Have you always wanted to get into the antiques business but are worried you don’t have enough experience in the industry?
If yes, you will be pleased to hear that anyone can make money buying and selling antiques.
Whether you want to buy and sell antiques full-time or you intend to do it as a side hustle, there is serious money to be made as long as you know where to look and what to look for.
Read on to discover all the top tips and tricks for buying and selling antiques, with success guaranteed!
Where can I buy antiques to sell?
There are lots of different places that you can look to buy antiques, some of which are online and others which you have to attend in person. Some of the best places to buy antiques are:
Flea markets
You can find flea markets up and down the country, and these are perfect for finding antiques. The most important thing to remember when buying from flea markets is that you should never accept the first price offered. Always haggle for a better deal.
Antique shows
If you have a good idea of what types of antiques you want to buy and sell, then antique shows are a great place to go. Although haggling is not as commonplace at antique shows, you can still try to put in a lower offer.
eBay
When it comes to buying antiques, eBay might not be your first thought, but you may be surprised at just how many treasures you can find on this selling site. To make money buying antiques on eBay, you need to make sure you do your research and always ask the seller questions about the item before you bid.
Estate sales
Estate sales are often overlooked, but they are an amazing resource for buying antiques. To grab the best bargains, make your offers toward the end of the sale, as this is when they are most likely to accept lower prices.
Garage sales
Although these can be a bit hit-and-miss, there are bargains to be found at local garage sales. The key to success is in hunting out the valuable items from the tat. Again, you can haggle hard at garage sales, so don’t be afraid to go in low.
How to sell antiques
When it comes to selling antiques, the first element that you need to take care of is the condition of the item. As you might expect, antiques that are in good condition command a higher price than those that have succumbed to wear and tear over the years.
Depending on what types of antiques you intend to buy, you may be able to restore items to their former glory. For example, maintaining vintage metal signs can significantly increase their resale value.
In terms of where to sell antiques, you have several options:
- Online portals such as eBay and Ruby Lane
- A brick-and-mortar location
- Antique roadshows and fairs
Of course, you can choose to sell antiques at all of the above and maximize your chance of making good profits. However, it is worth noting that most antique dealers make the majority of their money selling online.
It can also be a good idea to seek out the advice of other antique dealers and traders, as they will be able to offer you invaluable help and support.
Final thoughts
The process of buying and selling antiques can be a bit of a learning curve, and you are likely to make mistakes along the way. That being said, if you stick with it and are committed to launching a successful business, you will start to make a profit eventually.
Good luck and happy antique hunting!
