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With our great list of tips and handy pointers below, you’ll be sure to not only sell your antiques but get the best deal possible. Learn if it’s better to sell online yourself or to use a professional service, depending on your item. Take five minutes to read this fantastic guide so that you can get the best price for your antiques.
Sell the items yourself
If you want to avoid a middle man taking a percentage of the selling price, it’s best to sell the item yourself. This method does mean a little more effort from you, however. For instance, you may need to set up an account on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or any other auction and selling site you intend to use.
Additionally, you’ll need to consider a reserve price for the item. Make sure you correctly value your item to ensure that it sells. This valuation should be your reserve price. You can then decide if you want people to bid for the item and potentially increase the selling price, or opt for a quicker sale at the reserve price.
Remember, you will need to factor shipping costs and any hosting fees into your calculations as well. As a result, you may want to increase the cost of the item to ensure you do not lose out on money. However, this may reduce interest in the item and you may need to advertise to draw in buyers.
Dealers
Alternatively, you can work with a dealer to sell your item. While they will take some of the money earned selling your item, you will need to do next to nothing to get it to sell. As experts in selling all kinds of things, your dealer will know the best places to advertise and sell your item, as well as how to attract customers.
Make sure you use a reliable dealer though to avoid getting fleeced. Look for reviews and talk to people you trust. You can even interview the dealer to see if you are happy to trust them to sell your item for you.
Auction houses
Depending on the auction house, you may able to sell your antique at auction yourself or through a dealer. An auction can be a quick way to sell the item while also potentially getting a higher sale price. This is because the excitement of bidding against others in real-time can drive people to bid higher than they would otherwise.
As with a dealer, make sure you choose a reputable auction house. Do your research and be sure that your item will fit with the auction house’s customer base. Otherwise, it may not sell at all.
And like with a dealer, remember that the auction house will likely take a portion of the selling price as payment for their services. There may also be other fees associated with using an auction house.
Consignment stores
If an auction house doesn’t appeal, you can try a consignment store instead. Consignment stores can be a mix of old and new items, some even specialize in antiques. At a consignment store, your item will be displayed with the asking price until it is bought. This can take a few days to months or even years, depending on numerous factors like the valuation and the customers who frequent the store.
A consignment store can be a way to wait until you get your ideal price without having to keep the item in your home. This can be particularly handy if the item is bulky and takes up lots of space.
However, as with many other selling methods, there are likely to be fees associated with using a consignment store. This can include a regular fee for the space used to display your item, as well as any additional services you purchase, like advertising or a more visible location in the store. The consignment store may also take a portion of the selling price.
As with auction houses and dealers, if you want to use a consignment store, do your research to find the best one. This includes finding one that sells items similar to yours, as well as one that is reputable. Take your time finding the right fit.
Pawnshops
If you’re after money quick, you can sell your item to a pawnshop. They can even loan you money against the item, if you’re in need of cash quickly but don’t want to sell the item. Whichever situation, make sure the pawnshop owner is aware of the agreement (e.g. if you want the item back or they can sell it on).
Be prepared for high-interest fees if you borrow against the item, as well as a lower selling price if you sell it to them entirely. Remember to also choose a reputable vintage store to ensure you get the best price and don’t get tricked into a deal that leaves you worse off.
Tips and advice for selling
Whatever way you choose to sell your item, there are some good rules of thumb to remember:
- Check listing fees and any other fees
- Consider whether to restore the item or leave it in current condition
- Write a detailed description including any history or unique selling points of the item
- Take good-quality photos and even video so customers can see exactly what it is they’re buying
- Look at similar listings to help decide on selling price
- Use relevant keywords in your description and title when listing online
Conclusion
With these tips, you can easily sell your vintage items for a great price. Think about which method would best suit you and your item. Or if you want to restore antique furniture here are some of the best practices for keeping your antique furniture in pristine condition for as long as possible: Important To Restore Antique Furniture
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