Consider these ideas for selling your antiques: The main drawback is the hefty fee structure although there are options that provide free listings so you only pay after an item sells. You also have to be willing to take returns, because even if you say you don’t accept them, eBay can force you to take a return if they side with a customer’s complaint. Others look to sites like Ruby Lane and Etsy for an online mall experience or set up their own website. All have associated expenses, even if they may not be quite as high as eBay. There are sometimes restrictions on the types of items you can sell or the age of the items that are acceptable in online malls. Be sure to investigate all the potential pitfalls before making a commitment. Also, keep in mind that those who do well usually spend time cultivating a customer base and participating in social media venues to drive traffic. You also have to be willing to spend time photographing, writing listings, and processing orders for shipment. You’ll more than likely have to obtain a tax exemption resale certificate through the state in which you reside to set up an antique mall space or sell at antique shows. This also requires having the space to store your inventory and keep it safe. Many dealers combine shop or show selling with Internet selling to maximize their exposure and rotate inventory. They know they’ll have to hold on to many items for months or even years to find the right customer willing to pay top dollar. If you don’t want to get quite that serious about setting up shop, look for small local flea markets in your area that may rent tables on a day to day basis with no long term commitment. Many people doing a big purge or cleaning out an attic sell what they can and then donate the leftovers to charity. Just remember that if your goal is to clear clutter, you don’t want to bring the stuff back into your house after the sale. Price everything to move quickly. Make a commitment to part with stuff if it doesn’t sell, and follow through with that promise to yourself. If you do decide to sell on Craigslist, just remember to err on the side of caution. If you can put larger items out on a porch or in a garage so strangers won’t have to enter your home, do so. Also, consider meeting potential buyers in a public place like a busy coffee shop with portable collectibles you’re selling. Some police departments also offer safe spaces for buying and selling, so check with your local authorities to see if meeting up at a station is an option.
