Budding collectors and young vintage enthusiasts know what they like but have difficulty knowing where to start, knowing how much to pay for something and what is worth collecting. I'm so often asked 'where do you find all your stuff?' and 'how can you bear to sell this?', or 'gee your house must be so full how can you control yourself?'
So here's my tips for sensible vintage buying!
Know Your Budget-And Stick To It!
Sounds obvious, but don't go silly. A happy life is a balanced one, and that includes your budget. There's plenty of vintage stuff out there for everyone, and there's always more around the corner. If there's something you really must have, ask the seller if you can pay it off or lay-by it. If not, you simply must be strong and walk away-chances are, if it's meant to be yours it'll still be there next time you visit.
Condition, Condition, Condition
Don't buy bits of broken rubbish, especially if you want to build value into your collection or want to onsell at a later date. This is equally true for clothing and collectables.
Condition is the number one factor affecting price, so always check items carefully and be discerning, particularly with sticky price tags; less reputable sellers will stick a price label over a fault to trick you, this is one I have fallen for many times so beware! Have a good look at underarms and structural seams on clothing, as this is where the most important (i.e. difficult to fix) faults will be located.
Having said that, if you can live with the odd chip or imperfection-go right ahead, I certainly do, and for cheap things it's not such a concern. But be aware of the importance of condition if you're looking to build a serious collection...and if you're an op shopper, those places do not price accordingly and it's easy to get ripped off.
Approach With An Open Mind & Explore All Avenues
There are so many places to find vintage- check them all out. Antique malls/centres, vintage shops, auction centres, car boot sales, op/charity shops, flea markets, school fetes, swap meets, yard sales and of course online.
Some will be more or less expensive than you think; with vintage there's always a surprise so try not to judge venues on past experiences or preconceived ideas, especially where price is concerned!
Speaking of price, naturally it's important for us all, but I consider value for money even more important, and it encompasses more than just price.
Value for money might include things like product quality, knowledge, after-sales service, payment terms, a guarantee, free delivery and appro.
Buy, Collect, Enjoy- But Don't Hoard!
Yep, I'm talking self-control here, people. Living within your means doesn't only apply to money, it applies to space too. We all have a limited amount of space no matter how large our abode, so again balance is the key.
I'm not suggesting you should not buy a piece that you really love, but if you have to stash it away because you haven't a square inch of space to display it....then it's time to start some 'stuff-management'. If you can't see/enjoy a piece, or you've forgotten you even have it, then what's the point???
If space has reached a premium for you, try the old 'one in, one out' rule-it's easy, as soon as you buy one new thing you love, you have to get rid of one existing piece.Periodic culling is also healthy...yes really! You're not losing a lung for God's sake, be strong, think of it as being kind to other vintage lovers, if you're a bit 'over' something, onsell it so another vintage lover can have their time with it and enjoy it as much as you have.
Quality, not Quantity
Whether you like kitschy ornaments, Art Deco chrome or vintage dresses, the question of whether to blow your whole budget on one item or buy more, cheaper items is one we all ask ourselves.
I usually advise people to buy less quantity and more quality- you'll treasure, look after and remember a more expensive item for much longer than you will a cheaper one, and it will probably hold it's value better too.
What are your best vintage-buying tips? Please share them in the comments.
