Sell all those unwanted items

TIPS TO MAKE SOME EXTRA MONEY OFF THINGS YOU NO LONGER WANT OR NEED Get into the flipping spirit while decluttering.

If your home is in need of decluttering – don’t just discard unwanted items like old furniture or intricate items. Buying and selling antiques and collectables – flipping as it’s known in the trade – is a hot business right now.

The TV line-up is littered with highly-rated shows about the hunt for hidden gems in almost every category – art, antiques, cars, coins and even dolls, items found in nearly every home.

While the chances of you uncovering a Picasso is rare, you might own valuable items for someone else – and that’s where websites like Gumtree come in handy.

Not only can you estimate an asking price by viewing similar items, you also get to post free advertisements.

The joy of flipping is that everyone can do it online. Currently Gumtree has more than 18 000 antiques and collectables listed in SA. Claire Cobbledick, GM of Gumtree South Africa, has some tips for anyone trying to get into the flipping game. Identify a niche you have a passion for, and some knowledge about, and build good experience on what sells in that niche and at what price. Whether it’s porcelain tea sets or art deco furniture – stick to what you know. Ask professional antique collectors what they’re interested in and source those items – typewriters, turntables and vintage luggage are some of the things in demand at the moment.

Anything that was genuinely a limited edition automatically has greater rarity value. This can include artist prints.

Collectors will pay a premium for a complete set of anything (or to complete their sets). Breakable items are less likely to have survived the test of time so will have a higher value.

If you don’t have a large, secure, dry space to store big items while you try to upsell, stay with smaller goods.

Bizarre and curious items (like turkey stuffing spoons and silver pocket spittoons) usually will find a buyer. The more off-beat the item, the more patient you might have to be to make a sale, as you wait for that one enthusiast to find you.

Mint condition implies no chips, cracks or missing pieces and an original finish; excellent condition tells you there are some minor flaws; good condition means more significant flaws; and damaged can mean anything!

Don’t assume you can easily patch up goods for a re-sale. Check with an expert before you assume a quick bit of spit and polish will give you a lucrative flip.

If you’re a buyer, hunt down the hidden gems and use the Price Checker to get a sense of good value. If you’re selling, optimise your Gumtree ad by posting good photos. – Citizen Reporter