Whether you have one purse you want to sell or an entire collection, it can be challenging. Below is a list of companies and online sites that can handle sales. They will have different directions and guidelines. There are advantages and disadvantages to each selling option.
The Antique Purse Collectors Society does not endorse any site or method of selling. Make sure you make an informed decision before consigning your purses. Ask questions. For example:
- Can I put a reserve price on the item?
- What happens if my purse does not sell?
- Do I pay for the auction if my purse does not sell?
- What are the costs of the auction?
The purpose of this article is to provide selling sources. Requirements and contract details will not be discussed as they vary and can change. You will need to contact the auction house or read the consignment instructions.
Antique Purse Collectors Society
Antiquepursecollectorssociety.com
This society has a wealth of information about antique and vintage purses. There is a section for selling purses. Only members of the society can sell on the site. The annual fee is $30.00. You must handle the payment and shipping
The society holds a bazaar at their annual meeting where many members sell purses from their collections.
Antique and Vintage Purse Marketplace on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/672692089500777
The advantage to this site is that there is no fee to sell. You will need to post your picture with a condition report and price. Once the purse is sold, you will handle payment and shipping.
Augusta Auctions
https://augusta-auction.com/how-to-consign
They are the premier company in America for specifically antique and vintage costume. Once the purses are accepted for auction, you will need to ship them the purse. They handle shipping and payment after the conclusion of the auction. The proceeds are sent to you after auction costs are deducted.
Dana Auctions
You will send your purse to the auction house for inspection. They will handle shipping and payment after the conclusion of the auction. The proceeds are sent to you after auction costs are deducted.
Everything But The House
https://sell.ebth.com/get-started
You will send your purse to the auction house for inspection. They will handle shipping and payment after the conclusion of the auction. The proceeds are sent to you after auction costs are deducted.
Sotheby’s Auction House
https://www.sothebys.com/en/sell
You will send your purse to the auction house for their inspection. This is a high-end auction house. They typically curate what they sell and it is top-of-the line merchandise. They will handle shipping and payment after the conclusion of the auction. The proceeds will be sent to you after auction costs are deducted.
Freeman and Hindman Auctions
https://hindmanauctions.com/locations/chicago-headquarters
This Chicago auction house is also known for selling costume. You will send them the purse for inspection. They will handle shipping and payment after the conclusion of the auction. You will receive payment after auction costs are deducted.
eBay
https://www.ebay.com/sl/sell?sr=wnstart&_trksid=p4375194.m570.l1528
Many people sell on eBay. It is easy to follow the directions and upload pictures. There are fees associated with the sale of each item. You package and ship the item yourself after you receive payment. If there is a problem with the transaction, you may have to refund the buyer’s money. There is a feedback mechanism for buyers. If there is a dispute, it may not be decided in your favor.
Ruby Lane
https://www.rubylane.com/info/joinrubylane
Ruby Lane is another way to sell a purse(s). It is not an auction site like eBay. It is a fixed price selling site. You will upload your photo, description, and post your price. There are fees associated with this site. After the conclusion of the sale, you will manage payment from the buyer and shipping. There is a feedback mechanism for buyers. If there is a dispute, it may not be decided in your favor.
Etsy
This is similar to eBay in that you post your photo and ship the purse after receiving payment. It is not an auction site, but a selling site. You set your price, but there are fees. See below. You also package and ship the item. There is also a feedback mechanism. If there is a dispute, it may not be decided in your favor.
- Listing Fees: Etsy charges a small fee for each item listed on the platform.
- Transaction Fees: Etsy takes a percentage of the total sale price (including shipping and gift wrapping) for each completed sale.
- Payment Processing Fees: Etsy charges a fee for processing payments through Etsy Payments.
Bidsquare, Invaluable, and Live Auctioneers
These are online sites that work with brick-and-mortar auction houses. You will sell as part of an auction online or, as in the case of Bidsquare, it has the option of a fixed price sale.
These sites have a list of auction houses, which you contact to sell an item. You ship it to the auction house for inspection. Then it will be offered online via Invaluable, and/or Live Auctioneers, or Bidsquare, depending on which auction house has the contract. It will also be offered at their brick-and-mortar auction house, simultaneously, if they are conducting an auction onsite. The advantage to these sites is exposure. They have a wide viewership. The auction house will package and ship it. There will be auction costs associated with these services.
You can also sell at your local auction house. Ask if they have a contract with which to sell on Invaluable, Live Auctioneers, and/or Bidsquare. If they do, they will probably charge extra, but it may help to obtain a higher price.
Kerry Taylor Auctions in London
https://www.Kerrytaylorauctions.com
They are the premier seller of antique and vintage costume in Britain. The logistics of sending a purse for auction to the U.K. would be significant for a seller in the United States.
Taxes on large lots of purses sold at auction should be considered. Possible taxes include income taxes and sales taxes. This will vary from state to state.
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