You may want to sell pre-owned art for a few reasons as an art collector. Perhaps you have recently invested in a new body of work and need to make space in your home. Maybe you’re an artist’s estate looking to sell off some older pieces.
One of the biggest challenges people face when selling art is pricing. It can be challenging to gauge how much to ask for a piece when you don’t have any previous sales to compare it to. It would be best to consider the cost of shipping and whether or not you will be offering a warranty.
Another challenge is marketing your artwork. You need to ensure you target the right audience and that your listing stands out among the competition.
If you are interested in selling used art but do not know where to begin, don’t worry. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
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Do Your Research
Before you list your artwork for sale, it’s essential to do your research. Look at similar pieces on other online platforms and get an idea of what they are selling for. This will give you a good starting point for pricing your artwork.
Take some time to research the online marketplace to see what kind of audience it caters to. Some platforms are geared towards collectors, while others focus on art lovers. Choose the platform that is most likely to sell your artwork.
Other places to research before setting a price are a local auction house, online art gallery, local gallery, and talk with an art broker.
The information you gather will help you sell your fine art at a reasonable and fair price for you and the buyer.
How To Price Pre-Owned Art
When pricing your artwork, make sure to consider both your needs and the collector’s needs. You want to price your work fairly, so it doesn’t end up sitting in your closet indefinitely. But you also don’t want to price it so low that you don’t make a profit.
The value of a painting depends on:
- If the painting is in demands
- How quick the seller wants to sell the artwork
- If the seller is selling the piece on their own or if they are working with dealers
How To Make A Profit Selling Pre-owned Art
- Know what the buying price was
- Research what the painting is selling for now
- Factor in the cost of shipping and/or framing
- Gallery Fees
- If you work with a dealer, they will take a commission from the sale. This commission can range from 10 to 50%, so be sure to factor it into your asking price.
Selling pre-owned art can be a great way to make extra money and benefit artists, artists’ estates, and collectors. When pricing your artwork, make sure to consider both the costs of the painting and the costs associated with selling the piece.
How to Market And Where To Sell Pre-Owned Art
When it comes to selling pre-owned art, marketing is vital. You must ensure that as many potential buyers see your work as possible.
There are many ways to market your artwork, but here are some of the most effective methods:
Online Platforms
There are many online platforms where you can sell pre-owned art. These services all art collectors to find the perfect piece for their homes.
Here are some popular sites to sell pre-owned art:
Crossroads Art Center – Crossroads Art Center’s mission is to make artworks available to everyone. There is a one-time set-up fee of $50 for 3 pieces. You can sell more for an additional charge of $15 each. Once you are approved you can set up the payment process.
Art Rehome – Art Rohome is a safe way to sell pre-owned art online. Art sellers and art collectors can feel safe selling and buying art on Art Rehome.
eBay – It is possible to sell pre-owned paintings on eBay. With that said, you should keep a few things in mind if you choose to do so. First, it’s essential to accurately describe the painting in the listing. Include relevant information about the artist, the painting’s history, and its condition.
Taking clear, well-lit photos of the painting from different angles is also a good idea. This will give potential buyers a good sense of what they’re bidding on.
Finally, be realistic about your asking price. Remember that most buyers will be looking for a bargain, so don’t expect to get the total market value for your painting.
Chairish – As an artist, you may have several pieces you no longer want or need. Rather than letting them sit in storage, you can sell them on Chairish and make some extra money. Chairish is an excellent option for selling pre-owned art because it is a well-established platform with a large audience. Plus, the listing process is straightforward. Just create a profile and start listing your pieces for sale. You can also use Chairish to connect with other artists and buyers to find new homes for your artwork. So if you’re looking to declutter your studio or earn some extra cash, selling pre-owned art on Chairish is a great option.
Use Social Media
As an artist or art collector, you may wonder if you can sell pre-owned art on social media. The answer is yes. There are many benefits to selling pre-owned art on social media, including reaching a wider audience, building your brand, and making extra money.
When selling pre-owned art on social media, it is important to be professional and clear about the piece’s condition. Take good photos that accurately represent the piece, and be sure to include any damage or wear in your description. You should also set a fair price that reflects the piece’s value.
How to Resell Art Online
The art market is constantly evolving, and with the rise of online art sales platforms, there are more opportunities to sell original art and used art. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to sell your original artwork, a collector trying to sell your art to make room for new art, or an estate trying to liquidate a collection, it’s essential to know how to resell artwork online.
Preparing Your Art For Resale
The first step in reselling paintings online is preparing your artwork for sale. Make sure that all artwork is properly framed and matted and that it is in good condition. If your artwork is not in good condition, you may need to restore it or have it conserved before selling it. People buying art online expect to receive a high-quality product, so it’s essential to ensure your artwork is in excellent condition.
Listing Your Artwork
Once your artwork is ready for sale, you’ll need to create a listing for it. When creating your listing, include a clear, high-quality photo of your artwork. You’ll also need to have the piece’s title, the artist’s name, the year it was created, and any other information you feel is essential. Selling art online is different than selling in galleries. Potential customers can not sell the texture of a painting online as they can in person at a gallery. Providing as much detail as possible when listing artwork online is important.
Setting Your Price
When pricing your artwork, be sure to consider the market value of similar pieces. It’s also important to consider the framing and shipping costs and any taxes or fees that may apply. Prices might need to be adjusted depending on what platform you will use to sell pre-owned contemporary artworks, so do your research before setting a purchase price.
Shipping and Delivery
Use a reputable shipping company with a good track record when shipping your artwork. Ensure that you have adequate insurance for your artwork, and be prepared to pay any customs or duties fees that may apply. You can include shipping costs in the selling price, so you do not lose money shipping the product.
Private Collectors
Emerging artists and collectors may find that you have some extra paintings or sculptures in your studio. If you want to declutter and make a little money, selling your pre-owned artwork to private collectors is a great option.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Do your research. Collectors are often willing to pay more for artwork with provenance or history of ownership. Before offering your piece for sale, take some time to research its previous owners and see if you can compile a list of provenance details.
2. Get professional help. If you’re not confident in your ability to price and sell your artwork yourself, consider enlisting the help of an art dealer or auction house. They will be able to give you a professional evaluation and help you find potential buyers who are interested in your type of work.
3. Network. Attend art fairs and exhibitions, and introduce yourself to other artists and collectors. You never know when you might meet someone interested in purchasing your work.
By following these tips, you’ll be well in successfully selling your pre-owned artwork to private collectors.
Use An Art Agent
If you’re an art collector selling pre-owned contemporary art or modern art, you may want to consider working with an art agent.
Art agents can help you promote your work, find buyers, and negotiate sales contracts. They can also provide valuable insights into the art market and tips on pricing your work.
However, working with an art agent is not without its challenges. You’ll need to be prepared to pay a commission on sales, and you’ll need to give up some control over the marketing and sale of your work.
But if you’re serious about selling your pre-owned art, an art agent can be a valuable partner.
Sell Pre-owned Art At Auction Houses
Another way to unload artworks is by selling them at auction houses.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sale.
First, it is essential to do independent research and find an auction house specializing in the type of art you sell. This will ensure that your piece is valued correctly and marketed to the right buyers.
Next, provide any relevant documentation, such as a certificate of authenticity or provenance report. This will help prove your piece’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Finally, remember that the auction process can be lengthy, so be patient and prepared to negotiate with the buyer.
With a little preparation, you can maximize the return on your investment and find a new home for your pre-owned art.
Final Thoughts
Selling pre-owned art can be a great way to make a profit and a fun way to add new pieces to your collection. By following these tips, you’ll be able to sell your artwork online with ease.
FAQ
Is it legal to resell paintings?
Yes, it is legal to resell artwork. However, you should be aware of any copyright or trademark laws that apply to your artwork. If you legally own the artwork and can provide a document, such as a valid receipt, then selling it should be fine.
What should I do if my artwork is damaged?
If your artwork is damaged, you may need to have it restored or conserved before you can sell it.
Can you make money flipping art?
Flipping art may make a lot of money — the price of “Warrior” by Jean-Michel Basquiat increased by 450 percent from 2005 to 2012, and it was sold three times; according to Manly and Pogrebin, it was worth almost $9 million following its third sale.
How do I know if my old art is worth anything?
Find an expert appraisal professional who can analyze the worth and authenticity of your work. A commission-based valuation expert has experienced personnel working for them. They examine your work and provide you with evidence to support their findings.
How Do I Store My Old Art?
If you are not planning on reselling your old art, you may consider storing it in a climate-controlled environment. Artwork can be damaged by extreme temperatures, humidity, and light exposure, so storing it safely is essential. You may also consider framing your artwork to protect it from damage.
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