Online Antiquing
Photography: Timothy Thimmes
Looking to add a unique antique to your home? Searching for antiques online eliminates hours of shopping by helping buyers save money and locate hard-to-find items.
Diane Bingham, an antiques expert and co-owner of FromGlobalTo You.com, a Provo-based online dealer of antiques, art and collectibles, has helped many Parkites find and furnish their homes with exquisite antiques purchased through her online boutique and e-Bay auctions.
Online antiquing is for anybody and everybody, according to Bingham, who over the past eight years has built a $4 million business from an initial $20 investment. Here, she shares some shopping tips from the trade…
Why buy antiques online?
Online shopping lets buyers purchase antiques at wholesale prices. Buyers can get what they want at the right price, and they can buy at their leisure. For many high-profile shoppers, the price goes up when they walk in the door. Buying online allows those shoppers to shop in privacy and to get a fair price.
Any suggestions for shopping online retailers and participating in online auctions?
Do your research. Always call the company before you make any purchases to make sure they are a true business. Stick with one or two sellers. When you develop a relationship with a seller, you can often negotiate discounted shipping rates and other services.
The seller will make sure you are taken care of and that you’ll receive special attention with each purchase. Check out the bidding history. Research the other bidders participat-ing in the auction (you can access information to see how and when they placed their bids) and whether or not they bid at the high or low end of the sale price.
Look at the big picture.
Research completed auctions for the type of items you are looking for before you participate in an auction. Seeing what the item has previously sold for can give you a good price range before buying.
Don’t get into an emotional bidding war. Pick a price that you are willing to pay, then walk away.
Short on time? Consider participating in an auction sniping program. Sniping programs place bids on your behalf and often wait until the last few seconds of an auction to place a bid, thereby outwitting others from outbidding you. Several sniping resources are available online.
What about costs and wait-time for delivery?
Shipping is very reasonable. Generally, most items can be delivered within six to eight weeks. Pieces purchased in the summer usually have a quicker delivery, while winter shipping can take a good eight weeks on average.
If there is a piece you need right away, call the seller directly to make special arrangements.
Can purchases be returned?
Yes, but sometimes returns can be a problem. If you buy it, be sure you want it. Some sellers can work with you to accept returns, but you’ll likely be responsible for shipping charges.
Be sure to read all terms and conditions before making your purchase.
Which types of antiques are good investments?
French country, Italian and Gothic are all hot, but Breton is the best antique you can buy. These hard-to-find, hand-carved pieces are found in Brittany, France. I’m able to sell about 60 pieces each year, with prices ranging from $2,000-$20,000. Price should not be an object; they are the best investment pieces.
For more information, or to check out Bingham’s online inventory, visit www.fromglobaltoyou.com.
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