility of shipping are clear before purchasing, especially when buying internationally, and if you’re investing in a high-value antique, insurance is essential. Our delivery options can be seen in our FAQs.
Set a budget
Buying antiques online can be exciting, but it’s easy to get carried away. Set a budget before you start browsing, and don’t rush into purchases. Compare prices on similar items to get a sense of the fair market value. Quality antiques hold their value over time, so a little patience can yield better finds. At Hemswell, we can put out a request to our dealers through their dedicated dealer portal, so that if you have something specific in mind, we can find a dealer who may be able to help.
Buy antiques online from Hemswell Antique Centres
Buying antiques online from the Hemswell dealers can be an exciting experience that opens the door to a world of unique and rare items and allows you to find beautiful, authentic items that bring character and history to your home. At Hemswell, we offer a unique service to clients and customers who are unable to visit the centres in person. Our live virtual shopping tours welcome trade buyers from the UK and overseas who are unable to visit us in person. Our Managing Director, Robert Miller, will show you around the centres, highlighting products of interest and showcasing them in great detail, using the latest handheld video facilities. To find out more, please contact us.
