I was strolling through the aisles of my preferred antiques shopping center recently and had a revelation– looking for antiques is a meditative experience. It’s more than just shopping– it needs focus, intent, vision, problem resolving, and imagination. I prefer to go shopping alone so that I can move at my own speed, spending simply as much time as I want, without having to hurry along for anyone else’s sake.
That being said, when you enjoy antiques shopping as much as I do, it also makes you starkly knowledgeable about the bad behaviors of other buyers that can tarnish your experience. Here are the top 5 guidelines that I wish all antiques buyers would practice.
Offer Shoppers Space
One of my most significant pet peeves is when somebody barges into the cubicle I’m in. Those spaces are small to begin with; add 2 adult humans and we’re taking a look at a fire code offense. If someone’s in a cubicle that I want to peruse, I’ll simply proceed to the next one, then double back when they abandon the facilities. I do not like to feel rushed when I’m shopping, and I do not desire others to feel rushed, either.
Keep It Quiet
One time I was antiques shopping, and there was a woman who had dragged her hubby along. When antiquing, pretend like you’re at a library, and shop in silence. Commentary is for sports, not shopping.
Avoid Bringing Your Kids
Antiques stores are actually no place for kids. The majority of typically than not, it’s just row after row of old scrap and nothing to play with other than scary, raggedy old infant dolls that are sure to haunt their problems. Bringing kids to antiques stores not just makes them miserable, it makes the serious buyers miserable, too.
Bargain Politely
If a product costs less than $100, do not try to haggle with the dealer– especially if you’re at an antiques shopping mall. I comprehend wanting to get an excellent offer, but I don’t desire to impose on somebody unless I’m making a considerable purchase.
Tidy up Your Mess
To be reasonable, some booths at antiques stores are a hot mess, with junk stacked high like bric-a-brac Jenga. Lots of cubicle owners take excellent care on their displays and invest their totally free time arranging their products simply so.
Obviously, rules is an extremely subjective principle, and we all have rules we love to break. What antiques going shopping etiquette rules do you love to neglect?