If you are a collector of all things esthetic for a home full of antiques and want a couple of really neat rugs of investment quality consider the following:

1. Buy rugs that are 100% vegetable dyed, Wool on Cotton.

2. Buy from middle east origin like Iran, Afghan and Pak.

3. Buy your rug for the size to fit your area. Smallest size to fit your area, and buy multiple small rugs rather than a room sized rug that must have furniture sitting on it. Easier to clean and to rearrange, redecorate and rotate from storage. MEASURE TWICE AND BUY ONCE.

4. Buy only wool, hand knotted rugs. Research methods of hand knotting. Many kinds of hand knotted rugs exist. The method of hand knotting will determine the thickness and tightness of rug.

5. Ask if the rug is out of square, for repairs, damage, and use of chemical dye and for the weight.

6. Buy rugs with Abrash, research this term to understand why it is cool to have a rug with abrash. But too much Abrash is not better unless it fits your look.

7. Always look at the back of a rug. It can tell you knott count, how floppy the rug might be, and better assesment of color as it is usually a close up. If in doubt of the feel, ask what the rug weighs. This may prevent the accidental purchase of an  synthetic fiber or flat weave.

8. Shipping by some dealers is far more than the cost. Look at shipping cost before bidding.

9. Avoid rugs from China and India unless you want that modern style.

10. Rugs are often shipped folded and packed firmly into a box. I have never seen one come without a crease. I have never had one that did not eventually lay flat. It may take years before they go flat if stored for a long time folded up. But they do go flat especially if you walk on them often. I have used my 45 pound disk weighs to flatten these creases with great success. Lay the creased rug out and if in a few weeks it is not comming back then put a correct sized disk on it and load it up with a 100 pounds of dumbels and such. In a week remove, vacuum and see how it looks. Dont let the weight on for extended periods as it affects the knap. Repeat once a month till flat. I have flattened out some bad ones. Humidity will help them come back into shape.

11. Understand that flat weave rugs, kilim, are very thin. Study the flat weave as many are disappointed in them if they dont know what they are bidding on. Flat weaves are cheaper but harder to keep flat on a floor.

12. Review the rugs condition. Note that good condition usually means it has low pile and or damage. That is the rug industry. Semi antique is just 25 years old. Or something silly. Ask lots of questions. Used rugs can be a great value but you need to know what you are buying. I have seen some used rugs sell for incredibly low prices that would make any victorian home owner proud. It is ok to have wear if you know what room it goes. Some older homes look much better with used rugs.