Proper Behavior at Antique Shops and Shows

We just had an incident in our shop, where a woman stepped on a piece of furniture pushing her way through an area that was congested.  When caught in the act she immediately denied her action, and then backed herself up by saying that it didn't look expensive. Finally she put up such a fuss that we asked her to leave.....and she still fussed.

French Modernist Bench in Madagascar Ebony 1960's

This confrontation led us to discuss manners in Antique shops and shows.  A shop is not public property.  No matter how the shop appears, the merchants that own the shop, work hard to find the pieces and love those pieces.  They don't want people to belittle their items.  They have both their money and time invested in the items in their shop. It is not up to the customer to make any value judgement unless they are buying the piece.

It is rude for a group of people entering a shop to make light or fun of the pieces that they clearly do not understand.  If you think the pieces are over priced (out of your price range) do not state as much to the dealer. Do not  pick apart an item and then turn around and ask the best price on same item.


Shop owners deserve as much consideration as anyone else.  If a customer really wants an item and can not afford it most dealers will be willing to work something out with them.  We have several people using a lay away style of payment.  It is so much better to say, "I really love your things, I wish I could afford them."
If you do not understand a piece do not make fun of it.

Talking on a cell phone the whole time one is in a shop is very rude.  The people behind the counter do not want to hear your side of the conversation.  Unless it is really juicy.  Step outside to finish the call.  There is a Blog talking about this in more detail.http://olympiafineartandantiquesblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/usa-aad-blog-editor-says-thank-you-for-your-votes/

We wanted to share this with you so you won't become one of them.  I can think back with real embarrassment on my own mistakes as a young person.  After a blunder my Dad, who was an art dealer, took me aside and set me straight about opening my mouth and saying something I should not have said.  Fortunately I was very young now, I am older and much wiser.  We assume that adults have this training, but alas it is not always true.