How to Sell Antique China

Type "antiques store" and the name of your area into your search engine. This should bring up a list of local dealers. Unless they happen to be specialists in a particular area, such as paintings or furniture, you can assume they trade in ceramics. Telephone ahead for an appointment; if you're selling a bulky item he might be willing to come to see you. The benefit of selling directly to a dealer in this way is that you get your money there and then. The disadvantage is that, while most dealers are very fair in the offers they make, you could get a better price at auction.

Use your search engine to locate a nearby auction house. Most general sales will regularly include a range of china, so you can be reasonably sure that there will be plenty of potential buyers in the room on auction day. By submitting your item for sale through an auction house, you will benefit from the auctioneer's expertise -- she will be able to give an accurate description of the item to the bidders and pitch it at an attractive guide price. The downside of selling your china in this way is that the auction house will take a 20 percent cut of the final hammer price, and there might then be a delay of several weeks while you await your payment. If you're selling your antique china because you want money urgently, then this is not the way to go. Step 3 offers a potentially quicker option.

Sell your item through an online auction site. This is a very good route for those who know at least a little bit about ceramics. To draw bidders to your lot, you'll need to give it an accurate title and description and place it in the correct subcategory. For instance, if you know for a fact that your piece of china dates to the 18th century, then make sure it is grouped with other early pieces where collectors will find it. The downside of selling via online auction is that even slight inaccuracies in the description can lead to disputes and refund requests.