Collecting genuine antiques?

Question

What is the best method to:

1) Collect ( and verify) genuine antiques

2) Resell them for a profit

3) Avoid pitfalls

as a part-time job?

Also can you give tips for the most sought after/fast selling antiques?

Answer 1

First answerer is correct for reselling antiques. But I like collecting! My kids and grand kids will have the problem of getting rid of them if they want.

Get provenance on each item.

Get only what you like and can live with.

Watch garage sales, yard sales, etc. You can pick up some terrific bargains that way.

Learn all you can about one or two different types of antiques. Such as china or Craftsroom items. I collect spinning wheels and weaving looms mostly. These I have learned the most about. I can see a part that doesn't match the rest of the item. Sometimes the replacement part stands out like a sore swollen thumb. Sometimes it is like a bugbite and hard to see.

Learning all you can aabout one portion of antiquing gives you some expertise!

Answer 2

I've been helping my Aunt sell her antiques that she's been collecting all her life. Here is what I have learned:



First of all, you asked 3 really great questions!

1)  (collect and verify genuine antiques) Specialize, and education. Pick one area or just a couple of items and become the expert on those items. Read everything you can, talk to every dealer and collector you can, every opportunity you get.

2) (resell them for a profit) Again education. Know your stuff. Be ruthless and don't buy anything that isn't genuine or has a flaw. Go to auctions and watch. Take notes on the final selling values, and compare that with shops and online venues. Which places made the most money for that type of item? Some buyers will google for what they want, so maybe you could save on fees by doing your own website instead of using an online seller. When you are selling online or in a venue where the customer can't pick up the item and touch it, you must be tireless and thorough in describing the item. "Good condition for its age" will not cut it.  You have to describe every centimeter or the item will get returned with bad ratings.

3) (avoid pitfalls) Again, be ruthless. Know which items will sell even with flaws, and which items MUST be perfect.   Whichever selling method you choose, buy some things that way so you can see how the transaction works from your customers' point of view. Make a note of any packing techniques and customer service procedures that you liked, or that you could improve when the role is reversed and you become the seller.

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