Whether you are a a dealer or private seller of antique furniture looking to sell via the internet here are a few tips that we can pass on.
As owners of Antiquedesks.net we have over 20 years experience of selling online via the internet.
Tip 1 - Be Honest About Condition. If you are selling online, and the buyer is relying on photos and condition reports, it pays to be absolutely honest about any flaws and imperfections no matter how minor. If some element of the furniture is not original then say so - and if possible say what has been changed and when. The best scenario is that when the piece arrives with its new owner they say "Wow! This is even better than in the photos" - you really don't want to disappoint the new owner. Who knows - they may be looking to buy another piece from you in the future and if you are a dealer - reputation really does matter
Tip 2 - The More Photos the Better. Take photos of your furniture from every angle. Front, back, sides, top, underneath, inside cupboards and drawers. Close ups of handles and any unique features. Close ups of any flaws or damage. Pay attention to getting the colour correct - if possible photograph in natural daylight with an even light over the whole piece. A good selection of photos shows that you have nothing to hide and that the piece really is as you have described it
Tip 3 - Dimensions and Measurements. We are always surprised how many sellers of antique furniture do not include comprehensive measurements in the description of their tables, chairs, desks, bookcases etc. We are surprised because as experienced dealers the first question we are asked (and we ask the client) is "will it fit". Not only will it fit in the room or space identified but will it fit through the doorway or up the stairs when it comes to delivery!
Tip 4 - Delivery. This can be a difficult topic for many online sellers of antique furniture. Whether the delivery is local, national or international it is an important factor in terms of who pays, the cost and the professionalism of the transporter (there is nothing worse than a beautiful antique chair arriving with its new owner in its component pieces). Serious sellers of antique furniture take delivery very seriously and always factor in the cost of professional delivery by specialists (who are fully insured!)
Tip 5 - Prices. Be transparent with your pricing and, above all, realistic. If the price is too high it just won't sell. The great thing about the internet is that it allows prospective buyers to view a number of similar items and in many instances to see historic price details and trends. If the piece you are selling is genuinely different in terms of superior quality, condition and provenance then make sure that it is properly described and that the photos and other information back up the superior price being asked.
So - 5 top tips for successful and profitable online sales of antique furniture via the internet. As mentioned above we have successfully been part of this market place for over 20 years.
Examples of the items we have sold can be viewed via our online archives - as follows:
Antiquedesks.net
http://www.antiquedesks.net/stock/antique-desk-antique-writing-table-archive
As owners of Antiquedesks.net we have over 20 years experience of selling online via the internet.
Tip 1 - Be Honest About Condition. If you are selling online, and the buyer is relying on photos and condition reports, it pays to be absolutely honest about any flaws and imperfections no matter how minor. If some element of the furniture is not original then say so - and if possible say what has been changed and when. The best scenario is that when the piece arrives with its new owner they say "Wow! This is even better than in the photos" - you really don't want to disappoint the new owner. Who knows - they may be looking to buy another piece from you in the future and if you are a dealer - reputation really does matter
Tip 2 - The More Photos the Better. Take photos of your furniture from every angle. Front, back, sides, top, underneath, inside cupboards and drawers. Close ups of handles and any unique features. Close ups of any flaws or damage. Pay attention to getting the colour correct - if possible photograph in natural daylight with an even light over the whole piece. A good selection of photos shows that you have nothing to hide and that the piece really is as you have described it
Tip 3 - Dimensions and Measurements. We are always surprised how many sellers of antique furniture do not include comprehensive measurements in the description of their tables, chairs, desks, bookcases etc. We are surprised because as experienced dealers the first question we are asked (and we ask the client) is "will it fit". Not only will it fit in the room or space identified but will it fit through the doorway or up the stairs when it comes to delivery!
Tip 4 - Delivery. This can be a difficult topic for many online sellers of antique furniture. Whether the delivery is local, national or international it is an important factor in terms of who pays, the cost and the professionalism of the transporter (there is nothing worse than a beautiful antique chair arriving with its new owner in its component pieces). Serious sellers of antique furniture take delivery very seriously and always factor in the cost of professional delivery by specialists (who are fully insured!)
Tip 5 - Prices. Be transparent with your pricing and, above all, realistic. If the price is too high it just won't sell. The great thing about the internet is that it allows prospective buyers to view a number of similar items and in many instances to see historic price details and trends. If the piece you are selling is genuinely different in terms of superior quality, condition and provenance then make sure that it is properly described and that the photos and other information back up the superior price being asked.
So - 5 top tips for successful and profitable online sales of antique furniture via the internet. As mentioned above we have successfully been part of this market place for over 20 years.
Examples of the items we have sold can be viewed via our online archives - as follows:
Antiquedesks.net
http://www.antiquedesks.net/stock/antique-desk-antique-writing-table-archive
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