If you’re anything like me, posting an ad to sell something is a last-minute, spur-of-the-moment thing - a quick snap shot of the item, and the bare minimum effort put into posting the ad, but a few extra minutes spent preparing your ad can make the difference between selling your item, or having it languish in classifieds purgatory. We’ve compiled a few tips to help you put your best foot forward.
Closely inspect the item you’re selling. Look for any labels, makers marks serial numbers. It’s surprising what you can find on a piece of furniture you think you know inside-out because you’ve had it in the house for years.
Look on the back, underside, the legs, take drawers out and look on the sides. I owned a gorgeous credenza for 16 years, and didn’t find out it was a Dielcraft until one day I pulled a drawer out and noticed a then rather obvious makers label on the side of the drawer.
Once you’re armed with as much info as you can get, head to the computer and start researching. If you can pin down the designer, the manufacturer, the furniture line, date, etc. you can then search pricing on some auction house web sites like Wright 20th Century, LA Modern Auctions. These are my 2 favorite sources for furniture information. You can also send the Lushpad Team some photos and information and we’ll try to help you out as much as possible. Be aware that the pricing on the auction web sites are for exceptional pieces of furniture in excellent condition, so their value may possibly be higher than the piece you’re selling. Find a few similar pieces and average out the price so you’re not overpricing or underpricing your furniture.
Used furniture will always have some wear because of age and use, but there are things you can do to make it look its best. Dust it, polish or oil it. Fix small nicks and scratches. Clean and vacuum upholstery as best you can. The better it looks the less likely a buyer is to haggle over the price.
This is where a lot of people stop trying. Take a few minutes to remove items from on top or around your furniture. Remove or hide cables and electrical cords, and try to remove all “personal” items from the scene like family photos, or bills, or children’s toys.
Take at least 5 images. One over all from the front, and the rest showing doors, drawers open, unique design elements, or any significant damage you want the buyer to be aware of. Don’t post blurred photos – these don’t really help the buyer to see what the item is like.
Provide as much detailed information as you can about the size, shape, material, quantity and condition. Measurements are very important. Include the designer, manufacturer and date/era of the piece. Make sure you note all damage so there are no surprises when the buyer receives the item.
Another nice thing for the seller is to know about the provenance of the piece, i.e. any significant history about it – where it’s from, how long you’ve had it, did you know the designer, did your grandmother bring it over from the old country?
Always check your spelling and grammar before you post.
Try not to include terms like “Eames Era” or use all uppercase in your ad. It may be catchy to the uninitiated, but it does not help your item sell on a site that specializes in mid-century modern.
Make sure you note all damage so there are no surprises when the buyer receives the item.
So, now you're armed with all this info, go ahead! Place an ad on Lushpad!
