You have lots of options when it comes to selling your valuables, from online marketplaces to dealers, and it isn’t always clear which will guarantee you the better deal. So, regardless of the reason for parting ways with your possessions, this guide will provide you with essential insights to make the most of your selling journey.
Whether you want to sell your Rolex watch or an old jewellery collection, with the right knowledge and approach, you can navigate the selling process smoothly and maximize the value you receive.
So, if you’re ready to learn about the best ways to sell your valuables, here are our top tips to help you make informed decisions, avoid common mistakes, and secure the best deal possible.
Understand the value
Let’s take a look at one of the most common (and important) questions when selling valuables – “What is it worth?”.
A proper valuation is the first step towards selling your valuables and it gives you credibility for when you start to approach potential dealers or buyers. Even if you aren’t ready to sell, knowing the value of your prized possessions for future decisions can be helpful.
The easiest way to understand your watch’s value is to research the retail prices of similar pieces on popular online dealers or marketplaces. If you want a more accurate valuation, you can easily obtain a free valuation from a trusted dealer either via an online form or by taking your item to a store.
When it comes to selling jewellery, it can be difficult to simply search for the price online because of the multitude of different brands, conditions and gold/silver purity. So, we recommend a check of the spot price for your jewellery’s metal, whether it’s gold or silver, to help gain an understanding of its value. Take a look at a trusted precious metals buyer service who display transparent pricing.
But don’t let this stop you from looking for the current price of your jewellery online if you know its brand and metal purity.
Master your situation
When it comes to selling your valuables, you must consider your situation to choose the most appropriate sale method for your needs.
Here are a few examples to think about when selling your valuables:
Time: How quickly do you want to turn your valuables into cash? You may be in a rush to sell or would simply like to list your item to see how likely it would sell later on.
Constraints: How much free time do you have to dedicate to selling your valuables? Selling items can be very time-consuming so it is important to understand how much free time (if any) you can set aside.
Knowledge: What do you know about the industry of the item you are selling? It’s crucial to be honest about how much you know, to avoid making irreversible mistakes when selling.
Choose the right seller
Once you’re satisfied with the valuation of your valuables, it’s time to consider the different ways to sell your items and choose one that suits you.
Sell Independently via Online Marketplaces
+ This method offers flexibility and control. You will be able to negotiate the price with potential buyers and can even remove the item’s listing if you change your mind.
– Selling valuables yourself can require lots of time and effort as you must undertake all product photos, communicate with buyers and arrange shipping.
– There can be credibility issues when selling valuables independently. While you may know the value of your item, potential buyers may be sceptical of its authenticity and offer lower bids.
Sell Directly to a Dealer
+ This option is the frontrunner for convenience and safety. When selling to a reputable dealer, you will interact with experienced professionals who will fairly value your item and offer instant payment.
+ No effort required. You won’t have to worry about taking photos or shipping your valuables across the globe to potentially untrustworthy buyers.
– Lower Profit. The dealership will charge a fee for taking care of the selling process so you may receive slightly less profit compared to selling independently.
Documentation and Authentication
The final stage of selling your valuables is getting them ready to hand over to a dealer or buyer. While not required by all dealers, original documentation and packaging of your item can often help fetch a higher valuation and therefore get you more cash when you sell.
If you’re selling a watch, try to gather the original box and all accompanying papers such as instruction manuals and warranty booklets. These items contribute to the overall completeness of the watch package and help enhance the perceived value of your timepiece to dealers and collectors.
Life happens and sometimes things get lost, so most dealers will buy watches without documentation. But including the original box and papers demonstrates that you have retained the watch’s original packaging and accessories, further solidifying its authenticity.
It’s a similar story for selling jewellery, and though dealers will probably conduct a gold purity test anyway when giving you a valuation, it proves very beneficial to include original receipts when selling your pieces.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, selling your valuables can be a super rewarding experience if you follow our top tips. Remember to first take the time to research and educate yourself about the market value of your items. This knowledge will empower you to set realistic expectations and negotiate confidently with potential buyers. Next, consider various selling channels, such as online marketplaces or dealers to sell your item publicly and get paid.
Don’t underestimate the power of authenticity and provide proper documentation and certificates of authenticity to attract higher valuations. By following these top tips, you’ll be well-equipped to sell your valuables successfully and achieve the best possible outcome.
When it comes to selling your valuables the choice between selling independently or to a trusted dealer is dependent on your personal needs and constraints. However, engaging with an experienced dealer offers numerous benefits to anyone hoping to sell their valuables for a fair price; dealers boast a deep understanding of the market and offer instant payment.
By following this guidance, you are a step closer to getting cash for your unwanted valuables without hassle.
