Etsy is an online marketplace where vintage dreams come true. With sellers specializing in everything from antique jewellery to mid century dishware to retro clothing and so much more, navigating the listings can be exciting, though occasionally overwhelming.

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If you’re on the hunt and need some helpful hints, here's a peek behind the curtain, with tips directly from an Etsy vintage seller.

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1. Keywords are key.

It’s possible to conduct a thorough search on Etsy by taking care to be as specific and precise as possible.

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Keep in mind that there are thousands of listings — some might be close to what you have in mind, but some are likely not even in the same ballpark.

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Avoid generic terms like “vintage glassware” and instead opt for descriptors like “mid-century green highball cocktail glasses,” which are more likely to garner results in the realm of what you're seeking.

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This approach filters out the noise and brings the treasures to the forefront. Don’t be afraid to use synonyms or regional terms; they can yield different and often surprising results.

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2. A picture is worth a thousand words.

While a seasoned seller will provide nicely staged, well-lit photos that show every angle of an item, it’s still in your best interest to look as closely as possible.

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Zoom in on the image and inspect for flaws — yes, a seller would most likely disclose any damage or imperfections but it’s always best practice to take a peek for yourself and decide what you can live with. Remember, vintage comes with a little wear and tear and that's part of the charm!

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3. Read the description carefully.

Here’s where the seller will describe anything that might not be immediately apparent in the photos.

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Thorough sellers will ensure that descriptions will also include any important details about the product, including size, materials, manufacturing history, date of production, and any other relevant information about the provenance of a vintage item.

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Reading thoroughly here will help you determine that the item is genuine, as well as its current condition and care instructions, as needed.

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4. Check the seller location.

Shipping can make or break a sale — for both customer and seller. Depending on the size and weight of an item, shipping cost can sometimes be more than the cost of the item itself.

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Be mindful that there’s truly no such thing as “free shipping.” That cost needs to come from somewhere: be it the seller’s profit or the purchaser's total cost. Now is a great time to shop locally!

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Local shopping also allows you to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re lucky, you might also score a local pickup option, allowing you to save on shipping costs entirely and receive your item faster.

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5. Read seller ratings and reviews.

While you should consistently look for high ratings, a star rating is not always the best metric unless it’s accompanied by a written review.

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Pay attention to specifics and read them carefully to glean any pertinent information.

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Reviews that include reference to the quality of a purchase, the accuracy of the product description, packaging and shipping info and speed of receipt are all good indicators that you’re dealing with a reputable seller.

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After a purchase it’s also good practice to leave your own review. This will help other treasure hunters to make informed decisions, and helps to support the vintage seller community.

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Bonus: on occasion a seller might even toss you a discount code for a future purchase as gratitude for leaving positive feedback.

6. Compare, compare, compare.

As you toy around with keywords (think: manufacturer, year, style, product name), you’ll likely find multiple sellers with similar (or identical) listings. Look through their various photos and descriptions to decide if any of the items will meet your criteria.

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Comparing prices not only helps you get a better deal but also gives you a sense of the item's average market value.

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Pay close attention and be wary of prices that are significantly lower than others for an identical item; they might indicate that the vintage piece is actually a reproduction or has damage that you didn’t expect.

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On the other hand, significantly higher prices should offer a justification in terms of exceptional condition, a complete set, or a very rare item.

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7. Know your deal breakers.

It’s always an incredible feeling to find your perfect unicorn item — the genuine article, in perfect condition, and for the great price — but sometimes it’s worth considering if you have any wiggle room on your hunt.

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If it’s for aesthetics, are chips or scratches okay? If it’s an incomplete set, are you willing to just keep an eye out for the missing pieces with future searches?

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8. Get familiar with return policies.

Individual Etsy sellers each have their own return and refund policies, so make sure to read them carefully before purchasing a vintage item.

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If you’re unsure, it never hurts to send a message to ask the seller directly about their policies on returns, exchanges, and refunds.

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9. Send the seller a message.

If you ever have any questions about an item or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact the seller.

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There are occasions when sellers will make exceptions to their policies, ship outside their regional settings, or even combine items for a discount. It’s worth asking about.

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This direct communication can also help build a relationship with the seller for future purchases.

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In the world of vintage sellers, opening up a dialogue might also treat you to a unique story behind an item, including its history, or to whom it previously belonged, which adds to the richness and fun of buying items from the past.

10. Use favourites.

If you’re not ready to buy an item right away, tap the little heart icon to use the “Favourite” feature and save it for later.

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This not only keeps your favourite items organized but also offers the bonus of allowing you to receive notifications if the item goes on sale or if the seller ever might offer a discount.

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These tips should be a guide as you wade through the pages and pages of magnificent vintage listings to be found on Etsy. Happy hunting!

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Be sure to comment below or tag @the.vintage.seeker on Instagram to share if any of these suggestions helped you score something awesome.

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Krista Montelpare is a freelance writer based in Nova Scotia and the founder of vintage shop Cellary.

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