Where and when to buy

(Posted on 28/12/13)

There are a number of different types of retail outlet in most countries of the West, Far East and Australasia, each of which has its own slightly different set of advantages and disadvantages for the prospective buyer.  However, the type of outlet is secondary to the quality and price of the rugs being sold; it is therefore essential to shop around, and not to allow yourself to be rushed into buying.  A number of retail outlets will allow you to take a rug home for a few days so that you can see it in the context of your home, and this simple precaution cannot be recommended too strongly.Specialist shops  These have the advantage of allowing you time to consider individual rugs, both in the shop and often on a trial basis in your home; in addition, there is usually a wide and varied selection of rugs from which to choose.  The disadvantages are largely those of price.  The fact that they carry large stocks and are generally located in prestigious and expensive locations means that overheads are high and these must be passed on to the customer.Department stores  Many of the advantages of a specialist shop, often the added bonus of credit facilities or installment schemes.  The main disadvantage is that the range and quality of items on offer is often limited, and although there are usually good example of the most popular groups, you are less likely to find a wide selection of village and nomadic rugs.  Department stores may also be expensive because they usually from specialist retailers who understandably add their own profit margin onto the wholesale cost. Auction  Auctions offer the most exciting and unpredictable method of buying a rug.  Excellent bargains can be obtained, and there is something deeply satisfying about owning a rug for which you had to compete.  However, unless you have some knowledge of the subject, it is just as easy to pay to much as it is to pick up a bargain. It is extremely important to do your homework and to check the prices being asked in shops and stores for a similar cross-section of rugs before making a purchase .  It is also a good idea to attend one or two auctions in order to acquaint yourself with the atmosphere, procedure and prices prior to entering a serious bid.  Do not take too much notice of the reasons put forward for the auction by claims of 'no reserves on any of the items'.  Auction houses have an obligation to the vendor and are unlikely to allow anything to be sold for less than the cost.  Always check whether there are any payments in addition to the hammer price before the auction begins; it is customary to have local taxes and a buyer's premium added on to the final bid.  The disadvantages are that although most auctions allow a viewing period before the bidding starts, you only have a limited amount of time to examine the rugs, and full payment must be made at the end of the auction.