For example, a manufacturer might place a mark on the back of a chair. It might be on a drawer inside of a dresser or wardrobe. When you find a manufacturer’s mark, take a picture of it. You can use it to determine who made the furniture and what it is worth by looking through catalogues. Then, show off the mark when you’re advertising. You may have received a certificate of authenticity or something similar when buying the furniture. Save it, especially if the furniture doesn’t have a mark to distinguish it.
If your furniture is in pretty bad shape, consider having it fixed first. For example, refinish or reupholster it to potentially increase its value.
Furniture made from solid wood is worth more than anything made from thin plywood or other materials. Premium options like mahogany and maple are typically a sign of high-end quality. Natural fabrics like European linen, cotton, leather, and down stuffing are often signs of a piece of furniture that is worth more than usual. By contrast, synthetics are often used in more inexpensive furniture.
Many manufacturers have online catalogues. If you’re selling an older piece of furniture, check out antique databases and marketplaces online. If you don’t know the manufacturer or are dealing with an antique, browse marketplace listing and completed sales on auction websites.
Since high-end furniture can be pretty expensive, appraisals are usually worth doing despite the fee. If you don’t think your item is worth much, then the appraisal won’t be worth doing. Search for online services that can perform appraisals at a reduced cost. You could also try visiting an auction house or furniture seller for a free verbal appraisal.
For a basic price estimate, start with the retail price and subtract 20% to 30% from it. Take off extra for wear and tear or damage. Factor in the demand. Selling high-end furniture often involves waiting for a buyer to come along. You may need to drop the price lower than you anticipate to attract more buyers. Pick a realistic price, but have an idea of what you will settle for. For example, you might decide that your Heywood Wakefield armoire is worth $3,500 but is more likely to sell for $2,000.
Shipping costs can be an issue when selling outside of your community. Be aware of the costs and make sure the buyer is willing to pay to come retrieve the furniture. Many listing sites ask you to pay a small fee, such as $1, to advertise. Depending on the service, you may also have to offer a commission, which is usually a percentage of the final sales price.
Be sure to read the fine print. Some apps take a percentage commission of the final sales price. It can often be a high amount, like 25%.
Consignment shops take a commission once your item sells. The fee can be anywhere from 25% to over 50%, so discuss the arrangement with the shop before doing business with them. Some shops force you to discount or take back items if they don’t sell within a certain time period. Consignment shops are often small and have limited space, which means your furniture is more visible. However, the shop may not get a lot of foot traffic or customers interested in costly furniture.
One downside of newspapers is that not everyone reads them. The only people that see your ad will be readers inside your community, and they may not be interested in what you’re selling. Discuss the cost you have to pay to run the ad. It can get expensive. Newspapers often charge a fixed cost, such as $5 to $100 per line. Many newspaper outlets also post classified ads on their websites, although you may need to pay a separate fee for it.
Dealers are resellers, so don’t expect to get the best deal. Since they are in business, they are often trustworthy, reliable buyers, however. [11] X Research source Completing a sale depends on what the dealer is looking for and the quality of the furniture. If it all works out, then you can make a quick sale with a professional. If a dealer isn’t interested in your furniture, they may be able to give you a free estimate on what they think it is actually worth.
Get information on how to sell antiques by getting in touch with antique associations. Search for national antique organizations online to find their websites. Antiques can still be sold through online listings and other routes, but they are more difficult to price and advertise accurately. You may need a professional opinion to figure out where the furniture came from, for example.
Stage the piece so you can get some great shots of it. Take the photo in a well-lit area in front of a blank wall in your living room or garage. Make sure nothing else is in the photo, like other furniture or clutter so the photo looks as great as it can. If you’re selling multiple pieces of furniture, separate them unless you’re selling them as a set. For example, if you’re selling a dining set, take a picture of the table and chairs together. Expect potential buyers to require a photo no matter how you advertise. High-end furniture is a pricey investment, so honesty and accuracy go a long way toward completing a sale.
Checks and debit card numbers are difficult to verify before you complete the exchange. The check could bounce, for instance, because the person doesn’t have enough money to cover the cost. Many businesses, including consignment shops and dealers, pay via a check. Check the business’ reputation online before deciding to accept payment this way.
For instance, your ad could say, “$2,000 queen-sized Bernhardt bed for sale. Purchased in late 2007 and used daily in main bedroom. ” The furniture’s brand is important. If it is part of a collection, make sure your description says so. Keep the description simple. Most people browse quickly through advertisements. If it’s too long and complicated, they may lose interest.
You might describe a wood chair as having, “light scratches around the legs and a slight chip on the right arm. ” The worst outcome is having a buyer show up and realize that they don’t want the furniture after all. An accurate description helps to avoid this.
