Buying FAQ

TIAS (The Internet Antique Shop) is the Internet's original marketplace for antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures. Since 1995, we've connected collectors with trusted dealers offering hundreds of thousands of unique items across dozens of categories—from furniture and jewelry to art, memorabilia, and much more.

You can browse items freely without an account. However, to make a purchase, or message sellers, you'll need to create a free account.

Click the "Register" link in the top navigation and select "Buy" to create a buyer account. You'll need to provide your email address and create a password. Once registered, you can complete your profile by adding your shipping address and other details.

Yes, creating an account and browsing is completely free. You only pay for the items you purchase, plus any applicable shipping and taxes.

There are several ways to discover items on TIAS:

• Search: Use the search bar to find specific items by keyword, category, or era.
• Browse Categories: Explore our category navigation to browse by type (furniture, jewelry, art, etc.).
• Shop Directory: Visit individual shops to see their full inventory and learn about the dealers.

Each item listing and shop page has a "Contact Seller" button. Click it to send a message directly to the seller. You can ask questions about an item's condition, history, dimensions, or request additional photos before purchasing.

Your cart can hold items from multiple sellers. However, since each seller handles their own shipping, you may receive separate shipments and shipping will be calculated per seller. Each seller's items will be processed as a separate transaction.

Following a shop allows you to easily revisit your favorite dealers and stay connected with their inventory. You can view all the shops you follow from your account.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. All payments are processed securely through our payment partner.

Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment processing to protect your information. Your full card details are never stored on our servers—they're handled entirely by our PCI-compliant payment processor.

Your payment method is charged when you complete checkout. The seller is then notified to prepare and ship your item.

Yes, you'll receive an email confirmation with your order details immediately after purchase. You can also view your order history anytime in your account under "Orders."

Shipping costs are calculated based on the item's size, weight, and your delivery location. You'll see the exact shipping cost at checkout before completing your purchase. Some sellers offer free shipping on certain items or orders over a specific amount.

Delivery times vary by seller and shipping method. Most items ship within 1-3 business days and arrive within 5-7 business days for standard shipping. Estimated delivery times are shown on each item listing and at checkout.

International shipping options are set by the individual sellers. It will vary depending on each individual seller's preferences.

Once your item ships, you'll receive an email with tracking information. You can also view tracking details in your account under "Orders." If tracking isn't available, contact the seller directly through your order page.

If your item arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately through your order page. Take photos of the damage and the packaging. Most sellers will work with you to resolve the issue, whether through a refund, replacement, or other solution. If you're unable to resolve the issue with the seller, contact our support team for assistance.

Return policies are set by individual sellers and can vary. Before purchasing, review the seller's return policy on the item listing or their shop page. Many sellers accept returns within a specified window (commonly 14-30 days) if the item is returned in its original condition.

To request a return, contact the seller directly through the order page. Explain the reason for your return and the seller will provide instructions for sending the item back.

Return shipping policies vary by seller. In most cases, buyers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item arrived damaged, defective, or significantly different from the listing description. Check the seller's return policy for specific details.

Once the seller receives and inspects your returned item, refunds are typically processed within 3-5 business days. The refund will be credited to your original payment method. Depending on your bank, it may take an additional few days to appear in your account.

On TIAS, we follow the widely accepted definitions:

• Vintage: Items that are at least 20 years old.
• Antique: Items that are 100 years old or older.

All items listed on TIAS must be at least 20 years old to qualify. Sellers provide year or era information on each listing to help you understand an item's age.

Our sellers are experienced dealers and collectors who specialize in their categories. Item listings include detailed descriptions, photos, and provenance information when available. If you have questions about authenticity, condition, or history, contact the seller directly—reputable dealers are happy to provide additional details and documentation.

If you receive an item that significantly differs from its listing description, contact the seller immediately. Most sellers will work with you to make it right. If the item was misrepresented, you're typically entitled to a return and full refund. Our support team is available to help mediate if needed.

Absolutely. Before purchasing, use the "Contact Seller" button to request additional photos, measurements, condition details, or any other information you need to make an informed decision. Our sellers understand that buying antiques and collectibles sight-unseen requires trust, and most are happy to provide extra details.

Sellers describe each item's condition in the listing, noting any wear, repairs, or imperfections. Common condition terms include "excellent," "very good," "good," and "fair." Since vintage and antique items have lived previous lives, some wear is expected and often adds to their character. When in doubt, ask the seller for clarification.