Trade Tips for Antiques: How Can You Maximize the Antique’s Value?
If you are going to sell antiques online or at a physical location, you’ll want to know how to get the most for your treasures. There are a few simple steps you can take that are sure to help you maximize your return. Read on to learn how to sell antiques the optimal way.
Sell Antiques Online
Hundreds of antiques are sold online every day. You can sell antiques online by posting them on platforms such as eBay, Amazon, or Craig’s List. Or, you can go through an individual buyer or company that purchases them.
The best place to sell antiques online depends on how many items you have and what you are selling. Doing research will pay off so check each avenue out thoroughly before committing. Some platforms have seller or buyer fees and you’ll want to consider shipping fees as well and to find out who pays any that are charged.
Never let go of your treasure without a clear-cut agreement being reached between you and the buyer. Beware that since you are not meeting the buyer in person, you’ll be open to more fraud than you would be otherwise.
Going through a platform such as eBay does offer some assurance since the buyer would not be allowed to continue selling on it if they received many complaints. That is why it’s imperative to see how long the buyer has been buying on the site and to read the feedback left for them.
How to Sell Antiques the Smart Way
It’s a wise idea to know your product. Research the value of your item before putting it up for sale. To sell antiques online, you need to be equipped with as much knowledge as possible about your individual item as well as the market for the type of item it is.
The era the item is from is very important when a buyer considers how much to offer for it. What took place in that era, history-wise? What is the story behind the piece? Give the buyer all the information you can about your treasure and the value will go up.
Be sure to know what your antique is made of, especially if it’s jewelry. Check what the metal is going for. Gold may be up or silver may be down, so that will help you determine if it’s even a good time for selling. Another thing to do is to be certain that you have cleaned the item or items you are wishing to sell. It may pay off to have it professionally cleaned.
Selling Antiques Locally
If you prefer to sell your antiques to a dealer that is local to your area, conduct an online search of “where to sell antiques near me”. A number of buyers should pop up. Sifhe list out by contacting those that you are interested in and make a call to set up a time to bring your antiques in. Some will even come to your home.
When checking “where to sell antiques near me”, see how long the buyer has been in business. Verify their location and how long they have been at the establishment. Read their reviews and ask family, friends, and antique enthusiasts if they know of the buyer. You can’t be too careful.
Buying and selling antiques online and in person is a wonderful way to pick up some extra cash. It is also a way to get ripped off. The more you know what you are doing and the best way to sell antiques online and locally, the better chance you’ll have of coming out ahead.