Where Can I Sell My Chinese & Asian Antique items?
Chinese antiques are intriguing. Through the years, many have become interested, and even obsessed, with collecting them. They are addicting! But, there may come a time when you are ready to sell your Asian antiques. If so, there are some things you should know, especially if you live in the state of Connecticut.
Have you inherited Chinese antiques you’d like to sell? Perhaps you’ve been collecting Asian or Chinese antiques for years and are ready to liquidate. Maybe you have run into a financial hardship and are being forced to sell your treasures. Or, you may have lost interest in your once beloved antiques and simply want to get rid of them. No matter what your particular situation is, you’ll need to decide where to sell Asian antiques to get the most profit possible.
Local Antique Dealers
Antique buyers are not all honest and reliable. Some are out to give you the least amount of money possible for your antiques. When you are selling Chinese antiques, finding Chinese antique buyers can be even more challenging.
If you live in Connecticut or will be in the Connecticut area, check for listings online of dealers in the vicinity. Find out how long the dealer has been around and be sure they have an online presence and plenty of verifiable references. Also see what credentials they hold. You can’t be too safe, even when the dealer is local to Connecticut.
Finding a local dealer will help ensure you won’t get stuck out. There are shady dealers who act as if they are experienced Chinese antique buyers, but they give you far less than your Asian antique is worth. Or, they take your item and run. That’s why it’s imperative to find a dealer and appraiser in Connecticut if you live in the state.
Verify that they are truly local and are approved by the state. The best Connecticut Asian antique buyers will come with plenty of credentials and will be recognized within the antique buying community as well.
Best Place to Sell Asian Antiques
Chinese antiques come in all shapes and sizes. Furniture, jewelry, snuff bottles, sculptures, textiles, and paintings can be classified as Asian antiques. They can range from Imperial art works to folk art pieces. Being an expert takes training and experience. The best places to sell Asian antiques will definitely depend on the Chinese antique buyers’ knowledge in the niche industry.
Do a little research yourself. Find out, if possible, some history on your Asian antiques. The origin, age, condition, and nature of the item will make a big difference in the selling price you will get for it. The more you know, the more the ball is in your court rather than vice versa.
While you can opt to go to vintage shops, you’d do best to find an appraiser who mentions that they specialize in Asian antiques on their website or has an acknowledgment of Chinese antiques somewhere in their advertising. Chinese antiques are a special field within antique buying and not just every antique dealer is qualified to give you a fair price for them because they may not adequately appraise them for lack of knowledge.
Where to sell Asian antiques is a personal choice. Whatever you do though, make sure you sell to the Chinese antique buyers that gives you the most for your treasure and who treats you with the respect you deserve.
If you are looking for an expert Asian antique buyers in the Connecticut area, be sure to check out Antique Appraisers Auctioneers for the best prices paid in the industry.
Expert Advice and Strategies on How to Sell Antiques
How to Sell Antiques: Terrific Advice from Our Specialists
When it comes to selling antiques, there’s no better source of advice than seasoned antique experts. These individuals, with their wealth of experience in the industry, know exactly how to navigate the world of antique sales. Below, you’ll find invaluable recommendations from these top-tier professionals.
Get to Know Antique Buyers
Just like in any business, understanding your customers is key. Take the time to learn what antique buyers are searching for and meet their needs. Discover where and when they make their purchases, and position yourself accordingly. Even better, identify what they want but struggle to find. When the demand for a product exceeds its supply, you’re in a prime position to make a sale!
Where to Sell Antiques
If you want to sell a large number of antiques at retail, you can do so at a flea market or an antique market, or you can sell antiques online. Just a few antiques can be sold to various buyers. Compare the offers and go with the best. Remember, the best price isn’t always the best deal. It’s important to set a fair price for your antiques, considering factors such as the item’s condition, rarity, and current market demand, as discussed below.
Reputable Antique Dealers
Some antique dealers may make extravagant promises, only to leave you disappointed. Particularly, dealers who appear at flea markets or online may take your item and disappear, or they may persuade you that your antique isn’t worth much when, in reality, the opposite is true.
Know everything about the person or company you are dealing with to avoid scams. A reputable antique dealer will have credentials, a length of time in business, and lots of verifiable references, and they will be happy to provide all that information for you. Look for dealers who are members of recognized antique associations, have a physical store, and are willing to provide detailed information about the item and its provenance. A scam artist will pretend to be insulted when you ask for proof that they are a reputable antique dealer.
Selling Antiques Through a Broker
Many people who sell antiques use the services of a professional broker, who sells the antique item on your behalf. They deduct their fee from the selling price, leaving you with your share. This method can take some time, though. If you are in a hurry to get your money, you might not want to use a broker. The broker will handle all aspects of the sale, from pricing and marketing to negotiating with potential buyers. However, it’s important to choose a reputable broker to ensure a successful and fair transaction.
Generally, brokers can get more for their wares, so your price is about the same as selling it on your own. This type of sale eliminates some huge risks you’ll encounter when selling on your own and saves you time and effort. However, you must work with a reputable broker to avoid losing everything.
Sell Antiques Online
There are numerous platforms available for selling antiques online. You can do a Google search for antique buyers and check each one out until you find someone reputable with lots of references. You can also sell your antiques through platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist. Some online resale sites charge a listing and/or post-sale fee. Most online resale sites require you to either pay for shipping or charge your customer for it. Some platforms, such as Craigslist, may even require you to personally meet your customer, which can present significant risks and dangers. Many antique sellers go these routes; just be aware of everything involved before you commit.
Selling antiques is a profitable yet tricky business. Antiques hold sentimental and cash value, so proceed with care. Whether you are looking to make a one-time, one-item sale or want to make it a business, you’ll want to take the above suggestions to heart; they are priceless.