How to prevent fraud when selling your antiques

Firstly let me say that actual fraud when selling your antiques is relatively rare, what you most need to protect yourself from is getting a too low a price.

I remember in the 1970s being horrified to hear how my elderly grandparents had sold a wonderful Victorian jardiniere on stand and a piano to someone who called at the door offering to by stuff ( called knockers). I think they were given about £10 for the pair, even back in the 1970s this must have been a rip off. So tip number one is: 

• Know approximately what your item is worth before trying to sell it. A little research goes a long way ( try ebay, your local auction house , an antiques price guide or asking several dealers.)

So you decide to sell through a real life auction. You can still be in danger for letting your item go for below market value. If its worth more than a few pounds I would discuss a reserve ( or minimum selling price) with the auctioneer.

Tip number two:

• Sell to someone reputable .  Decent auction houses and dealers depend quite a lot on reputation and word of mouth. Ask around locally

Tip Three: Protecting yourself when selling on eBay:

If selling through eBay you can protect yourself by ensuring that you post out your item by recorded delivery ( under £30) or special delivery for over that amount. This way the buyer cannot get away with claiming that they have not received your parcel when they really have. Another point on eBay, if you are allowing a large piece of furniture or similar to be collected either: accept cash on collection, get a cleared cheque in advance of collection or if they pay via paypal ensure they sign a receipt for your piece.

The next part of my little series on selling your antiques and collectables is quite interesting – what percentage of the items value should you expect to take when selling it?