This is a general guide on where you can look to buy antiques, vintage and retro items. How to check your items once purchased and how to sell them. At Wildcard we have a variety of items for sale online and in the shop. We make regular blogs, interact on various social media platforms and communicate honestly and openly with our customers so everyone gets a good deal. We have repeat customers and fantastic feedback too.
Where And What To Buy.
Where To Buy:
The internet has a wide range of platforms, Ebay, Facebook Market Place, Etsy and Online Auction Houses. You can also use a search engine such as Google to find antique and vintage fairs/markets, antique and vintage shops, car boot sales and inhouse auction places.
What To Buy:
Metal such as gold, silver, silver plate, brass and copper can fluctuate in price depending on the market at the time. Brand names do not always hold their value. It is worth checking how common or rare the item is. It is nice to buy items you like especially unusual or quirky items. However remember if you are reselling have a look and see what is the current trend for antique and vintage items. When buying always have in mind your budget, you don’t want to be left paying over your budget because you have been caught up in the hype of a deal or bidding at the auction. If possible do some research before purchasing items.
Checking Your Purchased Items.
If you have bought in bulk usually from an auction house, it is quite exciting to go through the items individually. Check them out and give them a good clean first, this will help see any markings that can help identify the item. There are various forums, websites and even blogs that can help with this. This could be looking at a company name, logo or markings. Checking styles of glassware, pottery or metal ware. I always find it interesting when you have an item you know little about and you can find information online about the history of the company. It does help you build on your knowledge of various categories of items too.
Where To Sell Your Items and Pricing.
Where to Sell:
There are more available options for selling antique and vintage items then ever before. Antique centres can rent you a space, car boot sales in the summer months attract a varied audience, auction houses they are not just for buying you can sell through them too and even look for specialist auctions depending on the items you are selling. Ebay, Etsy, Facebook market Place are popular selling platforms. When selling take into consideration there maybe additional fees taken for selling your items. Also there maybe terms and conditions to look into too about being a seller.
Pricing Your Items:
You can always use online platforms to help assist with your pricing. There are also antique and vintage books, magazines and catalogues to help with this. Ideally you want to be able to cover any sellers costs, the cost of your original item and make a profit. You must be cautious that the price of your item is not over inflated, this could lead to no sale. Be reasonable with your price.