Whether you’re new to the antique business or you’ve been here for a while, it’s always important to keep up with what’s selling the best in the market as well as products that are of high value. Depending on what you typically sell or collect, you can make a lot of money by hosting an auction and getting the most money from your valuable products.
In reality, all types of antiques can sell well in an auction, but there are certain items that stand out from the rest and are in high demand. The Merchandiser has a list of some of the best items to sell at an auction:
Small Collectibles
Wayforth says that small collectibles have big value at auctions. The smaller the item is, the more the public is willing to pay for them. Small collectibles can include dishes, coins, stamps and jewelry. “Most Boomers and Gen Xers turned up their noses at these old-fashioned hobbies, so the stamps and coins that are coming on the market these days are from our grandparents’ and even our great-grandparents’ collections, dating back to the 1800s,” according to Wayforth. These items need to be in good condition for them to sell well.
Advertising Signs & Posters
Collectors and dealers are very much attracted to advertising signs, posters and displays. Central Mass Auctions says that neon and other electric signs are also desirable. Many companies are making good money from modernized reproductions of old signage from big brands such as Coca Cola, Pepsi, and old mechanic shops. If you can get your hands on a genuine sign from the 1960’s or earlier that’s still in decent condition, you’re sure to make a good profit.
Early Chinese & Other Asian Antiques
It seems like there’s always older Asian antiques at auctions, but there are certain pieces that are worth a fortune. Just last year, an antique bronze Buddha was purchased at a garage sale for $100 and is estimated to be worth $100,000. Japanese and other Asian antiques are also sought-after and often do very well at auctions. Central Mass Auctions advises that old Japanese woodblock prints and other artwork, wooden furniture by well-known artisans, Samurai swords, and military items from World War II are also valuable collectibles.
Vintage Toys
These items are another hot seller at auctions, both in person and online. From original Atari games to your grandpa’s metal Tonka trucks, you could be pocketing some major dough. Vintage cars show up quite frequently in auctions, but baseball cards before the 1980’s and old lunch boxes also sell well. Central Mass Auctions says that dealers will have the best luck selling toys from the 1960’s and earlier.
The key to doing well at an auction is to sell truly unique items that are rare and hard to find. As always, be sure to look up an antique before trying to sell it to see just how much you can make. Auction Masters (www.auctionmasters.com) offers product appraisals to give dealers a better understanding of the rarity and value of the item you’re trying to sell. But don’t just take their word for it, a simple internet search can also help you determine the value of the antique.