Starting An Antiques And Collectibles E-Biz - How To Find, Buy, And Market Antiques Online
Antiques and collectibles are big business ? on eBay, the collectibles category alone had a gross merchandise value of over $2 billion dollars last year just in the second quarter. The eCommerce boom has only fueled the industry ? sellers are no longer limited to local audiences, and buyers are no longer limited to local dealers. You can find things on the Internet that you?d never run across in your lifetime, from people all over the world. Buying or selling online isn?t really that different from buying or selling in a brick-and-mortar store ? people want the same type of information and need to ask the same questions.
Pam Wiggins of http://ChicAntiques.com suggests numerous learning resources for someone who wants to get into the antiques business but knows nothing about it: ? Use the Internet ? there are lots of great web sites, such as http://Antiques.About.com.
? Read books on antiques and collectibles.
? Join various online collecting groups. Says Wiggins, ?You?re going to learn a whole lot in a short period because you?re interacting with very experienced people who will answer your questions.?
? Attend actual shows and ask questions about items that interest you or that you?d like to learn more about.
Wiggins recommends, ?I think it?s a good to get your footing in one or two areas, then branch out and start learning about other things. There?s so much to learn that I think it builds your confidence if you can feel like you know a lot about one thing.? Choose a narrow specialty ? don?t try to become an expert in a broad category like ?dolls? or ?glass.? Instead, specialize in ?depression glass? or ?carnival glass?.
How to Get the Best Prices When Buying and Selling Becoming knowledgeable in an area enables you to recognize a bargain and estimate what different pieces will go for in different markets. When buying, Wiggins suggests, ?Don?t be shy about asking for a discount. In the antiques business, it?s not only accepted, it?s expected, so ask.? If people know you?re buying to resell, they'll usually take that into consideration.
When selling, remember reserves don?t always work well in the antiques business. If you feel confident a piece will bring a good price, you may want to start the bid fairly low. However, if you?ve invested a lot in your wares, you may opt to start the bid with the price you?re wanting. Always keep in mind what the market will bear and look at the completed items to get an idea of what you can expect.
It?s important to have a good photo and description ? post shots from multiple views, and if a piece has authentication marks, be sure to show those as well. Buyers will want to know the age, quality, and condition, as well as any flaws that might affect the value.
If a piece is extremely rare or expensive, you may want to consider having it appraised. However, items worth even $1,000 aren?t usually considered to be worth the expense of a written appraisal. If you have no idea of an item's value, you can submit a photo to What?sItWorthToYou.com. For $9.95, they?ll give you an assessment of its value and answer your questions.
Product Sourcing Radio is Created and Hosted by Chris Malta and Robin Cowie of http://WorldwideBrands.com, Home of OneSource: The Internet's Largest Source of Genuine, Factory-Direct Wholesalers for online sellers. Visit http://www.WorldwideBrands.com for more FREE E-Biz & Product Sourcing info!
Hobby Articles:
Company Announces Way to Put Stars Autographs on Sports Collectibles
Hypedupsports.com announces Upper Deck authenticated customer send-in program featuring Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.
Collectibles: Searching for those Hard-to-Find Diecast Models
For collectors of any kind, there are always those items
that are much sought after, but nearly impossible to find.
If they're lucky enough to finally locate them, the price
is often exorbitant or there are some other restrictions
which inhibit their ability to secure them.
Antique Delft and Very Collectible Tiles and Ceramics: Beginners Start Here
So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure what to collect? How About . .
Collecting Antiques ? The Peoples Art
In this, the first in a series of articles, we discuss the growth in the marketability of what used to be called Peoples Art and the marketability of everyday packaging materials.
Spotlight Tribute is a New Collectible Featuring Movie Star Trading Cards
The first ever Spotlight Tribute features 72 trading cards of the world's biggest stars including Will Smith, Johnny Depp, Jessica Alba, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce Knowles, Carrie Underwood, and Oprah Winfrey, just to name a few. It is a complete Movie Star and Entertainment Collectible.
SAGA Named Most Anticipated Upcoming Collectible Game
SAGA, the first collectible online real time strategy war-game is ranked #1 by player poll.
Carlton Ware: A Colourful Collectible
These vibrant collectibles are as charming today as they were when they were first introduced.OriginThe company Carlton Ware was formed in 1890 due to a partnership between J.
Department 56 Collectibles: Creating Lasting Memories and Traditions with Dept 56 Displays
Dept 56 tips website gives 5 reasons why making beautiful and memorable Department 56 displays with collectible houses is so enjoyable (and important).
Hockey Products?collectibles
Were you ever one of those who were inspired by the awesome success of the underdogs in the Mighty Ducks movie? Remember the famed ?flying V? move that helped the team win the game? Remember how Charlie and his teammates came out as victors because of the sheer grit and determination they displayed during training so they could be recognized as the best despite being known as no good at first?
New Habits, Rebounding Economy Help To Sell Giftware and Collectibles
Just a few years ago, when one thought of a home-based sales business, Tupperware, Avon and a host of multi-level marketing schemes might have come to mind. Today, however, changing market conditions and evolving consumer habits have converged to make home-based selling businesses a realistic opportunity with real profit potential.
Sterling Silver Baby Rattle? $10,000 Wine Caddies? At Nelson & Nelson Antiques, Afficionados and Collectors Can Explore The Wonderful World of Sil
"Silver has surged 57% in 2006. At $11 an ounce it is the highest price since 1983" PHam-Duy Nguyen said of Bloomberg News.
Can investors still make a mint? Steve Nelson thinks so. He has operated Nelson & Nelson Antiques for the past twenty five years and bring hisr passion and knowleage for antique silver to investors and afficionados around the world. For investors interested in learning how to bring antique silver into a balanced investment portfolio, he is a rare breed of expert who can guide investors in this business.
Is Everything Considered As Collectibles?
What kind of gifts you often receive? Is it toy dolls, pottery, game, memorabilia or something you consider as a collectables? Well, what ever it is, as long as it pleases you, those entire gifts are full with memory which you then consider as a collectibles. Gifts and collectibles are not contradicting each other; instead they are supplementing each other.
Insuring Your Collectible Investment
Stamps, baseball cards and rare books are just a few items that people collect, but there are thousands of items some people never think of as collectables. In fact, you?ve probably seen people who collect hub caps, shot glasses and buttons just to name a few. Collections are as varied as the personalities of the people doing the collecting. No matter what your collection consists of, it goes without saying it?s valuable to you, and because you value it, insuring your collection is important.
2006 Antiques and Artisans Show To Be Held In Providence
The First Unitarian Church of Providence, at the corner of Benefit and Benevolent Streets, will be the site of the 2006 Antiques and Artisans Show, to be held on Saturday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than two dozen antiques dealers and artisans will be displaying and selling.
Where Antiques Originate and How You Can Find Them
It's important to understand where antiques originate. Many antique buyers make the mistake of mis-understanding the process by which antique items are found.