How to Find and Sell Vintage Furniture at Estate Sales

Paul Williamson – March 27, 2023

Vintage furniture carries a special sentiment in our hearts. Even if you are not a big fan of collecting antique items it is still a piece of attraction for everyone. The timeless beauty and elegance of vintage furniture can instantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any living space. If you are someone who has an eye for vintage furniture and is looking to start a business in this area, estate sales Oceanside are a great place to start.

Estate sales are events where the contents of a home are sold, usually, after the owner has passed away. These sales offer a treasure trove of vintage items, including furniture, artwork, and other household goods. If you have ever been to estate sales in Oceanside you already know what the atmosphere is like – from people haggling prices to dealers looking for good deals on a range of items; it is one great show that is full of surprises.

Unlike shopping antique stores, vintage sites, or flea markets (where buyers and dealers have already found, improved, and marked up items), with an estate sale you get to have the first look!” says Stanford. “Get there early. Also, check back in on the last day of an offline estate sale for the remaining items, which will be drastically reduced.” Not in the mood to wake up at the crack of dawn? That’s what online sales are for. (1)

Let’s look at some of the tips on how to find the vintage furniture products that you have been craving.

estate sales in oceanside

Make A Strong Plan

Visiting an event without proper research is a bad move. Don’t do that. Most people wouldn’t even give a damn about prior planning. They see an estate sale happening on Thursday and they somehow get there. However, if you really want to snag a one-of-a-kind piece of vintage then you must gather information about an estate sale itself. Take a look at the preview pictures available online of each sale to see if there are any mid-century modern masterpieces that you are in love with. There’s no need to bother yourself going to an estate sale where only traditional mid-century furnishings can be found. So, whenever you encounter an estate sale listing online; make sure to check out the pictures to see if it has the vintage items that you are looking for. You might have several estate sales events taking place in your area; make a list and prioritize where you want to go first and grab vintage furnishings like a boss.

Early Birds Gets The Worm

Estate sales Oceanside CA can be a goldmine for vintage furniture enthusiasts. But if you want to score that one-of-a-kind piece you’ve been dreaming of, you have to be prepared to do some serious legwork. And that means getting up early, and potentially waiting in line for 1 or 2 hours.

Now, you might be thinking: who has the time for that kind of thing? But believe us, if there’s a vintage Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman up for grabs, it’s worth it. And if you think you can just stroll in an hour after the sale starts and still snag the good stuff, think again.

The truth is, estate sales are competitive. And the more desirable the item, the more people will be vying for it. That’s why it’s essential to get there early, before the crowds descend. And if that means showing up three hours before the sale starts, so be it.

Of course, waiting in line for hours on end isn’t exactly fun. But there are ways to make the experience more bearable. Bring a book, for instance, or a portable phone charger so you can stay entertained while you wait. And don’t forget to dress appropriately for the weather, especially if you’re going to be standing outside for a while.

Once you’re inside, the real work begins. You’ll need to move quickly, scanning the room for any vintage furniture that catches your eye. But be sure to have a game plan beforehand, so you don’t waste time wandering aimlessly. And if there’s an item you simply must have, be prepared to haggle for it.

Bring Cash And Pay At The Spot

Cash is king when it comes to estate sales Irvine. When you are about to begin your hunt for unique vintage don’t forget to stop at the ATM. While most estate sales organizers accept credit cards, paying in cash allows you to get hands on the best material quickly.

Don’t Forget To Inspect Vintage Furniture

When you’re on the hunt for vintage furniture at estate sales, it’s crucial to keep your eyes peeled for those hidden gems that could make your heart skip a beat. However, don’t let the excitement cloud your judgment when inspecting a piece of furniture. Taking a closer look at the item is the key to ensuring you’re getting the quality and authenticity you’re looking for.

Start by examining the piece from every angle, including the bottom and back. You never know what you might find hiding underneath or behind it! Look for manufacturer labels or other identifying marks that can help you determine if it’s the real deal.

You already know about vintage furniture and what makes it special and how to spot reproductions, right? If you’re unsure about whether you can spot the best ones or not then it is best to have some advanced knowledge before paying money. Otherwise, you would only get disappointed after finding out that it is not what you expected it to be.

There are a few things you can do to spot a quality piece. First, check the materials. Is it made of solid wood, or is it a cheap laminate? Does it feel sturdy and well-made? Check the joints to make sure they’re tight and not wobbly.

Next, inspect the piece for any damage. Are there any dents, scratches, or stains? While some wear and tear can add character to a vintage piece, you want to make sure it’s in good enough condition for your needs. Consider if it needs to be refinished, reupholstered, or repaired in any way.

Tips For Selling Vintage Furniture

Rare collectibles are an opportunity to make some huge cash and vintage furniture is definitely worth a lot of money if you have been able to score some awesome deals from estate sales. Here are some tips to help you sell those vintage treasures that you have worked hard for to find:

Hire An Appraiser

Before you go ahead and put them up for sale, it’s important to get an accurate idea of how much they’re actually worth. An appraiser is an expert in the field of antique and vintage furniture who can evaluate your pieces and give you an estimate of their value. This is essential because the value of vintage furniture can vary greatly depending on factors such as age, condition, rarity, and provenance.

You can avoid the mistake of overvaluing or undervaluing your vintage furniture, which can ultimately result in losing out on potential profits. An appraiser also provides a written appraisal report, which you can use to show potential buyers the value of your pieces. Hiring an appraiser is an investment that can pay off in the long run.

Sell Online

Etsy, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are a few great options to sell vintage products. The Internet is one massive community where you can reach thousands of customers online, however, there are separate marketplaces for selling antiques and it is much better to list products on these specialized platforms that only exist for this reason. Despite the fact that eComm sites and social media platforms are for all things it doesn’t mean you can’t find excellent buyers for vintage items.

Final Verdict

Without a doubt vintage furniture is one of the best findings you can see at estate sales. As we mentioned before it’s not a cakewalk – most of us have read stories of people making millions by selling these special pieces but it requires much more than just being at an estate sale. Your Thursdays can be fun, exciting, memorable, but they can only be profitable if you have a strong plan, extensive knowledge and know how to identify genuine vintage furniture from the rest of the traditional-styles. May your next estate sale be full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Williamson

CEO at True Legacy Homes

Paul is the founder and CEO of True Legacy Homes, a company that specializes in estate sales. True Legacy Homes is a full-service estate sale company that offers clients a stress-free way to downsize, move, or liquidate their assets. The company’s mission is to help families preserve their legacies and pass on cherished possessions to the next generation.

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