{"id":7844,"date":"2025-09-21T22:06:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-21T21:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/?p=7844"},"modified":"2025-09-21T22:07:20","modified_gmt":"2025-09-21T21:07:20","slug":"buying-antiques-in-bath-part-two","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clairstrong.co.uk\/blog\/inspiration-and-theory\/buying-antiques-in-bath-part-two","title":{"rendered":"Buying Antiques in Bath \u2013 Part Two"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bath Decorative Antiques Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Welcome back to my guide for buying antiques. In\u00a0Part One, we looked at how to do your research and the different ways to shop – from fairs to auctions to independent shops. In this instalment, we\u2019ll cover two things every budding treasure hunter needs to know:\u00a0the art of negotiation\u00a0and\u00a0the very best places in Bath (and beyond) to go antiquing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mastering the Art of Haggling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the \u201chow,\u201d it\u2019s worth remembering that not every dealer wants to haggle. While many expect some negotiation, others prefer fixed prices – so always respect the seller\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, haggling doesn\u2019t have to feel awkward. Even for us famously polite Brits, a few simple strategies can make the process smooth, respectful, and even enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bath Decorative Antiques Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Be friendly.
    A genuine smile, a bit of conversation, and a compliment about the dealer\u2019s collection can go a long way. Building rapport not only increases your chances of a better deal now, but it may also mean the dealer remembers you the next time something special comes in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Go low – but not\u00a0too<\/em>\u00a0low.
    As a rule of thumb, aim for around\u00a010\u201315% below the asking price.\u00a0For smaller items under \u00a320, I wouldn\u2019t haggle at all. But for larger pieces – a chest of drawers, for example – it\u2019s perfectly acceptable to start closer to 15% lower. Just avoid insulting offers, which could sour the relationship.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Bundle your purchases.
    Dealers often offer a better \u201call-in\u201d price if you\u2019re buying more than one item. If you genuinely like a few pieces and can afford them, grouping your buys can lead to bigger savings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Time it right.
    At fairs and markets, the best bargains often come towards the end of the day when sellers are more eager to make sales (and less keen to pack items back into the van!). The risk, of course, is that someone else may snap up your chosen piece earlier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Remember: negotiation should feel like a friendly exchange, not a battle. The goal is to reach a fair price that works for both of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Bath Decorative Antiques Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Bath\u2019s Best Antiquing Spots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Now that you know how<\/em> to haggle, here\u2019s where to put those skills into practice. Bath has an antiques scene that\u2019s as charming and varied as the city itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n