Vintage Christmas ornament

Many people don’t know where to start when trying to sell their antiques and collectibles. Some will say that there is too much competition, or that the market is flooded for certain items, but these are simply just excuses. I have helped many clients with my appraisals in writing which include correct identifications of their items and a list of the place(s) where similar items have sold–to work toward selling their art, antique, or collectible. I even outline advice in three easy steps on how to sell your antiques. Plus, I am always providing my expert selling tips in my blog and at my antique appraisal events. If you are selling an antique, I can help you. Here are only three of many selling tips that you can use. Look for more tips in future blog posts.

1. Keep Collections Together

Russian Nesting Dolls

Sell collections intact. Buyers like to buy full, complete sets like a complete set of Russian Nesting Dolls. Do you want a set of 1979 baseball cards without the Pete Rose card? A set of Beatles dolls without Ringo? Of course not. There is more value in having the entire set available for sale. If your brother has the missing Ringo doll, ask him for it back.

2. Look at the Calendar

Collectible ornament

Sell according to the calendar or time of year. Are collectible holiday ornaments selling for top dollar in July? No. Selling particular collectibles in season (baseball cards in the summer, baby collectibles at Mother’s Day, snowy landscape paintings in the winter like those from Walter Baum, etc.) will bring you more value.

3. Know Values

Get an appraisal that reflects the value of your item on the retail, not the auction market. Make sure the appraisal is based on actual sales, you know where somebody has paid cash or swiped a credit card. This will tell you the top of the market for your item and remind you that you should sell your item close to that price. Somebody else sold it at that price and so can you. My appraisals are based on what people really are paying using real sales records. Read my blog post explaining the different between retail, auction, and insurance values so you know the differences. When people start throwing around terms, you’ll know what is what.

I hope this helps. Don’t forget to share these tips with others who are trying to sell their antiques by using the ‘Share this’ buttons below. I’ll share more tips in upcoming blog posts. Plus, you can read previous articles that offer selling tips.