Do you have antiques to sell? You have at least two routes to take, which are to sell online or in person. From online platforms like Etsy to an antiques dealer, you can choose from plenty of options.
In this guide, we cover where to sell vintage items online, how much it costs to post ads on these sites, and the basic steps to selling antiques online using various platforms.
Best Places to Sell Antiques Online
Etsy is considered one of the best stores to buy and sell antiques owing to its broad selection. The one-time fee to open and set up an Etsy shop is $20, while the listing fee is $0.27. There’s also a 6.5% transaction fee, 3-4% + $0.25 payment processing fee.
Open an Online Store
Set up an online store using e-commerce platforms like Shopify ($7/month for a Starter account) or Wix (starts at $16/month). Take high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions for each one, and upload them to your store.
Facebook Marketplace
Using your Facebook account, access Facebook Marketplace. Click on the “Sell Something” button. List your item and fill out any required information. Upload clear, high-quality photos and include detailed descriptions of each item. Set a price and publish your listing for free.
Kijiji
Sign up for an account at Kijiji and log in. Go to the “Sell” section or click “Post Ad” to create a listing. Choose a category and provide the required details. Upload the photos of your antiques, write a description, and set a price. Review and publish your listing at no cost.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a social marketplace where you can also sell antiques. You just snap a photo, write the description, set the price, and publish your listing right from your phone. Poshmark’s commission is $2.95 for sales under $15, and 20% for sales of $15 or more.
eBay
eBay is among the best places to sell antiques online. Set up a selling account and choose how you want to sell (Auction, Buy It Now, or Make Offer). When pricing your items, include the shipping and selling fees. Take high-quality photos and write a great description for each.
Vinted
Vinted, an online platform for selling second-hand items, offers a way to sell pre-loved clothes using the Vinted app with 0% selling fees. To start selling, download the app, take photos of your item, provide a description, set your price and upload to make your listing go live.
VarageSale
VarageSale is an app and website for selling various items online for free. To sell on the platform, create and log in to your account. Tap or click the “Post” or “Post Items” button, upload your images, enter the product details, and click or tap the “Submit” or “Post” button.
Ruby Lane
Ruby Lane is an online platform for selling antiques. To use the site, register as a seller with at least 15 items for sale. While there are no listing or setup fees, the maintenance fee is $25/mo. Get a $25 rebate by adding at least 15 items. The service fee is 9.9%, which is capped at $250.
MaxSold
At the online auction company MaxSold, you set up a sale on the app and choose a pickup day. There are two selling options with different fee structures. The MaxSold Managed option has a $1,250 flat fee, while the Seller Managed features a $300 minimum commission.
Used.ca
Used.ca is a classifieds site where you can register and upload your ad with high-quality photos. The fees vary by location, where and how long your ad appears. For the Victoria area, Top Ads cost $8 for 5 days, while Homepage Premium ads cost $250 for 7 days.
Craigslist
Selling on Craigslist requires you to create an account, create your listing, upload good pictures of your items and price them competitively. Include a detailed description of each item. All Craigslist postings are free.
Where to Sell Antiques Near Me
Host a Garage Sale
Choose a date and time for the event. Prepare the antiques you want to sell and price them appropriately. Promote your garage sale on your local paper and your social media network. Set up the display areas on the day of the sale. Provide some information about your items.
Go to an Antiques Dealer
Selling antiques to dealers is another way to find good buyers. Find reputable dealers in your area and obtain their contact details to inquire about selling your items. Schedule an appointment for an appraisal. After evaluation, negotiate for a better term and price.
Southworks Antiques
Southworks Antiques is Canada’s largest, fully enclosed antiques market, located in Cambridge, ON. It has over 35,000 sq. ft. of antiques and over 100 dealers. Open all year round, it holds auctions and other events like a collectibles expo, culture shows, and sale days.
Additionally, it offers various services, including furniture restoration and upholstery, polishing and conditioning, staining, and others. The antique mall also provides props for movie sets and television shows.
What is the Canadian Antique Dealers Association?
The Canadian Antique Dealers Association (CADA) in Toronto, ON, is a professional group whose goal is to uphold the highest standards of expertise and integrity within the antiques trade business.
The organization supports a community of reputable dealers who observe integrity and ethical standards. It aims to safeguard the antique buyer by providing a reasonable description of the item sold and to have the dealer pledge to high ethical principles.
The group assures consumers that they can buy with confidence from its accredited members, who are committed to preserving the highest standards of professionalism. Customers can browse items for sale by CADA dealers across Canada and explore the Canadiana Marketplace.
FAQs
How can you sell antique furniture in Canada?
To sell your antique furniture, advertise it on various platforms, such as eBay, Etsy and other e-commerce platforms. You can also sell it at auctions, consignment shops or dealers.
Where is the best place to sell vintage dishes?
Vintage dishes can be sold at online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, where the items have their own category. Physical locations like antique malls are also ideal places to sell vintage dishes.
What vintage items sell the best?
Jewelry, accessories, clothing, vinyl records, books, household items and pop culture memorabilia are among the best-selling vintage items. As for collectibles, two of the most valuable are vintage comic books and baseball cards.
How do I find out what my antiques are worth?
Seek the professional assistance of a certified appraiser with the expertise to conduct valuations and appraisals of antiques and typically provide a fair judgment. You can also check auction and sales databases like Kovels or WorthPoint.