Sell Collectible Cups & Saucers
China tea cups and saucers are a fun collector's item due to the diversity of styles out in the market. If you've inherited a tea set or found eclectic tea cups and saucers at an estate sale, you can try to re-sell them to collectors. Unless you're an expert, however, you run the risk of setting too high or too low a price on your items. The best way to ensure you're getting a good price for your collectible cups and saucers is to get an appraised value before you sell. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate an appraiser near you using the American Society of Appraisers' website. If you're unable to find a china appraiser near you, you can find one who can use photos of the items to offer you an appraisal. Don't settle for a photograph appraisal if you can find someone to do the appraisal in person, since you'll get a more accurate estimate from an appraiser who can handle the objects herself.
2. Schedule an appraisal. Keep your collectible cups and saucers in a clean, dry room while you're waiting for the appraisal appointment.
3. Discuss the appraised value of your wares with the appraiser and also discuss sales strategies. Some tea cups and saucers may be highly valuable, while others may have been mass produced and command little resale value on the antique market.
4. Photograph all collectible cups and saucers. You can use the images to post on auction sites or to email antique dealers when determining where you'll sell your collectibles.
5. Research local antiques dealers. Call to see if they would be interested in selling your cups and saucers on commission. If so, discuss the percentage you would get beforehand. Since your cups and saucers are fragile, you don't want to drive them to an antique shop only to drive them home if you can't reach an acceptable sales arrangement with the proprietor.
6. List collectibles on eBay and other online auction sites. Include a description of your item, its date, its condition and at least one good photograph. Set a minimum sale price so you're sure to get a fair price for the item. Signs of wear such as chips, mold, stains or cracking can affect the value of your collectibles so be sure to mention these things in your listing.
Tags: cups saucers, appraised value, appraiser near, auction sites, collectible cups