How to Sell Silverware on the Internet
Looking for something to sell on the internet? Silverware is a niche that usually sells, whether it is stainless, silverplate or sterling silver. There are some ways to help it sell better, or if selling at auction, to help it sell higher.
Knowing how to find the answers and list an item may be the boost needed to make money in this niche.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Find some silverware to sell, and clean it so it is presentable for photographing.
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2
Look on the back and see if it is marked. See the country of origin, and if it has a manufacturer's name.
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3
Go to a website like Replacements.com or eBay.com and search for the name you see on the back to find the pattern name.
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4
Once you have found the pattern name, check the price on these sites or just use Google search. A price range is all that is needed. Be sure you are comparing sterling to sterling, silverplate to silverplate and stainless to stainless. Some of these patterns were made in different metals.
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5
Identify the piece by shape. Know if it is a lettuce fork or a salad fork or a baby fork, as this makes a difference in the title and in search.
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6
When selling place setting pieces, sell like items. Teaspoons are often lost or damaged, so sell four teaspoons together, rather than a complete place setting with one fork, one knife, one spoon. If a buyer needs knives, they would prefer to purchase four knives than four complete place settings to get four knives.
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Create a title with good keywords. Use the maker name, the kind of metal, the number of pieces you are listing, pattern name, the shape, and the the word "silverware" and age if you can work it in. The title should be something like Lunt Sterling Silver Chateau Baby Fork Silverware 1919.
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Use a starting price that will make money that is in line with the other items showing in the price search.
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Describe your item accurately, and have photos to show the pieces and the design or pattern name. List a shipping cost or use a calculator. Wait for it to sell!
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Tips & Warnings
Some patterns sell better than others, and some scarce stainless sells for more than vintage sterling silver. When buying silverware, buy by condition.
Some silverware is not in demand and will not sell when listed. Put it away for a future date and check later to see if it is selling.
Related Searches
Resources
- Photo Credit image from the author
