Where To Sell Antiques At High Prices (Online And Local Market)

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Antiques are sought after by many collectors, and in many cases, if you have a valuable item can ensure a substantial profit. Whether you have one item you wish to sell or want to start an antique business, you must get the right information to ensure a profit. There are various ways to sell antiques at the best price, and you must consider various factors.

Auctions, antique dealers, and online websites are three ways to get the highest price for your antiques. Listing fees, transaction fees, and percentages are some factors to consider before selling antiques. Knowing the history and value of your antique is essential if you consider selling it.

Finding that one antique that will set you up for life does not come around very often, and you may need to go through a few garage sales and flea markets before you find that special item. Start by going through your belongings to check whether any antiques are gathering dust.

If you find an antique, ensure you take all the necessary steps to get the right information to secure the best price.

What Things Are Considered Valuable Antiques?

Antiques can be rare items a few years old that are discontinued or hundreds or thousands of years old. Just because something is antique does not mean that it is valuable. Some items can be very old, and their provenance, condition, and rarity contribute to their value. How sought after the item is by collectors also play a significant role.

Many love visiting garage sales and pawn shops to find some antiques of great value unnoticed by the sellers, and many have great success. It is good to start at home to see if there is not something in your attic that may be valuable on the antique market.

Here are seven antique items that are considered valuable:

Hunting Decoys

If you like visiting antique shops, you may have noticed colorful wooden ducks. Hunters use these wooden ducks as decoys to attract game. Because these ducks take a beating, finding one in good condition is rare, and could be worth a lot.

There are decoy ducks made by famous individuals like Joseph Lincoln and Elmer Crowell that could fetch a price on an auction of up to $100 thousand.

Lothrop Holmes produced a red-breasted Merganser decoy Hen Carving that sold for $856,000. Consider checking that old junk box in the garage; you never know, there may be a decoy duck lying around worth something.

Original Paintings

In the antique world, paintings get the most attention; some are worth a lot, but many copies are worth significantly less. History has produced so many painters that it is difficult to know them all and keep track of their paintings. Start at home, and if there is a painting hanging on the wall, it is recommended that you do some research on it.

Paintings do not need the face of some ancient lord or lady to be valuable antiques. There are many modern artists whose painting’s value has increased significantly since their passing. Countless paintings are lost to the art world and maybe hanging on your wall without you knowing their significance.

Many well-known artists first make pencil sketches that they discard after completing the painting. Some sketches are worth a fortune; a Picasso or van Gough may be lying around. Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” which has a $119.9 million price tag, is the most expensive painting in the world.

Vintage Postcards

Many people throw old postcards away without realizing they may be worth something. Although various factors make a postcard worth something, consider researching before throwing it in the dustbin.

Various postcards could be worth something, and some factors that contribute to their value are holiday themes, famous people, and memorable historical moments. Some postcards are a matt color, and others have advertising that could be worth $150 and more.

Some old private mailing, government-issued, and Lipman postcards can fetch a price between a few hundred and up to $1000. One high-priced example is the signed Picasso blue period postcard sold at auction for $95,000.

Rare Books

With everything in the world going digital and books left on the shelf, more and more has sparked interest in book collectors. Some books, especially first editions, are highly collectible, and if it is a signed copy and in good condition can sell for thousands of dollars.

Comic books are one of the most collected books in the world, and some of Super Man’s first editions go for staggering prices, with some reaching half a million dollars. Cookbooks have reached high prices on auctions in recent years, and if you have a first edition of The Joy of Cooking, you can get up to $4000 for it.

An 1872 Book of Poems by Allan Poe went on auction and sold for $662.500, which set a world record for a book auctioned at Christie’s. We often walk past our bookshelf without realizing that a small fortune may be collecting dust.

Sterling Silverware

Precious metals have always been worth something, but when it comes to flatware, nothing shouts dollars like Sterling Silver. The good thing about Sterling Silver is that it does not easily show age, and many old manufacturers used it to produce plates and other flatware. If you have flatware made from Sterling silver and it is made after 1850, it will have a mark showing Sterling silver.

You can get a little excited if you see the Sterling silver mark, but then you must research the pattern to identify the designer. Some flatware will show the designer, like Tiffany, which is money in the bank. A soup tureen that belonged to King Louis XV of France sold for $10 million, and he certainly had more than one, so who knows, you might have one sitting in a drawer somewhere.

Old Rare Coins

Coins are one of the most collectible items in the world, and finding a rare antique coin can be worth a lot. It is important to consider that a coin could be thousands of years old and not worth much because the market is flooded with that specific type. Other coins can be as young as 20 years and be worth thousands because it was limited edition or sometimes a coin print mistake.

Collecting coins, known as Numismatics, produce some of the highest prices for such a small item. One example of a high-priced coin is the 1796 Half Dollar, which fetched $12,000. It is important to know that the coin’s condition has a big effect on its value when it comes to coins. One of only three Half Eagle coins minted in 1822, sold for $8.4 million.

If you go through your piggy bank and find a coin that looks a little old, consider researching it, and you never know; there may be one that is worth more than its coin value.

Old Jewelry

Jewelry is always worth something, especially if it is made from precious metals and even more so if it has some history. Jewelry designers from years back took a lot of pride in their work and made some of the most unique and collectible jewelry. Some famous designers were tasked to design jewelry for a specific person, and collectors often sought a specific designer’s jewelry.

The good thing about jewelry, especially antique jewelry, is that it will have markings of the designer and the metal it’s made of. Antique bracelets, pendants, earrings even hairpins have seen high prices on auctions, especially those with good provenance that trace to well-known designers from the past.

Unlike coins, ancient jewelry is very rare and worth a lot and does not have markings and designer stamps that make it hard to identify. Cameo jewelry has been around for centuries, some thousands of years old. Cameo jewelry is made from natural materials like shell, stone, coral, or lava, set in silver or gold.

Other jewelry like those from Tiffany’s is extremely valuable if they are old, rare, and in good condition. Many do not consider watches jewelry, but it is one of the highest-paid antique items on auctions worldwide.

Local Marketplace Where You Can Sell Antiques

It’s not as hard to find a place that would buy your antique as you might imagine, though it might be tricky to set the correct price. There are various ways to sell your antiques, and most towns and cities have flea markets, antique shops, or other places to consider.

There are several locations where you can sell your antiques:

Local Antiques Shops

Antique shops are the easiest way to sell your antiques; most towns and cities have one or a few around. Before selling your antique to an antique dealer, consider a few factors.

It is important to know that antique shops have rent and other overheads, and the shop will re-sell that item. The antique dealer must make a profit to pay his rent and utilities, meaning you will get much less than the items’ retail value. Sometimes, you may get less than 50% of the item’s value, but it is still worth considering.

Wiscasset Antiques Mall In Wiscasset, Maine 

Most antique collectors have heard of Wiscasset, Maine, and its famous antique goods. The mall has a collection of beautiful historic relics, including vintage lamps, woodwork, famous sporting goods, and more. If you have an antique item to sell, you should consider Wiscasset Antiques.

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall In Charleston, South Carolina

Terrace Oaks Antique Mall is 10,000 square feet with two floors of pure antique pleasure and sells various antique books, furniture, jewelry, porcelain, and lots more. Many collectors and buyers visit Terrace Oaks Antique because of its variety. In Charleston, Terrace Oaks Antique Mall is a fantastic choice if you want to sell your antique.

Flea Markets

If you have a few antique items that you wish to sell, you can consider a flea market. A Flea market stand costs very little and draws a large number of people that may be interested in buying your antique items. Many collectors visit flea markets to see if they can find that special item to add to their collection.

Brimfield Antique Flea Markets

The Brimfield antique flea market has 5,000 dealers stretched over a mile. Situated on Route 20 in Brimfield, Massachusetts, it is believed to be the country’s oldest and largest outdoor antiques show. Over 1 million people visit Brimfield Antique Flea Markets annually during May, July, and September to buy and sell antiques like pottery, furniture, jewelry, and much more.

Texas Antique Weekend, Round Top

Each spring and fall, Texas Highways 237, over twenty miles north of La Grange, has one of the largest shopping events in the country called Round Top Antiques Week. It provides sixteen days of paradise to antique sellers and buyers. Although almost everything is sold at the Texas Antique Weekend, you will find the opportunity to sell your antique items.

Auctions – Great For Special Items

Auctions are a great way to sell antiques, but they are a little tricky. Auction houses consign items for sale, and buyers, called bidders, can bet on a specific item against other bidders. Sometimes items go for ridiculous prices, but other times it is sold below their true value, depending on the market and antique items’ collectability.

There are different Auctions, and they range from high-value rooms and specialized auctions to local auction houses. A smart way to find local auctions interested in selling your antique is through local newspapers.

Sotheby’s Auctions

Have 80 locations in 40 countries with nine salerooms worldwide. Sotheby’s is a prestige auction conglomerate with galleries in New York, London, and Hong Kong.

Sotheby’s has 70 antique categories in its auction listings and specializes in jewelry, collectibles, and fine art. With 250 auctions annually, Sotheby’s is considered one of the best to sell antiques.

Leland Little Auction And Estate Sales – Hillsborough, North Carolina

A specialized team of experienced professionals with expertise in various departments, including Information Technology and fine Jewelry. Leland Little Auction has 20 years of experience in the auction arena and has dedicated personnel to assist you if you want to auction off your antique.

Where To Sell Antiques Online?

Selling your antique at a dealer may ensure a fast sale, but they re-sell the item to collectors, meaning you will get less for the item because the dealer has overheads and wants to make a profit. You will get more money for your antique if you sell it directly to the collector. Collectors search for antiques online, making it a great option to advertise your antique.

Here are a few online options to sell your antique:

Etsy

Etsy’s vintage category is ideal if you want to sell your antique. Etsy’s antique category includes home decor items, clothing, jewelry, games, toys, music, and books. Etsy has a 20-cent listing fee and a 5% transaction fee; the item must be older than 20 years to be listed on their site.

Bonanza

A great way to sell your antiques online with its zero-listing fee and an average sales fee of 3.5 % per item sold. It has a Google advertisement option for an additional 5.5% fee. Bonanza offers other advertising rates to increase your antiques’ exposure to buyers.

Ruby Lane

RubyLane specializes in antiques and has well-designed restrictions for items sold on its website. Ruby Lane specializes in high-dollar items, although it prefers regular antique sellers and has a minimum requirement of ten items per seller.

An antique online shop has a $100 one-time set-up fee and a $69 monthly charge with a one to ten-cent maintenance fee if you exceed 80 items.

Craigslist

It is one of the best-known places to sell your antiques online. Craigslist is geotargeted so that local buyers and sellers can arrange to pick up and drop off items in person. Craigslist has no selling or listing fees and mainly allows buyers and sellers to do business face-to-face.

eBid

eBid reaches a global audience, has no listing fees, and guarantees a maximum selling fee of 3%. eBid started in 1999 and has more than 3 million items for sale, making it a great place to sell antiques. Clothing, collectibles, jewelry, coins, art, home décor, and furniture are some of the antique items you will find at eBid.

How Much Can You Earn From Selling Antiques?

Although some antique items go for large amounts of money, becoming an antique dealer is not as lucrative as some may think. Few antique dealers succeed without academic training; even with training, it still takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. The average income selling antiques is about $50,000 per year.

If you buy the right antique at the right price and know where to sell it, you can earn a good income, but it requires a fair amount of knowledge and some luck. Selling antiques is easy if you have them, but finding them at a good price is challenging.

Tips On Selling Your Antiques (Do’s And Don’ts)

Knowing what to expect when you consider selling an antique is essential. Before approaching a dealer, auction house, or private buyer, it is wise to have all the relevant information and tips necessary for the sale. The following tips can assist you in selling your antique:

Research The Item And Its Worth

Before selling your antique, you must get an estimated value and all relevant information to confirm its authenticity and provenance.

There are various options to research your antiques’ worth, and here is a list of options to consider:

• Online searches dedicated to antiques like “Ruby Lane” or “Bonanza.”
• If you have identified the item, Google and Bing search engines provide good information.
• Use Google’s reverse image search function like “CamFind.” 
• Consult an antique appraiser.
• JustAnswer Appraisals is an online service that helps identify and appraise antiques.
• Auction houses have appraisers but research the appraiser beforehand by checking their reviews, specialty, experience level, and certification.

Know The Marketplace

Understanding the terms and conditions and procedures of the marketplace you use to sell your antique is essential. The following are some conditions that may affect your selling in a marketplace:

• Research the marketplace’s fees and other charges deducted for your item’s sale.
• Hire a specialist to assist and negotiate for you, especially if the antique is valued high.
• High-valued antiques sometimes do not pay for repairs and, in certain instances, do not pay commission.
• Research the auction house to identify what type of antiques they specialize in to maximize your profit.
• Selling antique items online also have procedures, including fees and proving authenticity and ownership.
• Online sites sometimes take a listing fee for the antique, and you will be liable for sales taxes.

Know When To Restore Or Preserve

A common mistake by first-time antique sellers is trying to make it look new, hoping to get the best value. It is best to keep most antiques as original as possible. Cleaning your antique is a good idea, but you should research what cleaning products to use. If cleaning the item is outside your wheelhouse, consider paying a specialist, especially with paintings and books.

Most collectors prefer to buy in its current state to have the option to keep it that way or to restore it.

Don’t Plead Desperation

Collectors and dealers buy and sell antiques regularly, and they know how to strike a bargain, especially if you are unfamiliar with the prosses and item. Get as much information on the antique as possible and try not to sound desperate when selling it to discourage the buyer from offering much less than it’s worth.

Don’t Trust A Collector

Collectors tend to play on sellers’ emotions to get the antique for much less than its value. They know the value of items, and if you do not consider emotions in the transaction, they will offer a reasonable price for fear of losing the item.

Wrap Up

You can sell your antiques for the highest possible price through auctions, antique dealers, and online marketplaces. Before selling antiques, you should consider several aspects, including listing fees, transaction fees, and percentages. If you’re thinking about selling an antique, it’s crucial to understand its history and worth.

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