Besides my Ruby Lane shop, I rent a booth in a local antique shop and work there part time. I enjoy interacting with customers and marking places of interest on a city map. I also entertain future customers-children. March is a busy month with many visitors and antique shoppers.

Here are a few antiquing etiquette tips to make your shopping and browsing a pleasurable experience:

Please leave large bags in your car when visiting the store. The aisles are narrow and being able to use both hands is helpful.

Carry cash, ID, credit card and a checkbook.

Ask for help before lifting items off high shelves or removing items from store windows. Some window items are for display only.

On a week day there may only be one person working. Be patient if the clerk has a line of people at the register.

Ask for help since some items are in lock cases or out of sight.

Please identify yourself if you are an antique dealer. Our store keeps a file with names, addresses, phone numbers and tax numbers. We will give you a 10% discount on most items. Some vendors will discount 20% on a large sale if they are phoned. I normally ask if you are on file at the shop. Some of our best customers are antique dealers.

We appreciate you letting tourists check out first.

I enjoy visiting out of town antique shops. I identify myself as a dealer. I can often find items suitable for selling in my booth. Everyone enjoys a great deal! I carry bubble wrap, boxes, and a blanket in the car.

I hope all readers will enjoy an out of town ride and stop at antique shops along the way.

Noel Merkel of Ruby Lane Shop:

Chessie & Nestor Go Antiquing

http://www.rubylane.com/shop/chessie-nestor