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How to Sell Antique Dinnerware

Selling antiques has become a lot easier since the advent of online auctions. Rather than having to find auctions that specialize in items such as dinnerware, sellers are able to promote their wares in one location that can be seen around the world. The role of antique dealers can't be ignored since they have a large knowledge base that can help you find the best price at which to sell your dinnerware. When selling antique dinnerware, don't assume you're automatically going to get top dollar. You may ultimately need to compromise and sell at a lower price to get it sold.

Instructions

- 1
  List everything you have in your dinnerware set. Look over each piece and make of any chips or damage. Be honest so you can get the full value from the dinnerware and not end up with unhappy customers.
- 2
  Photograph dinnerware. One picture should show the entire set assembled together, but make sure to take pictures of the individual pieces (plate, cup, saucer, bowl, gravy goat). Take photographs that clearly show the pattern and any other details or markings.
- 3
  Bring a sample of your antique dinnerware to a local antique dealer. You only need to bring a single dish, bowl, and cup as well as an example of any of the other pieces in your dinnerware set. The antique dealer will be able to give you detailed information about your dinnerware set (maker, production date, design name) and give you an estimated value of the set as a whole.
- 4
  Contact the post office and find out how much it would cost to mail the dinnerware set to another city, state or country. If the shipping costs are too expensive, you may need to consider selling your dinnerware set locally. Otherwise, deduct the cost of shipping from your estimated sale price to discover your profit.
- 5
  Write a small advertisement for your local newspaper classified section. Many classified sections have an area dedicated specifically to selling antiques. Include a brief description of the dinnerware set, your asking price and your contact information.
- 6
  Browse online auction and antique sites. Create an account on any sites that you like and set up an auction for your dinnerware set. Include as much information as possible when listing your item. Use any information you got from the antique dealer to help sell your dinnerware and include as may pictures as the site will allow.

Antiquing