My Top Ten Tips for Finding Objects with Value for Reselling
My Top Ten Tips for Finding Objects with Value for Reselling

Treasures can be found everyday at thrift stores, flea markets, antique malls, yard sales, and even thrown out with the garbage! The key is to be able to recognize whether or not an item has value. So what do yo do to assess whether or not an item you find has any potential to be resold or just add to your own collection?
Read on for my top ten tips to finding valuable vintage pieces.
1. Familiarize yourself with popular products that are well known to be great sellers.




A great place to start doing this is to watch the weekly videos by Dr. Lori. Dr. Lori is the PhD Antiques appraiser and her videos are informative but also sweet and short and to the point! She has over 20 years experience in the field and I haven't seen her stumped yet! Check out her YouTube channel here.
2. To help with identifying the age of an object, recognize the elements of design as they relate to design styles in previous decades.



If you can identify certain recurring themes or elements from different periods of time, you can them recognize them when used in other products such as furniture or lighting or glassware.
3. Run your fingers around the edges or rim of glass pieces to check for fine chips that may not be easily visible.

This is a tip I got straight from the professional, Dr. Lori! The white gloves are for preserving the quality of antique pieces and protecting them from the oils in our fingers and hands.
4. Invest in a blacklight flashlight.


The flashlight pictured on the left above is available for purchase on Amazon by clicking here. The 2-pack pocket blacklight flashlights are also on Amazon for sale here. Having a blacklight with you while shopping for antiques is ideal for easily identifying valuable uranium glows which glows when exposed to the UV blacklight.
5. Look for a maker's mark.



The maker's mark details very important information to determine the value of an item. This usually includes who made the item and where it was made. If you get really lucky, it could even say the name of the product!
6. Does it work?

Test the item out if you can or if you can't at least be sure any outward moving parts are still functioning properly. Whatever it is, won't be worth half it's in non-working condition.
7. Be sure not to leave any additional parts, accessories, or chargers behind!


If the object you are interested in requires a charger or other accessory for operation, but it isn't present, you have a problem. Many times you can purchase a missing part online, but this is an added expense you will need to take into account.
8. Observe the object carefully and from different angles.


Sometimes changing your point of view is all takes to see something you may have missed at first glance. Be sure to observe all sides of the object and turn it over in your hands to see everything.
9. Check the sold and completed listings on eBay.


There's a difference in what price an object is worth and what someone is willing to pay for said object. Just because the seller is asking a certain price does not mean that is what it is worth. This is also a helpful tip to see if the object is high in demand and thus will likely be a quick sale.
10. Beware of reproductions.



Obviously, the many reproductions of antique and vintage objects hope we'll believe the old saying, Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Unfortunately, this doesn't help when it comes to the authenticity of an object. The website realorrepro.com documents many reproductions of antiques to help you not be duped.
I hope you enjoyed this post on my top ten best tips for finding more vintage items with value. Be sure to come back next week for a fun blog post on vintage swag lamps! And while you're here, check out the new weekly post, Think Ya Know? Thursdays and test your knowledge of vintage objects with a new post on a different topic each week here.
Until next time, Happy Hunting!
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