About Antique Malls

Significance

• Antique malls are significant because they sell antique items and collectible merchandise. To qualify as an antique, the item should be at least 100 years old.
  Commonly, antique malls offer information concerning the approximate age of the item, origin and its condition at the time of the sale.

Types

• Some antique malls are presented as flea markets. In a flea market, individuals sell their items in rented booths. Many people use this type of outlet to buy and sell antiques.
  Specialized antique malls buy and sell specific items, such as furniture, jewelry or machinery.
  Online antique malls provide worldwide access to collectors and dealers alike.

Considerations

• Verify that the antique mall is a member of a dealer or appraiser association.
  Consider inquiring about whether the antique mall sells antique reproductions. Replicas should be clearly labeled as such.
  Consider the condition of the item before making a purchase. Consult a price guide to determine the value of an item given its condition.

Benefits

• Shopping at antique malls can be compared to going on a treasure hunt. It is beneficial for you to do your homework on the antiques you seek. You should know how to distinguish certain characteristics of the antique pieces you want to collect.

Misconceptions

• It is a common misconception to confuse a genuine antique with a vintage collectible. Vintage collectibles are items that are at least 50 years old. Both vintage collectibles and antiques are commonly sold at antique malls.