5 Tips for Making the Most Money When Selling Antiques
Today everyone is looking to make some extra money on the side. We look for different sources of income. One of the most attractive options for making some money on the side can be selling antiques. When you inherit antique jewelry, furniture, artwork, place settings and similar items from a family member it can be a potential source of extra income. Many younger people today simply don’t want to keep the antiques they inherit, so those family heirlooms end up in the hands of local antique buyers. Additionally, some people are able to start as antique buyers who then turn around and make a profit selling their antiques. They may even open their own store! Whatever your reasons are for selling antiques there are ways to make it easier and more profitable. In this article we will look at 5 tips for finding the best antique buyers and making the most money when selling antiques.
#1- Know the value of your antiques
Whether you are selling just a couple of antiques that you inherited from you grandmother or you are serious about selling antiques as small business, you should be aware of how the value of your antiques is determined. Professional antique buyers will consider a number of factors when determining value. These factors include the condition of the item, whether it has been restored, whether it bears a manufacturer’s mark, the provenance, how rare it is, and (perhaps above all) how much demand there is for the item among antique buyers.
#2- Consult with expert antique buyers
Determining the value of an antique can be complicated, as we noted above. That is why the best way to be sure about the value of your antiques is to have them appraised by an expert. Think about that local antique buyer who has a We Buy Antiques sign out front. They have a lot of knowledge about the current market for antiques and about the value of specific antiques. You can also search online for appraisers who are willing to give you an idea of the value of your item. It is often wise to get appraisals from a few different experts. It is also wise to look into the educational and professional background of anyone you are paying to appraise an antique. Also, look for someone with some expertise in your item. For example, if your antique is a desk, you will want someone who is an expert on antique furniture. If you have a collection of baseball cards that might include some valuable cards, then you will want to find someone who specializes in baseball cards. It all depends on what you are selling.
#3- Staging is critical to attracting the best antique buyers
People who sell professionally understand the importance of staging. This is true whether you are selling a car, real estate, groceries, electronics or antiques. Suppose you want to sell the family china on eBay. You need to present the customer with an image of that china set that will make them want to buy it. You need to stage it, perhaps artfully arranged on your dining room table with a nice tablecloth, linen napkins and centerpiece, and take a picture to post on eBay. The same holds true on a larger scale if you have an antique shop. You need to stage shop in an attractive and eye-catching way that will make customer want to buy the antiques you display there. You also need to stage professional looking pictures for the shop’s website.
#4- Professional home designers and decorators make great antique buyers
When you are looking to sell antiques, going to professional antique buyers is an obvious route. Selling online on a website like eBay is also an obvious route to go. Both can undoubtedly be a good way to sell. However, there is another potential source of buyers for antiques. Professional home designers and home decorators are often on the hunt for interesting “conversation pieces” for the homes they are designing and decorating. Depending on what their plans are for the space they are designing and decorating, your antiques and artwork might be just what they are looking for. Don’t overlook them when selling and work to cultivate relationships with them if you intend make a business of selling antiques.
#5- Don’t settle for the first offer
It might seem easier to just take the first offer that you receive for your antiques. Particularly when you are selling an item that you inherited and you simply want to sell it an be done. Don’t be so quick to accept that first offer though. Professional antique buyers are excellent hagglers and you should be too. Once you have a solid idea of the value of your antique you can be confident in your haggling and work to get the best possible price. It is worth taking a bit more time and do a bit of research into the value of your antique and the market for it if it means getting a better price.