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Ok, the prices aren't a little steep they're downright crazy!

I was in there looking to make some deep purchases (they had a credenza that was waiting for me since the 50's that I saw they had on eBay) I went in and found the piece yet to my surprise it was about 25% more expensive. I told them I wanted to buy the piece but at the eBay "buy it now" price. They snickered and said no. When I informed them that this would inevitabally save THEM money they told me that I needn't tell them how to run their business... Nedless to say the credenza is still there...some 8 months later.

I go in there to look, with my digital camera but will never buy from them as they were so unfriendly and downright hostile.

Too bad, really too bad.

That really really sucks Julian! Dang!!! I've never bought anything from there (definitely too pricey), but my experiences with some of the people that work there have always been pleasant.

I did buy a couple items from a dealer who sells stuff there, but I got it through craigslist.

I think I like going to BAM or Edgewater Antique Mall better.

I live a block away from RAM and while I definitely enjoy the window displays, the prices can be somewhat outrageous. Re their customer service, I've found it to be a mixed bag - I've received some condescending responses to a couple questions but I've also received excellent help while shopping for an antique lighter.

One other issue I have with RAM is their hours of operation: 11AM-6PM Even an extra hour in the evening would allow me to stop by on my way home from work but they're usually closing shop right when I get home. I assume they probably just sell to other dealers during the weekdays.

Matt

Children are most unwelcome at this store, I speak from experience.

A mixed bag is a really great way to descibe this place, there are some great things and really some junk too. I've gotten deals,and on the other hand been floored at some of the prices,(and i'm pretty city wise as far as prices go) as far as service with a smile,......it ain't gonna happen here!

I think this place is fabulous, not at all too pricey compared to other sotres in Chicago and John, the owner, has a great eye for stylish accesorries. He is also one of the nicest guy i have met.

Lots of grumpy people leaving these other comments, i think.

I have only had good experiences at RAM. The staff has been helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable. I have also seen great flexibility in regards to pricing, but have also understood that certain items need to be held within a certain range. Quibbling over pricing in a retail environment is a foolish endeavor and unless to you're speaking directly with the dealer you should only expect a less than receptive response. Also, who goes into a store with a camera? Tacky. As for pricing, as far as I have seen RAM is perfectly on par with the market. If you found the same item for markedly cheaper elsewhere, then kudos to you - you found an inexperienced seller. I would agree lots of grumpy people here. All the better for those of us who actually spend money -we don't have to listen to the groaners and hagglers the next time we stop in to pick up a totally cool mid-mod piece.

Congratulations, Jim! You are a spender and everyone knows it! We all cower at your power to consume with sneering refinement and a bottomless wallet. . .

Congratulations to RAM and all the other antique haunts that remain open and hauntable. With property leases and overhead expenses over-the-moon ridiculous, any entrepreneur who still has the moxie to open and run an antique mall/store is to be lauded. All you critics--the antique business finds it for you, restores it for you and makes it available to you. If you think the prices are too high, spend your time, gas and effort searching thrift stores,tag sales and auctions to find the 'deal' that now needs to be repaired, cleaned, reupholstered, plated etc.
OR, go to a furniture chain store and take a second mortgage to buy trash made in China. There's always Ikea. They offer customers a 99cent breakfast and matching cheapo furniture.

I have to agree with Beth on this one. Yes, some items seem expensive and if you can find it cheaper go for it. The thrill is in the hunt. But if you DO find something that is perfect for you it's worth it. It's not easy to find vintage pieces cleaned up and in good shape. I did have a small issue where I called to purchase something that was on hold 8 minutes before closing and the woman who answered did not want to be bothered ringing me up, she said she already closed out the drawer and they were still open. It was a large ticket item so I was a bit turned off but the next day I told the owner John about it and he MORE than made up for it. Not only did he drop the price on this item for me, he gave me the CD playing in the background because I had asked about it. Now that's service!

I do have to take issue with Jim's comment about bringing a camera. Why is that tacky? If you're making a large purchase and you want to visualize the item in your home having a photo of it is very helpful. It's also standard practice for a designer to have photos.

...and bringing Kids? Yeah, there are a lot of breakable things so not the best place to bring young children, especially if they are squealing and running about...

They are outright unpleasant here. The two staffers were brusque when I entered and continued to have a catty conversation about a previous customer as soon as I was 5 feet from them. Overall unhelpful. Its a shame because they have some nifty stuff (but at hefty prices).

I think that it is all about the attitude that you walk in with--the people who work here have always been nothing but wonderfull to me and, very sadly, I've never even bought anything. The place is a treasure of beatiful midcentury antiques. I would recommend it to any of my friends--priced as it is! Thanks RAM, you guys do a great job!

RAM is sometimes splendid and utterly overpriced. The unevenness is due to the number of vendors under one roof, which can be a plus if you're eclectic.

But buyer beware, misery's hands are on every item. The owner will brusquely reprimand you for the slightest perceived misstep, and when confronted will skulk and ask you to leave. I speak from experience.

I agree with IDstudent - a good attitude can make a world of difference. I stopped by recently on a hot, muggy mess of a day and expected the worst - but was treated very nicely.

Yes, the prices are kind of high, but like some posters have commented, they've done all the work for you, and they do have an eye for beautiful pieces in great condition. Think of the time you'd spend on Ebay, Craigslist or out scoring thrift stores/estates sales/etc. to find something similar - yes, the thrill of the hunt, etc., but time is money, honey!

I can't afford a lot of what they have, but will definitely buy a standout piece or two. Would rather save my pennies and shop here whenever possible rather than at a mass market retailer. Although you can't beat that 99 cent Ikea breakfast...or the vibrating floors as 10,000 people pack in on a weekend afternoon...

Buyer Beware! I purchased 6 dining chairs for $1,200 at the Ravenswood Antique Mart on July 24, 2008, and several days later found out that they are NEW. A friend and experienced mid-century modern collector took one look at them and said that they were new. When I called the vendor/store manager, he said that he got them from a woman who said she bought them in Finland in 1992 and all he knew about them was what she told him. They were not labeled as new or newer and the vendor/manager said it was not necessary for him to label them as such, even though the mart bills itself as a source for vintage modern design and decor.

Wow!! All you guys just saved me a long, unnecessary trip. I was going to go check out the RAM tomorrow, actually, and I'm in the far west suburbs. I don't want to drive an hour to go to a store where the staff will only treat me badly and everything is overpriced/mislabeled. I think I'll go to the antique mall in Aurora instead.

Agree with Jody O. I stopped there this past summer because their window display was just calling me. Took a closer look and picked up a vase, priced for $250.00 that I bought at Pier 1 when I WORKED THERE!! it retailed for $18.00. They have some awesome stuff, I didn't buy anything that day, I felt so cheated and scammed.
Like Julian, I go in there for ideas, and like every other person on here not once have I received a "hello, can I help you find something?"
I'm not grouchy, just stating facts.