What should I buy?

We have included on this page some helpful hints and tips to assist you along the way but there is no easy answer to this question.  Buying antiques and collectables are very much a matter of personal taste and once you form the habit and begin collecting it can become quite addictive and may develop into a life-long obsession and passion.

4 Golden Rules.

1. Buy only what YOU personally like.

Some people initially become interested and decide to invest in antiques or collectables due to watching television programmes or by reading newspaper articles on the subject.  We are all certainly fascinated when finding out from an expert how much something is truly worth or how much it could make at auction.

Buying with the motive of actually liking an item and enjoying it for what it is, is exactly what professional antique dealers do.  Of course, they buy to make a profit, but generally dealers tend to purchase on this basis and proudly display their new stock to the public whilst considering that, if an item proves slow or difficult to re-sell, then so be it.  They love it and eventually markets or trends will move in their favour or the right buyer will one day visit them to purchase.

"research is the key to successful buying"

2. Buy the very best you can afford. Buying the very best example (within your budget, of course) of an artist, designer or manufacturer's work can more often than not reap huge dividends in the future. Such examples are usually of finer and much higher quality.  Specifically produced in low and limited edition numbers for discerning tastes and collectors.  By default they are much rarer and become far more sought after and generally achieve much higher prices at auction or between collectors in the after-market. Beware and steer clear of cheap inexpensive examples of popular names or work.  Whilst they may not be fake, they are often mass produced and targeted at the 'low-end' un-knowledgable collector who buys in abundance.  Such items are usually found advertised on the back pages of popular magazines where retailers and/or manufacturers target un-educated collectors who will buy anything marked 'Limited  Edition' So called 'limited edition' collectables are produced in such high production volumes the market is awash with them.  Thus ultimately driving down future re-sale values and accordingly 'the rarity factor' which astute investors and collectors continually search for, simply isn't there. We do not suggest for one moment you only buy expensive and rare pieces.                                         But it does make sense in the long run to be discerning and it is worth remembering RESEARCH is the key to successful buying.  There are many books published which cover practically everything you need to know on Antiques and Collectables.  We suggest you purchase some of hire them from your local library. The more knowledge you obtain the better decisions you will make but please bear in mind and understand that such guides were probably written many month's or maybe years before their final publish date.  Trends along with after-market prices change continually so treat them exactly as they are intended - FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY. Investing in antiques and collectables is not just about re-sale though.  It can be a lifestyle choice.  Purchasing a beautiful item of some age, history, quality and provenance which you can enjoy during your lifetime and happily pass down to future generations of your family who equally cherish, is a wonderful way to spend money.  Pause for thought:  When buying Antiques or Collectables, are you actually spending your money or simply converting capital into an appreciating asset?

3. Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware ! It is advisable to only purchase from reputable sources such as an established auction house, antique shop, professional dealer whom preferably come recommended to you or by having conducted your own research. The antique and collectable industry is amongst the most honourable industries and professions.                   Honour, trust and reputation is everything so you can be confident unscrupulous operators (rogue traders) are quickly identified and weeded out.  Auction Houses 'black-list' them very quickly and so does the trade. Unfortunately though 'wheeler dealers' do exist (as with any industry) and you should be aware of them.       They are unable to successfully trade within the recognised trade so they tend to market their wares via Car Boot sales or local fetes etc.  Of course, car boot sales and fetes are indeed great places to pick up a bargain but consider them for what they are, a place to have fun by browsing other people's unwanted belonging's. Beware of traders offering amazing 'knock-down' prices on goods by well known artist's, designers and manufacturers.  The reason for this is because they are usually stolen goods, poorly restored items, fakes or generally not what they are purported to be.  Avoid these Arthur Daley type characters and your experience of conducting business with the antique and collectable industry should prove tobe be both enjoyable and fun. Remember:   A reputable Auction House, Antique Shop, or Professional Dealer should usually point out faults or shortcomings concerning an item. Such as chips, cracks, dents, scratches, blemishes BEFORE you purchase. This ensures you know exactly what you are buying and you buy with complete satisfaction.

"... of course it's a genuine Ming Vase, my dear!" And that's another nice little earner, Terry!

"ACI Consultants, providing advice you can trust"

4. Talk to the professionals. Buying for personal pleasure with a view to simply purchasing and enjoying them for what antiques and collectables are is exactly what you should do.  It is also where the majority of the market-place is targeted.  Many buy simply because they have fallen immediately and passionately in love with an object and future value is of little to no consequence but should an increase in value take place then fantastic! If however, you are looking to invest in antiques and collectables with a view to investment diversification and possible future capital growth, you should seek competent and professional advice as you should when purchasing stock market shares or buying financial products such as life assurance or pension investments. We at ACI are committed to providing trustworthy and helpful advice at a convenient time to suit you and we're available by either telephone or by personal one to one consultation during normal office hours 10.00am - 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Important Notice:

Antique & Collectable Investments (ACI) is competent in providing advice and services regarding the acquisition, buying, selling and all related services, as presented on this website only.  ACI is not regulated by The Financial Services Authority (FSA) to provide investment advice regarding investment products or services as regulated and related to the financial services industry.