Thread: Questions about Antique Malls and estate sales

I don't know if this is the right portion of the forums to be posting this, I just figured this is were people talked about what they find at antique stores, why not a question...

so I have been antique store hopping for the last month and as it is for everyone it's hit or miss, feast or famine. But one thing I have noticed is that I NEVER have luck at Antique Malls, I know they're people that just rent rent a spot in the store. I've noticed if a vendor does sell razors they are waaaay over priced and there is no way to talk to them so ur pretty much SOL. I guess what I'm trying to find out is if people have had the same experience so I can call it quits at the antique malls.

one other thing I have noticed is people selling straights they got from estate sales, so I've been contemplating trying my hand at attending those. Does anyone have advice on that or is it a waste a time since because the chance of finding straights at an estate sale is the equivalent of finding a unicorn...


thanks
fonz

Unless you like hit and/or miss leave the antique stores and estate sales to those with great patience in finding the "gems." You'll do better with established dealers, the SRP classifieds or at a regional meet of fellow SRP members.

I frequent a few antique malls, just leave a message with the store or have them call the vendor, they almost always want to deal, always helps if you want to buy a few items instead of just one. I have yet to find any really special razors but then again I'm on the west coast.

One antique mall I frequent had the authority to deal on some vendor's items or will call the vendor. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Like Razorfeld said, I look at antique stores as very hit or miss. I am averaging one good find about every six months. But hey, I like going to antique stores and looking around anyway.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Unless you like hit and/or miss leave the antique stores and estate sales to those with great patience in finding the "gems." You'll do better with established dealers, the SRP classifieds or at a regional meet of fellow SRP members.

I don't mind the hit or miss at antique stores? I just haven't been enjoying the antique malls because they have been all miss thus far... I do feel there is great reward in patience because the return on investment and time does come when you find the "gem" then those days don't feel wasted anymore. Your response really throws me off, I must have said something that rubbed u the wrong way, for whatever that was I'm sorry... I usually get really good information and help from this community, this is really different. Thank you but established dealers and classified wasn't what I was curious about.

Originally Posted by jfk742

I frequent a few antique malls, just leave a message with the store or have them call the vendor, they almost always want to deal, always helps if you want to buy a few items instead of just one. I have yet to find any really special razors but then again I'm on the west coast.

Thanks! This is what I'm looking for! I didn't realize that you could leave messages with the vendors. Just out of curiosity what does the west coast have to do with ur luck? Humidity maybe?

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Like Razorfeld said, I look at antique stores as very hit or miss. I am averaging one good find about every six months. But hey, I like going to antique stores and looking around anyway.

I've been having a little bit better odds on my searches, I've only been doing this for 2 months so it must be beginners luck. I think finding something at the estate sales is where you would be really jumping for joy. I recently found this guy in Colorado who found something like 25 razors for $50 and I was like "wow" I got 10 of his razors for $75 dollars and we were both happy... But that's when the lightbulb went off for estate sales

Originally Posted by jfk742

I frequent a few antique malls, just leave a message with the store or have them call the vendor, they almost always want to deal, always helps if you want to buy a few items instead of just one. I have yet to find any really special razors but then again I'm on the west coast.

If you are a regular at a few antiQ shops, they will often give you a call when something new comes in. Remember that there are often as many as a hundred vendors in a MAll. so talking to one does not help a whole lot. They will often post a note to all the vendors for a given item or items. I have made some very good buys this way. Also, being able to give them an estimate of an item they have can be a good way to get known. ...ebay would be...XX$ for an item sold listing and I would give you x$ seems to work for me, I always start with a lower offer when I want something they are selling... Some will try to screw you but that is life in the antique trades.
Remember the "Leverite !" If it is not exactly what you want at the price you would pay, Leverite there!
~Richard

Antique malls are a good source, but don't enter one in a hurry.

Go with at least 2 to 3 hours to search.
Usually any item over $20.00 can be discounted,sometimes it is posted, sometimes not.
If there is a box in the booth not opened for view, regardless of size, open it or ask to have it opened.
Safety razors are more often found than straights, if good condition, get it & trade it for a straight with a member here.
Take a loop or magnifier.
Download the straight razor manufacturer page/list to your smartphone.
Don't tunnel vision your search to straights, look for any shaving paraphernalia & trade off what you don't want.
Antique malls near tourist routes are usually larger & a higher turnover,, meaning more new items coming in.
Use the bathroom when you first go in, nothing more irritating than having to pi$$ halfway through the hunt.
Last but not least, try to pick one with a snack bar,,, hunting can really drain your energy,, you need to refuel to finish the mission.

Estate sales;
Join the below website to get notified of estate sales in your area. There are more going on than you think.
Some require a tax number to even enter the premises, unless you have one, forget about it.
Look for the ones that are due to elderly people passing, more chances of safety razors or straights.
Once inside, head straight to the bathrooms,,, lots of sales don't bring that stuff out to the floor, but they will sell that stuff too.
Bring cash & get there early.

Find Estate Sales

Good tips, Hirlau. May I add another?

Antique malls are badly lit. If possible look at items under natural light.