AnnTiques — Attraction in Ipswich

Buyer beware, unethical bait-and-switch! Ann had candlesticks priced at $250 but doubled it to $500 at checkout.

Here’s what happened: my brother-in-law was holding a candlestick, and Ann mentioned it was part of a pair. He replied, “I know, my wife has the other one.” From that point on, Ann following them around the store as they browsed other items, eventually trailing them to the counter. That’s when she suddenly announced that the candlesticks would cost more than what was listed on the price tag, claiming she had moved them from another store and wanted to raise the price but “hadn’t had the time.”

My sister-in-law asked what the new price was. Ann didn’t even know. She had to ask what the price tag showed. When my sister-in-law told her it was $250, Ann declared, “They are now $500.” She literally doubled the price on the spot. Where did she come up with double when she didn't have a clue what they were worth without knowing what the price tag showed? At $500 they were overpriced, so my sister-in-law didn’t buy them.

There are so many red flags here. Even if I take Ann’s excuse at face value, that she “intended” to change the price, she essentially admitted she knowingly put them on the floor with the wrong price. She had plenty of opportunities to say something earlier, especially when she first approached my brother-in-law about the candlesticks or when she hovered over them as they browsed the shop with candlesticks in hand. But she didn’t. She only hiked the price once they were ready to pay, which feels manipulative and dishonest.

After this experience, I read several other reviews where Ann reportedly pulled similar price-switching tactics on other customers. When it comes to antiques, trust in the seller is absolutely essential. Based on my experience, I do not trust Ann and I won’t be shopping at her overpriced flea...

Owner seemed nice enough I guess, even if a little snooty. But EVERYTHING I was interested was WAY overpriced. Asked to look at a sterling silver necklace because I couldn’t see the price and wanted to examine the piece further. The tag said $185 and she said, but that’s just for the chain and doesn’t include the pendant. What? It wasn’t particularly large, heavy, or unusual in any way. So I had to pass on that piece. I asked to look at another piece and I remember thinking, okay that’s a reasonable price. Just as I was having that thought she said, oh well that’s not the price anymore with the price of silver right now. I asked, to clarify, “so the price is not the price on the tag?” She said no with the price of silver now I can’t sell it for the price of yesteryear. I said well if you bought it in yesteryear… she then said, well I have to replace it. What?? You don’t replace items in antique stores, you acquire new inventory… If you want to raise prices update price tags, if you haven’t done that honor your prices… Final straw was an unpriced item. I asked how much she wanted, she said $125. I asked if it was sterling, she said I don’t think it’s marked, it’s old. I asked if she acid tests her items and she scoffed and said no. Also scoffed and seemed not to know what verdigris was. All of this was after I heard her tell another guest that she “never lowers prices.” Only reason I gave this place two stars is because my husband found a few records for a reasonable price. I...

I’m an avid antique store shopper and this is the most overpriced antique store I’ve ever seen. If the service was exceptional then I’d be inclined to support the business, but Ann was snobbish, cold, and unfriendly. The owners watched with scowls as we entered, with no greeting.

In addition, she wouldn't budge on the unrealistic prices and acted offended by fair market value offers.

They were selling some antique stuffed animals for $25 each which go for $8 each on eBay in better condition. I saw an old wicker bookshelf in fair condition for $800. I see nearly identical ones at a lot antique and thrift stores these days for around $200, and at that price you could just get a new one in better condition. They seem to be pricing as if they’re selling brand new, high-end items when in reality they’re not. It’s clear from my impression and from many other reviews, they need to do better research.

This store is more of a museum since nothing is priced fairly. If you find something you like, look for it online and buy it there instead.

There are plenty of other great antique stores in MA and NH to visit with friendly service and/or fairly priced items. However, Anntiques has neither...