Starting an antiques & collectibles biz online!
Antiques & Ceramics
Starting An Antiques And Collectibles Biz Online
Antiques and collectibles are now big business. For example sales on Antique & Collectibles alone had a gross merchandise value of approx over 2 billion dollars. The growth of electronic commerce has only fueled the industry and sellers are no longer limited to local buyers and dealers are no longer limited to local distributors. You can find things on the Internet that you would never come across in life, people around the world can buy or sell online.Today it really so different from the purchase or sale in a store of brick and mortar, people want the same type of info and the need to ask the same questions!
There are many numerous learning resources for anyone who wants to start an antique business, even if you know little or nothing about the business.
You need to search for info online,there are many great websites, such as Antiques.About.com or you can go to local library and read books on antiques and collectibles.
Join the online groups or forums of various antique groups and you'll learn a lot in a short period of time, You will have the chance to interact with experienced people in the biz who can answer your questions.
Attend the trade shows and fairs in you area and ask questions on topics or items that interest you or specific area's and items you want to know more about.
Antique Furniture
Starting An Antiques And Collectibles Biz Online
Get to know about one or two items your interested in and when you are more confident in one or two areas, then branch out and begin to learn other things. There is so much to learn it can be scary but when you know some niches your confidence builds if you know about one thing.
Choose a narrow specialty, Do not try to become an expert in a broad category like dolls or glass etc. Instead, for example specialize in Depression or Ruby Glass.
How to get the best price for buying and selling.
Acquire knowledge in a field allows you to recognize a bargain and estimate what different pieces will go to different markets. When buying,don't hesitate to ask for a discount or theit best price. In the antique or any trading business, it is not only accepted but it's expected. If the sellers know you are buying to sell again, they usually take this into account. When selling remember reserves will and does not always work well in the antiques business
.
If you feel confident that a piece will bring a good price, you might want to start the bid fairly low. However if you have invested heavily in your stock, you can choose to start the bid with the price you see it. Always keep in mind what the market will bear at time of purchase and look at completed items to get an idea of what to expect.
It is very important to have a good photos and description when selling and most buyers like you to post
multiple photos of the item, and if the piece has any authentication marks, remember the show these too.
Buyers want to know the age, quality and condition, and any defects that may affect the value.
If a piece is extremely rare or expensive, you may want to consider having it valued. However, items that
are worth even $ 1000, it is usually considered worth the cost of a written valuation. If you have no idea
of the value of an item, you can send a photo of of your item for sale to WhatIsItWorthToYou and $ 9.95 and they will answer your questions and give you an idea of the value.
How To Restore Vintage Furniture
Taking care of your furniture purchases
If you are cleaning or dusting it should be done only with a soft lint-free cloth. Wood furniture should only be cleaned or waxed with good quality non synathic wax. Always avoid placing your furnishings in bright direct light or in rooms that can have great changes in temperature or humidity. It is very important to be careful when moving antique furniture,you must carefully always lift the item and never drag it to avoid any damage.
