Antique Stores Near Me

by John M · Published November 15, 2023 · Updated November 16, 2023

Antique stores are a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home. Many are also buyers and appraisers of vintage items. Below we will discuss where to find an antique store, how they work, selling your antiques to one, and other FAQs. I will also share my experience with the antique stores near me.

Map of Antique Stores Near Me

For “Antique Stores Near Me” or “Antique Shops Near Me”, see the map below…

What is an Antique Store

An antique store is a retailer that specializes in the sale of antique furniture, paintings, porcelain, and other collectible items. Antique stores can be found in most large cities and towns. Many antique stores are family-owned businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation.

How Do Antique Stores Work?

Most antique stores work on a consignment basis, meaning that they will sell items on behalf of their clients. The store will take a commission from the sale, typically 20-50%.

Some shops buy items outright from sellers. In this case, the store will usually offer a lower price than what the item is worth, as they will need to make a profit when they sell it.

Finally, some will offer appraisal services. This can be helpful if you are unsure of the value of your antique item and want to get an expert opinion.

What Can I Find Antique Stores Near Me

The type of items that you can find varies widely. Some stores specialize in a certain type of item, such as furniture, while others may carry a mix of different types of items like houseware, bicycles, closthing, and more.

Some highly specialized shops solely focus on a particular era. For example, a store might specialize in American-made Civil War-era furniture.

How Do I know the Antique Items are Authentic?

When buying antique items, it is important to make sure that you are getting a legitimate item.

There are a few things that you can look for to ensure that an antique is authentic:

Look for signs of wear and tear. Antique furniture should show signs of age, such as scratches, nicks, and dents.
Inspect the construction. Antique furniture is usually made with higher quality materials and construction than modern furniture.
Check for a maker’s mark or label. Many antique items will have a label or stamp from the maker.
Do your research. If you are unsure about an antique, do some research to see if it is a legitimate item.
Bring an expert with you to shop. If you are interested in a high-end expensive piece at an antique shop, it may be worth paying a 3rd party dealer to inspect the piece on your behalf.

What Makes an Antique Valuable?

There are a few factors that contribute to an antique’s value:

Age: The older the antique, the more valuable it is.
Condition: Antiques in good condition are more valuable than those in poor condition.
Rarity: Antiques that are rare or hard to find are more valuable than those that are common.
Certification: Antiques that come with documentation can be more valuable than those without.
Demand: The more people that want an antique, the more valuable it is.
History: Antiques with a provenance or historical significance are more valuable than those without.

Do Antique Shops Have Return Policies?

Many shops do not have return policies, as the items they sell are considered to be final sales. This is because antique items are often one-of-a-kind, so once they are sold, the store cannot get them back.

Some may have a return policy for items that are damaged or not as described. It is important to ask about a store’s return policy before making a purchase.

In general, it is best to inspect an antique carefully before you buy it and make sure that you are happy with your purchase. When buying antique items, it is important to make sure that you are getting a legitimate item.

How to Sell Antiques to an Antique Store?

There are a few different ways to sell antiques to an antique store.

The first is to simply take your items to the store and ask if they are interested in buying them. Many stores will be happy to take a look at your items and make you an offer. Many antique stores do buy vintage furniture, although some specialize in selling only. It is best to call ahead or visit the store’s website to see what they are currently buying.

Another way to sell antiques to a shop is to consign your items. This means that you will give the store your items to sell on your behalf. The store will take a commission from the sale, and you will get the rest of the money. Typical consignment commissions at the antique stores near me are between 20 and 50%.

Finally, you can also auction off your antique items. This is usually done through an online auction site such as eBay. There are also live public auctions for antiques held by auction houses.

Do They Do Appraisals?

Yes, some antique stores offer appraisal services. This can be helpful if you are unsure of the value of your antique item and want to get an expert opinion. The ones that do appraisals are also often antique dealers.

Antique Shop Alternatives

There are a few antique shop alternatives that you may want to consider:

Home Salvage Yards: These are architectural salvages that carry vintage decor and home furnishings.
Flea Markets: These are markets where people sell a variety of used goods, including antiques.
Yard Sales: People often sell antique items that they no longer want at yard sales.
Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are like yard sales, but they are usually run by charities.
Pawn Shops: Pawn shops will sometimes buy antique items from people.
Online Antique stores: There are several online antique stores where you can sell your items.
Consignment Shops: Stores that take consigned items such as clothing and furniture from sellers.

How to Find Antique Stores Near Me

The easiest way to find antique stores near you is to search Google Maps. Simply type in “Antique Stores Near Me” or “Antique Shops Near Me” and you should see a list of stores in your area.

Another way to find antique stores near you is to ask family and friends if they know of any good stores. You can also check the yellow pages or search online.

If you are interested in a particular type of antique, such as furniture, you can also search for stores that specialize in that type of item. For example, you can search for “Furniture Stores Near Me” or ” antique Furniture Stores Near Me.”

Once you have found a few antique stores near you, it is a good idea to visit them in person to see what they have to offer. Many stores have an online presence, so you can also browse their inventory online before making the trip.