by Anthony Khoo

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: November 09, 2011

There are a wide variety of ways in which to sell antique items, and choosing the best way to achieve this aim can be both a complex and a daunting task. How you sell your antiques depends on several factors, in particular the type and nature of the antique as well as the relative price range of the item for sale.

The first step in selling antiques is to judge the relative price range of the antique itself. If you had previously purchased the antique, you should have a general idea as to how much it was originally worth, and it is important to note that the value of any antique item is influenced by its age, its condition and its demographics.

Typically, older items will sell for higher prices, especially if they have a long and well documented history. Unlike other items in today's market, antiques will appreciate (increase) in price by approximately two percent a year, and it is important to take this into account when considering a potential sale.

Additionally, the condition of the item will affect the prospective sale price of the antique. Logically, items in good condition, and with a long estimated 'lifespan', will generally sell at higher prices. Similarly, the demographics of the antique will have a considerable impact as to how much the antique is worth in that geographical region. For example, antiques originating from Europe will, by convention, sell for higher prices in that region, typically because their worth and history are more fully appreciated by the buyer.

After establishing the relative price range of your antique item (s), there are various ways in which it can be sold. Whilst the most common and easiest method is to sell antiques is through an antique dealer, it should be noted that often higher prices can be achieved by marketing and selling items independently. This is because antique dealers will typically take a percentage of the selling price, in addition to a commission depending on the sale.

Nonetheless, selling through an antique dealer is undoubtedly the easiest way of selling antiques. There are antique dealers in many regions, and having a preliminary assessment of your antique item can give a general idea as to its worth. Having a well documented history or sale receipt of the antique greatly increases the legitimacy of the item and vastly improves the potential selling price.

If you are selling an antique item independently, there are several ways of marketing your item that allow you to bypass the use of an antique dealer. Which process you choose will depend largely on the price range of your antique. Cheaper antiques can be marketed using the local newspaper or using the Internet, but when using this method it is important to evaluate the legitimacy of the prospective buyer. Using reputable local websites would be imperative in ensuring a smooth sale. More expensive antiques are not as suitable as Internet sale items, particularly if they are large, bulky or heavy.

In conclusion there are a wide range of ways in which antiques can be sold, and whilst selling these items can initially seem daunting, the process can be both easy and rewarding. Determining the price of the antique is pivotal to ensuring a good sale, and the value of the antique will depend largely on its age, its condition and its demographics. There are both advantages and disadvantages of either selling independently or using an antique dealer, and which pathway you choose depends not only on your antique, but also on your personal and financial preferences.

Regardless of how you market and retail antiques, selling them can be an exciting and rewarding experience both emotionally and financially.

The choice is yours.

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