It can be difficult to sell antique furniture if you’re not familiar with the market. Many people may have inherited their antique furniture – sometimes across many generations – and therefore knowing what the options are to value and sell antique furniture can be difficult.
Indeed, just Googling ‘sell antique furniture’ returns a myriad of options and it can be hard to wade through results to find genuine buyers. The common questions often asked by people looking to sell antiques and to sell antique furniture include: What options do I have? Should I look to sell online or offline? What do potential buyers need to know?
We’ll give you everything you need – and more – so you can sell your antique furniture quickly, easily and hassle-free.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SELLING ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Selling antique furniture is somewhat different to selling watches, selling jewellery or selling pens because there are so many variables involved. Do you know precisely what you are in possession of? Is it a genuine article? When was it made? By whom?
It’s much harder to sell antique furniture on the high street, simply because it’s harder to carry around with you. Plus, high street vendors may offer you less than it’s true worth because they then have to sell it on for a profit.
However, for many people it is simply about the practical need to free up space – you want to sell your antique furniture because it’s either too big, unused or you acquired it as a result of a Will and simply want to realise its monetary value.
The key with antique furniture is to understand what you’ve got, how rare it might be and to find dealers or experts who specialise in your specific items. That way, you’ll be in a stronger position to get the best prices for your antique furniture, whichever way you decide to sell it.
HOW TO SELL ANTIQUE FURNITURE
As with any industry, there are a number of options on the table when it comes to selling antique furniture. Some are straightforward and easy, others require more effort. Keep in mind that there may be buyers prepared to take advantage of the fact that you might not be an expert so be prepared, otherwise you’ll be playing unnecessary ‘sell antique furniture’ games and will lose out. Key points to remember include:
- Speak to dealers and visit online sites and auction houses to ascertain how popular your item is on the open market. It may be valuable only to a select few people. If so, make sure you know who they are
- If possible have your antique furniture valued by an independent third-party. This will inspire confidence in potential buyers who will know you’re not one to be taken advantage of
- If you’re selling your antique furniture online, upload detailed pictures of the item from all angles, any maker’s marks you might find as well as any scratches or flaws. Honesty is most definitely the best policy, especially as you might have a rare or unique piece
DIFFERENT WAYS TO SELL ANTIQUE FURNITURE
Selling to 62days
- Selling antique furniture through 62days.com is safe, secure and quick. Our experts are on hand to make you a no-obligation offer and to give you advice and information
- 62days give you the chance to earn additional income for your antique furniture
- Upload pictures of your furniture and we’ll give you a fast, competitive appraisal you are free to accept or refuse as you wish
- Our collections are 100% FREE and insured with FedEx and we’ll pay you using secure payment methods or directly into your bank
- You have complete peace of mind knowing 62days offer extremely competitive prices for your antique furniture
- And rest assured, we are called 62days because you have sixty-two days to cool off
Selling Antique Furniture – Auction
Selling antique furniture at auction is probably the most popular way of doing it but make sure you know what’s involved. Firstly, the fees associated with selling antique furniture (listings, commissions, photography etc) can be high so make sure you know what your liability is likely to be.
Auction sales will usually represent true market values but prices can vary wildly dependent on who’s in the room and the popularity/rarity of your items.
With auctions, prices are final when the auctioneer calls it so in one sense, your ‘sell antique furniture’ objective has been realised but if you’re not happy with the outcome, there’s very little comeback.
Selling Antique Furniture – Pawnbrokers
With pawnbrokers, you’re not exactly ‘selling’ antique furniture, more like using it as collateral against a loan but they will still offer you cash for your antique furniture. Though most people approach pawnbrokers to sell jewellery, sell Rolex watch or sell similar luxury items, some pawnbrokers will also look at antique furniture. Be very aware that if you want it back, you will have to pay back the amount of money you borrowed, plus a traditionally high interest rate and, often, additional ‘admin fees’.
Selling Antique Furniture –Dealers
Again, dependent on what you have, it’s age, condition and popularity, antique dealers will (usually for a fee) value your items. They may also offer to buy them from you but remember they have to factor in their own profits so therefore the offer might not be as high as you were hoping for.
Selling Antique Furniture – Peer-To-Peer Trading Sites
This is where the ‘sell antique furniture’ games can start to get serious. You will undoubtedly attract a good number of ‘tyre kickers’ but when it comes down to an actual sale, make sure you set a reserve and understand exactly how the system works. As with many peer-to-peer services where people sell valuables or sell jewellery and the like, carefully review any safety advice provided and be mindful of issues surrounding payment from people you don’t know – be aware of factors such as payment methods, collections, deliveries and communication.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW
Earning additional income and selling antique furniture is the ultimate end goal, so if you do want to sell today then speak to us at 62days and we’ll Send you your free, no-obligation appraisal.