Sales & valuation

Selling antiques. Where and how?

Before you sell: know what it is and what it is worth, so you do not undersell it.

Know first, then sell

What it really is and what it is worth.

You want to sell your antiques. But where? At an auction, through a dealer, online, or at a fair? Each channel has pros and cons, and the right choice depends on what the object actually is and what it is worth. Sell without knowing that, and you usually leave money on the table.

AntiqBot takes the step most sellers skip: confirming what your object is and what it is worth on the current market. With that knowledge you choose a channel deliberately, whether that is Catawiki, an auction house such as Bonhams or Christie's, or a direct sale, and you negotiate from a position of strength.

Whoever sells without knowing the value always sells too cheaply.

Start with authentication and valuation. The choice of sales channel follows logically from there.

Your options

Four sales channels compared.

01
Auction
Best price for valuable pieces. Commission 15-25%. Turnaround 2-4 months. Ideal for pieces above €500. An auction house will ask about provenance and authenticity first, so come prepared.
02
Dealer
Quick sale, but lower price. The dealer must make a margin too. Knowing the value lets you tell a fair offer from a low one. Suitable for mid-range pieces.
03
Online
Wide reach via platforms like Catawiki. Commission varies. Good option for pieces of €50-€500. A well-supported description and correct dating sell better.
04
Fair or market
Direct contact with buyers. No commission, but time investment. Ideal for smaller pieces. Know your floor price before you negotiate.
Frequently asked questions

Questions about selling antiques.

How do I know where to sell antiques?

It depends on what the object is and what it is worth. Pieces above €500 deserve an auction house. Below that, online platforms or dealers are often more practical. Establish the value first, then the channel choice becomes clear.

Should I have my antiques valued before selling?

Yes. Without a valuation you risk selling too cheaply, and you cannot back up authenticity to a buyer or auction house. AntiqBot gives you an initial indication of what it is and what it is worth.

Does AntiqBot buy antiques itself?

No. AntiqBot is an independent authentication and appraisal platform. We do not buy or sell antiques, so the value indication is not coloured by any purchasing interest of our own.

Know the value first, then sell smart.

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AntiqBot is an authentication and appraisal platform and not a sales channel. We do not buy or sell objects.

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