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Art Deco is a great style for a collecting obsession, there is so much to choose from, and some items are still very affordable. Considering that Art Deco collectibles are not officially antiques yet, its a good time to be investing in 1920s and 30s items which can only increase in value over time. Always check carefully for good condition and quality materials that will last.
Auctions
Real life auctions are great fun, and getting more and more popular among collectors as well as dealers, especially since the advent of TV shows such as Bargain Hunt. If you want a real bargain, its best to go during the week, when its mostly just the dealers there, who don't bid things up so high. Catalogues are often available these days online, a few days before the auction. So have a good look and do your research. Check out online auctions, and antique shops for the prices your chosen object is fetching. When you go to the auction, have a good look at the item and make sure there is no damage as this will affect the price. Keep a close eye on proceedings. Its so easy to miss your item, or bid on the wrong lot! Don't forget that there will be a buyer's premium and factor this in when deciding on your highest bid. If you are one to get carried away, why not leave an absentee bid, then you won't be affected by auction fever!
Garage Sales
These are a great hunting ground if you've got the patience and don't mind getting up early. Many Art Deco items can be found here. Don't be afraid to haggle. Often people are moving house, or clearing out, and the last thing they want is to put anything away again. Its always nice to be able to ask questions about the item. If the seller is clearing out granny's attic, they may well have a great story about the item. This is called provenance, and can add to the value of an item, especially if it is documented, by a receipt or a letter, or the original box with makers name. If there is a piece missing, always ask if the seller can try and find it, or if there is a box to go with it. These things can make a big difference to the future value.
Antique Shops
Here you will pay the highest prices, but you can often get the best advice from the dealer, who should be an expert in his field. Check that the dealer is a member of one of the recognised Antique Dealers Associations. You are much safer if the item turns out to have something wrong or not be as described. Make sure you get an itemised invoice with a full description of your item.
Online Auctions
I've been very lucky on the whole with buying online. But you do have to take certain precautions. The first and most important is to check out the seller's feedback rating. Preferably it should be 100%, although you can get away with a couple of points below if they have sold a large quantity of items. A 100% rating doesn't mean much if the seller has only sold 10 items. Then, build up a relationship with the seller. Ask a question. If you get a quick and polite response, its a good sign. Always study the pictures very carefully, and if there is something you can't see properly, ask for another picture, or an assurance of the condition of the piece. Check out the sellers terms and conditions, and return policy. If all is well, go ahead and have a flutter. Be warned most bidding happens in a frenzy during the very last seconds. Its best to be there close to the end, or really have a think about the highest you are prepared to pay and maybe put in a bid a couple of dollars higher to be on the safe side. Its so frustrating to be outbid by 50 cents! There are some computer software programmes you can get which will put in a bid for you within the last 3 seconds - personally I hate being sniped, (that's what they call it) so I don't do it to others. But it happens. Many sellers are now offering Buy it Now prices, if you prefer not to go through the auction process.
So shop away and build up your Art Deco collection now!
Decolish is a website for fans and collectors of Art Deco.
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