Asked on Nov 09, 2014
Need selling advice, please!
+26
This was purchased about 10 years ago for $800. I really want to sell but I have no idea how much to ask for it, or where I would find the best market of buyers. It's in great shape and I do have the missing knob, just need to reattach it. Any advice? Thanks in advance!
What's it worth?
26 answers
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It's a beautiful buffet and dates to approximately the '30s. It's large and that's where you are going to find your challenge selling it. The current market for large furniture pieces is a bit soft. Although, New Orleans has plenty of large homes that could handle a piece this size. If you contact an antiques dealer they will only offer you about 50% of what you might be able to get for it because they want to sell it for a profit. Selling things to dealers and/or appraisers is risky because they will only offer half or less of its value. Even though you bought it for $800, chances are you won't get that for it when you sell it now. My best guess is a couple of hundred dollars. However, you are in/near a large city with lots of possibilities, so you may do much better. I'm not trying to throw a wet blanket on your efforts but give you some information to assist you in selling it with regard to today's market. I have spent most of my life in the antiques business and understand the pitfalls that one can encounter when selling. As for preparing it for sale, clean it thoroughly, apply the missing knob, give it a nice waxing and touch up any dings and/or scratches. It will present much better and will be more saleable. A purchaser is more likely to buy if they think they can move it into their space and use it immediately without any work/repair to it that they may have to do themselves.
Swan Road Designs
on Nov 09, 2014
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I would be for keeping it and re-inventing it with a sink/faucets for a bathroom. It would be so beautiful.
Just marcy
on Nov 09, 2014
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I have used such a beautiful piece in a small apt that I was going to rent out. I refinished the top polyurethane varnish with three coats for protection to water damage. Then had a stainless steel bar sink installed. Your choice whether it is centered or not. It is the little one wall kitchen. Base was for storage. It was SWEET. And was popular.
ElnyrPolchow
on Nov 10, 2014
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I agree with making it into a vanity! Love the piece! Good luck with selling it!
Sherry Fram
on Nov 10, 2014
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Not only is the market for large pieces soft, so is the market for antiques...and collectibles! I love them still but like a lot of us that do, we have as many as we can use! People buying large homes want reproductions of old stuff! Good luck!
Jeanette S
on Nov 10, 2014
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You're going to sell that???!!! That's a keeper. What a marvelous piece. What artistic proportions and woodworking wonders! If you sell it, get lots and lots for it because it is splendiferous!.
Pat Mencke
on Nov 10, 2014
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If you really want to sell it, go to your favorite local antique store, with photos, and visit with the manager or owner. They may make you an offer!
Cheryl Weltha
on Nov 10, 2014
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try bookoo.com-- go to your state and area and post local---it is free and allows pictures
Pam Potter
on Nov 10, 2014
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I love it and totall understand your situation. I have this piece that was given to me and have no idea where to start the info I have is its apparently from late 1800s to early 1900s, I may need to visit an antique store
Kim Sanchez Connor
on Nov 10, 2014
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i have a twin to your buffett and i love it!! i have used it all over the house in different ways. it currently is my storage for my art supplies in my studio. i have also used as a formal server, pot and pan storage in my kitchen, and a big screen console.
Kat
on Nov 11, 2014
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Try a local auction house
Lola
on Nov 11, 2014
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Antique buffets are becoming very popular in my area. A painted piece this size is normally going between $300-$450. If the buffet is in excellent condition and doesn't need any refinishing I would expect it to go for a smidge more.
Providence Hill
on Nov 11, 2014
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What a beautiful piece of woodworking craftsmanship! I would keep it, and I would NEVER cut a hole in the top!
9530106
on Nov 11, 2014
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It's beautiful I wouldnt cut it. Would love to have it.
Sharon Murphy Bayens
on Nov 11, 2014
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I would take photos of it to all the antique dealers in the larger cities where the big old fashioned homes still are appreciated. you'll probably get a very good price for it. don't rush
Sandy Tromin
on Dec 17, 2014
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it is beautiful...I agree do not cut...you can repaint in a different color, would look great
Lorraine depaolo st.george
on Dec 21, 2014
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I wish I was lucky enough to have this piece given to me
Lorraine depaolo st.george
on Dec 21, 2014
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check on ebay and craig's list to see if you can fine another one and how much they want for theirs
Susan S
on Dec 21, 2014
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classic beauty... don't sell it and don't change it...
Mary
on Jan 16, 2015
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Cheryl hit the nail right on the head. Go to an expert who knows what they are talking about. If they go and offer you money for it, then you can be assured its worth double! Take good close up pictures as well as one of the entire piece. Take a drawer out and turn it over. Take a picture of the underside and the drawer joinery to help them date it. Good Luck!
Dolly
on Jan 19, 2015
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A beautiful piece! In order to price it, though, you need to tell what kind of wood it is and if the wood is solid. At first glance it looks like walnut to me. However, sometimes old pieces were made of more than one kind of wood then stained. I wish I had room for this piece!
Rej722048
on Jan 19, 2015
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You could easily sell this piece for $650 if you leave it as is. Please, do not paint or do anything to change it from its original state. This will only decrease the value. I personally would keep it. But if your set on selling. You could try your local consignment, but they charge a certain percentage of sell. Or you can try an antique shop, but here again. They will pay less so they can make money on the re-sell. Or sell it on craigslist to get your full sale price. If you lived in Texas, I would gladly take it off your hands. Love the piece, very beautiful. Hope you won't regret getting rid of it. I've done that before.....:(
Ltt834476
on Jan 19, 2015
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Only when antique pieces are in bad condition, is it a good idea to paint and make it more a vintage piece or cut tops to transform them into a bathroom vanity or use as a kitchen island etc....
Ltt834476
on Jan 19, 2015
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,Used items are only worth 10% of original value unless they are antique.
Sandra
on Jan 20, 2015
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Don't cut it it will ruin the value this is a beautiful piece don't think I would have the nerve to paint it you should be able to double your money and more good luck
Verilea poole
on Jan 20, 2015
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While growing up my mother had one of these to put her silverware and dinner platters. As kids we loved to hid under it,it was our hide away space. thanks for sharing and reminding me of some sweet memories.
Mowlyn
on Jan 21, 2015
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