Selling Valuable Antiques Smartly: Here's How
Posted on: 17 October 2018
Whether you own a 1914 Jeweler Marked First Class Iron Cross or a diamond necklace that belonged to a great-grandmother, selling valuable antiques can be tough. You don't want to undersell, of course, but you want to price it attractively enough to sell. You need to find buyers. You must ensure that they'll be satisfied with the piece after their purchase. How can you sell old valuables smartly?
1-Get an Appraisal
Appraisers use their vast knowledge to place a value on what you've got. Their opinion of your antique's real value will influence the selling price. Appraisal reports can also serve as authentication, in the event buyers are skeptical about whether you've got "the real thing" and not a fake or copy.
For more specialized pieces like a 1914 Iron Cross, be sure that you see professional appraisers who know the history of such pieces. That will enable them to better arrive at a true value for you.
2-Explore the Market
Even with appraisals, exploring the market isn't over. You'll still need to find prospective buyers and gain some insight into what they would be willing to pay for your antique item. For instance, a diamond necklace would likely be popular among women interested in older fine jewelry. Buyer forums, online auctions, and hobby groups are smart places to look online to do some market research.
3-Don't Clean It
If you haven't cleaned your piece but are considering it so that it looks newer or better for buyers, do not. Old pieces can be extraordinarily sensitive to cleaning substances; if you've not been advised by a professional, you should avoid cleaning your valuable item. Let it retain its natural patina and sheen while it's in your care.
4-Sell Individually
Having multiple personal antiques to sell may result in more sales, but resist any urges to sell all pieces at once. Don't advertise that you're selling a box of old belongings or a garage full of antiques; this could easily mean that you'll take in less cash for it all. Individual sales are sometimes more lucrative.
5-Fight Desperation
If no one's offering money or you're needing money soon, you could drop the antique's price more and more each day. Try to fight the feeling of desperation that may creep into your brain; hold firm on a reasonable price that will pay off.
All of these antique-selling suggestions play a part in a successful transaction. Continue conversing about valuables with peers, sellers, and antique professionals so your sale is positive for both you and your eventual buyer.
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