How to Sell Vintage Jewelry

Though the demand for vintage jewelry remains at an all-time high so does the supply, making it a very competitive business or paid hobby. Yet, even in a buyers' market, these tips can help you better sell vintage jewelry by avoiding new competitor mistakes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Passion for vintage jewelry
• <br>Vintage jewelry stock
• <br>Display material
• <br>Quality digital camera (for online)

1. Buy your vintage jewelry pieces for no more than one-third of the price you reasonably expect to receive. This will enable you to cover your costs such as booth rental, advertising, stagnant sales and taxes, as well as compensate you a bit for your time.
2. Decide on a jewelry niche before you invest significant sums in supply and advertising to sell vintage jewelry. Minimizing unsold stock, this will increase your reputation as a source for your customer base. Focus on selling primarily fine or custom jewelry, or pieces from certain eras, for example. Optionally, add a smaller dedicated selection of select motifs or designs.
3. Clean and display vintage jewelry in the best possible lighting and use quality, backgrounds such as velvet or silk. Whether you sell vintage jewelry online or in a store, avoid detracting from the beauty of the jewelry from poor display techniques.
4. Substandard photo for selling jewelry Take quality photos of vintage jewelry you plan to sell online, ones that flatter but also accurately represents the item. Utilize a digital camera that takes clear, sharp close-up (macro) photos. Avoid using a flash and use a tripod if your images are blurred. If necessary, learn more photography basics including color correction to best increase sales and minimize returns when you sell vintage jewelry online.
5. Sell vintage jewelry both online and off to gauge which is most effective and/or to reach a wider customer base. Try selling in-demand pieces of similar quality and price simultaneously at a flea market, on Craigslist and an online auction, for example. Note that seasonal fluctuations occur, so more than one trial may be necessary.
6. Try networking with other vintage jewelry dealers and enthusiasts and learn from both their successes and difficulties. If, for example, you learn that rhinestones are not selling you may wish to avoid this style or invest less in your future supply. But also consider your location, clientèle and personal interest in deciding what to buy or sell.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine bulk vintage jewelry sales with a careful eye, especially online. Develop local sources if you plan to sell vintage jewelry locally.
• <br>Know how to describe the jewelry you sell in an accurate and attractive manner; conduct research on the pieces and examine other vintage jewelry vendor methods.
• <br>If you maintain regular stock turnover and wish to sell vintage jewelry online consider joining a dedicated vintage jewelry mall, like Ruby Lane, that provides decent website traffic and a solid reputation. Consider online costs carefully before committing to upfront costs and long-term charges.