Negotiating a price on an objet is itself a fine art.

If it's not tagged, start by requesting the "asking price," says Leigh Keno, owner of Leigh Keno American Antiques, in New York City, and a cohost of PBS's Find! If it's in your range, spend a few moments asking the dealer about its origin and investigating the condition. In the process, you'll build a rapport. Then ask for his "best price," says Keno. "In general, that falls between 10 and 20 percent off." For an additional break, offer to pay in cash. (Credit-card companies often charge dealers 2 to 5 percent of the sale.)

But avoid pointing out problems — "It's broken; it's dirty" — as a way of getting the price to come down, advises Terry Kovel, cohost of HGTV's Flea Market Finds With the Kovels. "You wouldn't be buying something that's awful. Who are you kidding?" she says. And "never ask the dealer to do anything dishonest, like not charging tax."

Finally, if he or she doesn't budge, weigh what's worth more: a lower price or landing the piece.