.If you have something vintage that you want to sell, here are some tips:
- Sell it Yourself: If you are a Sell-It-Yourself sort, most folks seem to head for Craigslist, Ebay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, a Facebook group, etc. Craiglist is a great place to list, I think, because you can go on sites like searchtempest and cast a wider search net. Facebook Marketplace is super addictive – great for the way it shows what’s closest to you and for its photos. Local sites like craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great, I think, for bulky or fragile expensive to ship items. But that said, I have heard of many people — like Cindy and her cross-country cabinet crusade! — who are searching all over their region or even beyond for the particular large items they want — and they will go to get them.
- Sell it to a local store: You can also check with local small businesses who may allow you to put it on consignment, or who may buy it from you. Don’t be shocked at how “little” they may offer you to take it off your hands — remember, they have to pay for a bricks and mortar store and insurance and workman’s comp and all that stuff, which adds up quick. The folks I know who run these places work their tails off, and I don’t think they are getting rich.
- If it’s really valuable: If an item is truly valuable, get to a licensed expert who can guide you.
- If you can’t sell it, consider donating it to your local Re-Store Habitat for Humanity.
- Please, no buying/selling on the main blog, otherwise it would get way out of control — I will delete these without notice. Also, please know that I am not a dealer, I do not buy things from readers. And, due to volume I cannot respond to emails asking me to connect you with someone who has posted previously on the blog.
Valuations
- Trying to value your item to price it? I usually first start by researching Sold Listings on ebay to see what “comps” have gone for. Check under a variety of search terms, as folks often don’t know what they have and may be using generic selling terms.
- If you think you have something truly valuable, go to an appraiser. I am not expert on how that industry works, but I’d think you’d want “independent” eyes on the item. There also are some websites out there that collect auction prices for various items, but you usually have to pay to subscribe to research the comps.
- Note, I don’t do valuations. I love to hear about and see true woddities — but please don’t email for valuations or to sell stuff. Due to volume, I am unable to reply to requests about how to sell, price, or value other items.
Good luck with all!