Top Tips for Selling Antique Furniture via the Internet

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

Fine Antique Victorian Partners Desk with Excellent Provenance

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!)

                                     Excellent Antique Georgian Walnut Padfoot Gateleg Table

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

ANTIQUE DESK ACCESSORIES

In addition  to being a long established dealer in fine antique desks and antique writing and reading furniture, Antiquedesks.net also sources and supplies the finest of antique desk accessories.

Desk accessories include, inkwells, blotters, seals, letter openers, stationery racks, stationery boxes, even magnifying glasses and paperweights.  Letter racks, reading aids, writing slopes, cigar lighters, clocks, book marks and page turners, desk calendars and photo frames all fall into this category of fine antiques

These items really came into their own during the Victorian period.  Although earlier examples are to be found from the Georgian and Regency periods of the late 18th and early 19th centuries the majority of items we see come from  the Victorian period.

As a UK based dealer the bulk of the antique desk accessories that we see are of English manufacture but some particularly good examples can be found of French, Italian or German origin.

An expensive and ornate desk requires desk accessories of similar grandeur and many examples are made of fine materials, precious metals and with exquisite craftsmanship often by famous maker of the period.

In the early 20th century fashions dictated that the design styles of the period should be followed and arts and crafts and art deco pieces are to be found

Values of antique desk accessories can vary considerably from just a few pounds to several thousand pounds for an elaborate examples made in precious metals by a famous maker.

Antique desk accessories are useful, decorative and often highly sought after by collectors.

Examples of some of the items we have found for our clients over the years can be found on the antique desk accessories page of the www.antiquedesks.net website

Selling an Antique Desk?

As long established international antique furniture dealers in the UK Antiquedesks.net are often get asked what is the best way to sell an old (antique) desk.

In fact this is a question we get asked several times most weeks.  As peoples circumstances change they often don't want to keep that lovely piece of antique furniture that has served them so well over the years.

The good news is that there is always a good demand for quality pieces of antique furniture that are useful in today's world.  Here are 3 ways that you could approach the sale of your desk

Route 1 - Online.  Yes - the DIY sell it yourself approach.  These days there are so many options for selling online.  If you are prepared to take some photos, write a good honest description and perhaps help to deliver the desk (or make arrangements to have it delivered to the new buyer) then this can be a good way forward.  The issue with this approach can be knowing what price to set for your desk - however a small amount of online research should quickly reveal the "going rate" for similar pieces

Route 2 - Auction.  Using a professional auction house can be a good route for both "standard" and "rare" desks.  A professional auction house will provide an estimate of value and their terms of business.  This can be a useful route for those wishing to have a sale with minimum fuss and without the need to deal face to face with the buyer.  It may be a good idea to shop around between auction houses to see who have the most favourable terms and commissions - not all auction houses are the same!  And also beware any hidden fees for transport, storage or photography.   Local auction houses can help with most transactions however if you believe that you have a rare or unusual desk then it may be best to contact an auction house of national or international repute who can market the desk more widely.

Route 3 - Sell to a Dealer.  We often buy desks direct from private clients.  We offer at least the same price that would be obtained at auction  and we handle all the paperwork and transportation.  The sale can be a simple transaction or a sale on "consignment" - whereby the dealer will market the desk alongside his regular stock and then take a fixed amount or percentage once the desk sells at the amount agreed with the vendor (this route may realise a higher price but can take longer).  Ideally it would be a good idea to approach a number of dealers (perhaps by email with photos, dimensions and a description of the desk) to get the best price.  For a rare high value desk it may be best to approach dealers with a national or even international client base.

More information on antique desks, antique writing, library and office furniture is available at our website www.antiquedesks.net