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Ways to Sell Antique Bottles

Collecting antique bottles is an enjoyable pastime that can lead to a profitable endeavor. If you know how to place a value on antique bottles by their condition, shape, color and other characteristics, your next step is to investigate the various ways to sell them. If you decide to go into business, check with your local clerk̵7;s office to see if a permit or license is required. Certain venues also require at least a sales-tax identification number. This is a number issued to you by the state to prove you are collecting sales tax from your customers to pay to the state.

Yard Sales
- Yard sales typically are held on weekends at your residence or another suitable location. Some communities require permits to hold yard sales so check with your community government. Yard sales are a good way to sell less expensive antique bottles-- most buyers are looking for bargains.
Flea Markets and Swap Meets
- Flea markets and swap meets are like large, organized yard sales that attract many more shoppers because of the variety of merchandise offered. Vendors usually are required to pay a fee to set up a table, and these also are good markets for selling less expensive antique bottles.
Antique Stores and Antique Malls
- Antique stores and antique malls might allow you to sell your antique bottles for commissions or percentages of the sales. You can leave your bottles there on consignment, or you might be asked to work a certain number of hours in the store or pay a table fee. Higher-priced bottles might sell in antique stores and antique malls as long as all sellers are knowledgeable of the merchandise. Antique malls also attract busloads of shoppers, which means more potential buyers.
General-Merchandise Auctions
- Most areas have general-merchandise auctions. The auction house will do the advertising and auctioning for a fee or percentage of the sales of your antique bottles.
Online Auctions
- Online auctions are a lot of work but can be very profitable if you know how to post an antique bottle properly. You must be accurate in the description, note any flaws and know the value ahead of time. Photos must be clear and show details and flaws. You also must set up an account with the online auction site after verifying that it is reputable and sign up for online payment options. New policies at most online auction sites protect sellers from non-paying bidders, so don̵7;t be put off for this reason.
Specialized Online Sites
- Many online sites are set up specifically to sell antique bottles. Some sell individual items, and others require multiple listings. Again, look for a reputable site, and sign up to accept online payments for your own protection. Specify a return policy and what methods of shipping and their costs are available unless the site requires a certain class of shipping.
Classified Ads
- Antique bottles can be listed for sale through online classifieds and print venues, such as bottle-collecting magazines and newsletters. An accurate description should be given, and detailed photographs always help.

Antiquing