Antique Mall Etiquette Guide
A few unwritten rules make you a welcome regular instead of an annoyance.
Handle items carefully
Use two hands for anything fragile, and ask before testing electronics, clocks, or anything with moving parts. Booths are usually unattended by their specific dealer, so damage is on you to report to the front desk.
Ask before you negotiate
Not every mall allows haggling at the register — some require you to negotiate with the dealer directly, others have fixed prices. Ask the front desk what the mall's policy is before making an offer.
Don't rearrange booths
It's fine to move something to see behind it, but put it back. Dealers curate their booths deliberately, and a shuffled display makes their next customer's experience worse.
Antique Mall Etiquette Guide FAQ
Can I negotiate prices at any antique mall?
It depends on the venue — some allow it at checkout, others require you to speak with the individual dealer. Ask the front desk first.
Who do I report a broken item to?
The mall's front desk or checkout counter, not the individual dealer's booth, since most dealers aren't present in person.