posted on September 1, 2000 11:31:48 PM
I recently really wanted to bid on something that required minor repairs noted by the seller but since I wasn't sure I'd be capable of the repairs, I didn't bid. I wished the seller had just made the repairs and disclosed them (the item did not sell).
Then I run across an auction for an old shaving mug and the seller noted that some of the old soap was still present. At first I thought this was strange, but maybe the old soap lends more appeal to some buyers.
And of course there is the crock that came complete with the collectible cigarette butts.
I once sold an item for quite a bit of money because I cleaned off what looked like a chip that was actually just some glob (and I am sure the perceived chip is why it was still sitting on the thrift store shelf).
It seems necessary to clean grime/utensil marks from dinnerware and stains from clothing. From one of the other threads it seems polishing silver is ok if the patina in the detail is not disturbed. What is the standard for other types of items?
Seller's expertise and buyer's preferences are appreciated.
posted on September 2, 2000 12:08:58 AM
I'd much rather buy the item already cleaned - it's the best way to know exactly what you're getting. There are undoubtedly some antiques that should only be professionally cleaned - but for the most part it takes just a little effort to clean it up.
As a seller I've bought cheap & dirty and sold high & clean. Someone elses laziness is my gain.
posted on September 2, 2000 12:19:54 AM
It's common to sell, and sell for higher amounts, items which have not been messed with. Most collectors prefer to do their own messing, or not. Cleaning and repairing can very frequently lower value by more than half.
I never restore items which are collectible, but I do sometimes reauthenticate them.
posted on September 2, 2000 12:23:48 AMKRS I'm thinking more along the lines of crocks with cigarette butts still in them - I'm sure you're right about real antiques though - better safe than sorry. What does it mean to reauthenticate?
posted on September 2, 2000 01:46:49 AM
This to me depends on the item you are talking about. If it were a non-pourous glass pottery piece I would clean it the best I could. If it was pourous use a light moistened cloth to dab it clean. If it is painted or high ticket item don't mess with it at all. (You can check your item out by typing several search words and then checking the closed auctions) If it is expensive or in high demand.....put right in your description something like "I am not an expert at cleaning this (expensive/delicate/???) type of item so I will leave it to the end buyer as you will know what to do." Then if it is dirty or has damgae completely disclose it with text and pictures. End buyer know what they are looking at and if you tell them upfront then your bidding should go to the right price. An example of this is I sold a wrought iron candle holder that was very old. The candle was have burned within the base and looked like a mess. I did not clean it out but tooka clear phot of it and descibed best I could. Got glowing FB from buyer and she said that if I had removed the candle remnants I would have probably damaged the holder and she would have been quite pi**ed!!! I am not an expert but thi is my advice.
