From poisonous items to human stays, in case you are a classic or vintage supplier, there’s undoubtedly some stock to keep away from. Some could also be arduous to resell, some could also be downright unlawful, and a few could incur penalized promoting privileges on on-line marketplaces. Learn on to be taught what stock to keep away from.
Problematic Picks
Whereas the advantage of being a classic or vintage supplier is which you could supply and promote absolutely anything sufficiently old, there’s some stock to go on. Most of this stuff have some innately undesirable high quality, whether or not it’s gross, in poor situation, or simply arduous to deal with. Nevertheless, a few of these objects are additionally problematic to resell and will get you kicked off some on-line marketplaces if you happen to attempt to record them. If you wish to hold a very good status as a supplier, your greatest guess is to hunt out different items.
After a few years of sourcing and promoting antiques and collectibles, I’ve realized just a few issues about what to keep away from. I now perceive the “actual property” subject within the enterprise, after buying one too many massive items of furnishings which can be robust to move, present, and promote. Usually, I keep away from promoting classic clothes as a result of quite a lot of work is concerned if the objects must be repaired or cleaned. Moreover, style developments change too shortly. I do wish to promote sturdy classic items within the glass, ceramic, and steel classes as a result of they’re straightforward to keep up and clear with my trusty feather duster. Ephemera sells effectively, however know that customers typically deal with you want a library, so keep away from it if that bothers you. I at all times account for the truth that a few of my stock will get broken, destroyed, and even stolen. Small enterprise insurance coverage helps. Lastly, right here is my…
High 10: Stock to Keep away from
Poisonous wares. Did you discover a field of classic Nineteen Seventies ground tile with fabulous, funky patterns? Earlier than you determine to resell them, make certain they aren’t made with asbestos. I additionally go on sure classic dishware if I think it was made with lead within the glaze.
Radioactive items. You need to use your judgment with this one. Some “poisonous” items, comparable to classic radioactive pink Fiestaware, are extremely fascinating by collectors, however some on-line marketplaces don’t enable these listings if the phrase “radioactive” is within the itemizing.
Offensive materials. Racist, sexist, and different “-ist” materials will not be solely offensive and inappropriate, however additionally it is usually not allowed in some on-line marketplaces. In case your listings are eliminated for offensive content material, you could be penalized by the positioning and have your promoting privileges restricted.
Human stays. Okay, it is a bizarre one; nonetheless, I’ve lately been coming upon this extra as the marketplace for “oddities” continues to thrive. Most on-line marketplaces don’t enable the sale of human physique elements, whether or not a group of previous tooth or a creepy cranium somebody present in a retired dentist’s dwelling.
Large objects. Not everybody will agree with this one, however since one in every of my mottos is to promote objects which can be “small and simple to ship,” I typically keep away from bigger objects. Should you promote massive stuff on-line, it’s a ache to ship. Should you promote it in your store or native vintage mall, it takes up quite a lot of area.
Heavy objects. Just like #5 (Large objects), heavy objects might be difficult to ship except they slot in one of many “Flat Fee” USPS packing containers. I promote loads of classic forged iron items like doorstops and bookends which can be heavy, however by and huge, they slot in these “Flat Fee” packing containers so the transport prices aren’t too excessive.
Liquids. Liquids are robust since some can have worth and be price promoting, like classic fragrance. You need to make certain you comply with any related guidelines for mailing liquids when transport. Keep away from bigger liquid objects; for instance, if you happen to promote classic brass fireplace extinguishers, stick to empty ones.
Unlawful objects. Ivory is a main instance of one thing unlawful to promote in lots of venues, which is problematic if you discover one thing like scrimshaw or a classic trinket field that could be fabricated from this materials. When unsure, neglect about it. Like #3 (Offensive materials), your promoting privileges could also be restricted for these.
Harmful stuff. There are many classic knife resellers on the market, however I both keep away from them or lock them in a show case. Not solely can they be harmful, however they’re additionally one of many extra sought-after objects by pickpockets. As for weapons, fireworks, and explosives? Frequent sense goes a great distance!
Poor situation items. You need to use your judgment and, once more, widespread sense concerning poor-conditioning items. I’m not an enormous fan of promoting classic clothes due to frequent situation points, but when I discovered a pair of Nineteen Thirties Levi’s behind a barn decide, I wouldn’t hesitate to resell them!
Amy Moyer is the proprietor of Antmuffin: Artwork, Antiques & Collectibles. She holds a B.A. in Visible Arts from Brown College and lives in Boston.
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