Tips for Finding and Buying Antiques

Searching for an antique:

To search for a particular antique on eBay, you can use the categories to narrow your search. From the home page, select the Antiques category. You can then choose a subcategory, or search for key words in the full antique category by clicking in the search dialogue box on this page. Key words include the type of antique (that is, painting, chair, and so on.), the manufacturer of the antique (for example, Picasso), the material from which the antique is made, the year or period in which it was produced, and so on. For more tips on how to do searches including on our international sites, see "eBay Search Tips".

Because people list items differently, you may want to be creative in your searches. For example, if you are looking for an Egyptian alabaster jar, you may want to search "Egypt", "Alabaster", "Jar", or some combination. If this search does not produce the item you are looking for, try broadening the scope of the terms you are using. You will often get the best results if you search the larger antique category and include the option to search the text as well as the title. This way, you'll find items even if the key word is only in the description or if the item is in a different category.

Viewing your search results:

You can view the listings that your search finds in many ways: featured auctions first, only auctions that are ending today, or all the auctions in order of the day and time the auction ends. If you are looking for something specific, you may want to browse through all the listings. But if you want to bid and buy as soon as possible, it is possible to select only auctions ending today. Listings which haveafter the title include a picture.listings are auctions that have been listed in the last 24 hours.

Reading the auction listings:

Every hobby has its own jargon, and antique collecting is no exception. Take a look at the terminology for listing and buying people often use when describing antiques. For example, it is helpful to understand the period in which the antique was produced (see chart); common terms used (see glossary); the differences between the materials antiques are made of (alabaster, terracotta, and so on); and terms to describe the condition (as is, mint, and so on). In addition to the "Terms for listing or buying" section in "Tips for selling and listing antiques on eBay", you may want to refer to an antique reference book for more terms and more extensive definitions.

Deciding how much to bid:

Once you find an antique you like, consider what it is worth to you and the approximate amount similar items are currently selling for. Antique price guides can be a helpful reference—but remember they are only guides. You can also do a search of completed eBay auctions for similar antiques to see what people have paid in the past. Read the descriptions of the antiques carefully. Details about the condition can help you decide how much to bid. If you have a question or are unclear about something in the antique description, you can email the seller for more information before placing your bid, especially for more expensive antiques. Ask specific questions—most sellers are happy to answer them. In particular, it's a good idea to ask what the antique's flaws are, so that the burden of disclosure is on the seller, and you are not unpleasantly surprised when you receive the antique.

Placing a bid:

Once you have decided what you are willing to pay for the antique, place a bid! You can set your bid for the maximum you are willing to spend. eBay will then place your bid at the lowest amount that ensures you are the high bidder up to your limit. If someone bids against you, eBay automatically raises your bid so that you remain the high bidder until the bid amount reaches your limit. Alternatively, place a low bid and decide on a case-by-case basis whether you want to raise your bid when someone outbids you.

Note: It is also a good idea to look at the feedback the seller has received before placing your bid. The comments will help you decide if this is someone you would like to transact business with! If there is a lot of feedback, at least glance at the recent responses and any negative feedback to see if there are any comments of concern or issues you would want to clarify with the seller. For example, if you want to buy from a seller who received a comment about not packing breakables well, you may want to clarify how they will package your item.

Completing the transaction:

eBay will notify the seller and high bidder at the conclusion of the auction. The seller will then contact the high bidder to arrange for payment and transportation of the antique. Typically, the seller will ship the antique as soon as the payment has been received (if a money order is sent)or, when a cheque received has cleared the bank. eBay Australia is currently developing an online escrow service which will enable the buyer to see the antique and accept it before the payment is released. With escrow, if the item is not accepted the buyer must return it quickly and the escrow service returns the funds to the buyer.

When you received your antique, enjoy! And if the seller was prompt and courteous, give positive feedback so that other users will now this person is a good seller to work with!

For more helpful information, refer to "Tips for Buyers".

Definition of an "Antique"
How to Learn About Antiques
A Brief History of Antiques
Why People Collect Antiques
Factors Influencing Value
Tips for Finding and Buying
Tips for Listing and Selling
Displaying Your Collection
Caring for Your Collection
Insuring Your Collection
Books
Glossary