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How do you find such great vintage furniture?
How do you know if it's a good deal or not?
I hear this every time I have an Open Studio event. So I thought I'd unpack what I've learned and the tactics I use today.
It's hard to explain something that feels intuitive, but I believe intuition is no big mystery. It just comes from lots and lots of experience. So, the trick to answering these questions is to help you develop your intuition for great vintage furniture. Finding it though is just one part of the puzzle. The "where" to find the deals is covered in Part 1 of this series. There are lots of other variables to consider in this process. I've outlined below the tactics I use when hunting for vintage furniture.
Let's dive in so you too can get good deals you love!
GET SPECIFIC
The first step to developing your instincts for vintage is to decide first what to start with.
If there is an area of your home you want something specific, start with that. If you shop for "vintage furniture" generally, it's too overwhelming. You have to have a focus. Good examples are a new buffet for your dining space, a set of nightstands for your guest bedroom, or a singular iconic chair. Now that you have a focus, you'll ONLY look for that one thing. For the purposes of example, I'm going to use the dining room buffet throughout this article. Remember to stay focused!
VARIETY
I know this may seem contradictory to what I just mentioned. The key point here, however, is to map your search to a wide range of places. Variety of locations or platforms will provide you with a better understanding of price, condition, and what's specifically available in your area. Over time, you will start to notice patterns.
Certain styles are more prevalent in specific parts of the country. This is mainly influenced by the furniture stores that were present 50 or more years ago. Each region of the US has distinct preferences, which were reflected in the stores from that era. It's just like looking at houses online. If you house hunt in different regions of the country, you will notice patterns in residential architectural styles but also in the furniture found inside these homes.
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Therefore, the more you shop around, the more you will learn about the brands that are commonly available in your area. The wider your exposure, the better your chances of identifying rare, unique, and high-quality pieces.
To continue with our search for a dining room buffet, I recommend checking ALL the online platforms mentioned in Part 1, as well as local estate sales. Given that this is a large item and shipping costs can be high, I suggest focusing your online searches within your local area.
SEARCH CRITERIA
While conducting your search, you will start to notice brand names, collections, or genre titles. Let's delve into these a bit further. For instance, Drexel is a furniture brand that offers collections with specific design lines and titles. Drexel Accolade differs from Drexel Triune. Collection titles are used by furniture brands to distinguish these design characteristics. Therefore, an entire collection of Drexel Accolade campaign pieces will share certain common elements. This practice also enables them to offer various collections for different genres and parts of the country.
An interior design genre is typically characterized by a range of cues, including materials, colors, tones, emotions, spatial use, etc. Genres begin to take shape when a distinct or innovative pattern emerges. Understanding genres can assist with search criteria, but it's essential not to become too fixated on them. In today's home designs, genres are less crucial and are more commonly employed as a broad classification for a particular look or brand/collection. Therefore, becoming knowledgeable about the brand, collection, or genre that interests you the most is particularly beneficial for websites that are more advanced. Most of the product that we offer here at CGS is Hollywood Regency, Transitional or Traditional in genre.
Antique dealers and other professionals tend to highlight the most unique aspect of a furniture piece. Whether it is the brand, collection, or genre, and will include it in the title or description, appealing to informed consumers. However, most regular sellers are not well-versed in these specifics, and their listings might reflect this lack of knowledge. This situation can be a bit tricky.
On platforms like Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp, where it costs nothing to list an item and the process is straightforward, many sellers are not professionals. As a result, the descriptors they use may be inaccurate. Therefore, it is advisable to be creative with your search terms. For instance, when searching for a buffet, consider using alternative terms such as sideboard, credenza, or dining room cabinet. Some people confuse hutch with buffet, so you might also want to try hutch.
It is common to come across items labeled as mid-century or mid-mod that are actually traditional or colonial in style. Hence, on these non-professional platforms, genre may not be the most effective search term. Reserve the use of genres for websites targeted at professionals. Additionally, take note of how others label their items. This can serve as a reference to help you develop your own key search terms. However, it is not necessary to be overly concerned with pinpointing the correct terms, except when it comes to the search. Simply add them to your list of keywords and make sure to setup your saved searches on the platforms you like most.
LEFT: Smart seller using a wide range of terms. Price is reasonable if it’s in very good condition. Authentic mid-century modern is still popular today.
RIGHT: Cabinet is a term to use when searching for a buffet. Price is a little high. The image shows left over stickers on the front. Also very out of style.
These keywords will be used individually or combined when searching through various marketplaces. Since this is a learning process, you may find yourself adjusting your search words regularly. With time, you will locate the item you desire, even if a seller has misspelled a keyword or listed it in another language like Spanish or Russian. The more you search for the item, the more refined the algorithm becomes, suggesting similar items for you. By the way, those computer cookies we all have to accept/reject on websites are not always a bad thing! They help the system learn your preferences, ultimately making your searches much easier.
PRICE & OFFERS
Now that you're searching for something specific, pay attention to prices, as they can vary greatly in different parts of the country. This price fluctuation is often based on availability in the area.
Let's start by discussing high prices. I often come across posts of items for sale that include a screenshot of a comparable piece from premium markets like 1st Dibs or Chairish. The intention behind this is to either justify their high listing price or demonstrate what a great deal you're getting.
LEFT: Price was reduced once and is still very high. Can be updated, but this old oak furniture that is waxed requires special treatment before painting.RIGHT: A set that looks newer, which may mean cheap material and construction. I would pass on this all together.
When it comes to very low prices, sellers usually want to get rid of the item quickly or are aware that it's damaged. If considering a buffet at a low or even medium price, I'd suggest asking a few initial questions.
- Do the drawers glide smoothly?
- Is the missing hardware available? (if not pictured)
- Can you provide a couple more pictures of ___________?
Avoid going overboard with questions. I generally limit myself to asking no more than 1 or 2 questions. However, more questions are justified if dimensions or more than one photo were not included. Once you agree to a price, offer a prompt pickup. Requesting a pickup a few days later or the following week might lead them to move on. I typically try to assess a seller's profile to see if they frequently do this and possibly have space to hold the item for a bit. For individuals who are relocating, they are likely seeking a quick transaction, and perhaps some emotional reassurance that you will cherish this piece for years to come!
TIMING
Are you asking yourself, but when is the best time to find the good vintage deals? I have found that one of the best times to browse social platforms or apps is Sunday night or Monday morning. Estate and garage sellers, movers, and downsizers often wait until the end of their main event to list their items. Occasionally, I see sellers list on a Thursday or Friday before the big event.
BE DILIGENT
When you find the perfect item or something highly sought after by others, act promptly. Position yourself in line by expressing your interest or even stating that you are "very" interested, then ask relevant questions to engage with the seller.
Nevertheless, ensure you read the entire description. It can be frustrating for sellers when potential buyers overlook the detailed information they have already provided. Take a close look at all the photos as well.
If the description is incomplete, make sure to request details such as dimensions (keep in mind what your vehicle can accommodate), additional pictures of any imperfections not visible, and inquire about the item's condition, like how smoothly the drawers open or if there are any stability issues like wobbliness due to being uneven. These inquiries have two objectives: to express interest and secure your place in line, even if you are uncertain about purchasing, and to gather all the necessary information to determine if the item is suitable for your needs. If there are any defects, you may have room to negotiate, unless the price is exceptionally low or the item is free. If you decide to negotiate, do so with a specific point in mind.
Zoom in and carefully examine the photos. Some sellers may conceal defects, but don't approach it as if you are trying to "catch" them; most of the time, these are honest individuals trying to make a sale.
BE PATIENT
Sometimes the seller isn't the actual owner; they are just listing for a friend. They may not have all the answers to your questions, or they haven't examined the item closely enough and didn't realize, for example, that the drawers were in the wrong place. I see this more than you’d think.
Note that many of these sellers receive messages from scammers mixed in with inquiries from genuine interested parties. Individuals who have never sold anything can easily fall victim to scams and may spook easily. If the seller seems cautious, it's best to keep all communication within the platform. Avoid exchanging phone numbers, emails, etc. In this day and age, it always pays off to be cautious and diligent with your personal information.
PICKING UP
If you're out buying items on your own, inquire if there is assistance available at their end to help load it into your car, if needed. It's often someone older who may not have the physical ability to assist, or they might have an injury. Ask about the ease of accessing the item, as stairs, elevators, etc., can pose a challenge. Be ready to bring a friend, furniture dollies, or piano movers if you anticipate needing them. Blankets are helpful too.
Helpful tools for furniture pickup & delivery: Heavy Lifting Straps, Piano Mover Kit, Flat Furniture Dolly
SHIPPING &/or DELIVERY:
I've discussed this topic a few times. If the item you're buying is local, picking it up is always the best option. But if you don’t have access to an SUV, truck or minivan, then you may have to hire movers of rent a truck. In some states, like Oregon, there are statutes that govern the minimum rates and hours for movers. It can be quite steep. You can ask one of the companies for a “delivery rate” vs. mover rate and they might accommodate you. The other option is to just rent a van or truck. I’ve found that Home Depot and UHaul have very reasonable rental programs that are super cost effective. One tip, just call them directly to rent. The online reservations, especially with Home Depot are never accurate.
If you're purchasing something from out of town, hiring shippers through UShip is your safest choice. If you're buying to keep the item for yourself, the additional cost for shipping is usually worthwhile. However, if you plan to resell it, shipping becomes a risky proposition. Typically, the shipping costs alone will eat into your profit margin, regardless of how inexpensive the item itself is. Regardless, I ship all over the country every day, so having something shipped to you isn’t as hard as it looks.
AVOIDING SCAMS:
Unfortunately, scams are a part of the business. If you're buying from someone who is not an experienced seller or estate dealer, avoid going to pick up the item alone. Always use common sense when dealing with strangers.
As a buyer, the most common online scam involves someone copying pictures and details of a legitimate item for sale or one that was recently sold, and then reposting it themselves to try to deceive people. I've encountered this only once. It was a piece located out of state, and I had been in a multi-day conversation with the original seller when suddenly I saw it listed again in a nearby city by a different seller. It took me a moment to realize what was happening. I then alerted the original seller, and she handled it.
To prevent this, you can request additional close-up photos of certain details. If they can't provide them promptly, be cautious. Sometimes a seller might be listing on behalf of a friend, so proceed with caution. The more you shop consistently on a particular app or two, the more you will become familiar with certain sellers and the vintage brands and styles they predominantly offer.
FINAL THOUGHTS :
Developing a keen eye for high-quality vintage items at a reasonable price takes time. Here are a few final tips that have proven helpful to me.
Browsing through high-end websites like Chairish, Everything But The House, 1st Dibs, RubyLane, and others can provide valuable insights through blogs and curated listings, allowing you to learn about styles, brands, trends, and more. The more attention you pay to these details, the more knowledge you will gain. On Chairish, you can also find "The Pink Book" in the website footer, which displays the most recent selling price of the item you are interested in.
By honing your awareness and staying alert, you will eventually come across the pieces you seek. Securing great deals requires expertise, a discerning eye, and above all, patience. Happy hunting!