ANTIQUES BAZAAR

Writing your advert

To make your advert as effective as possible we need as much information as possible to help you sell your items. Try to include the following information:

• Title of advert - Try to describe your antique and include the makers name and period. (Victorian / Edwardian etc) 
• Description of item - This should include as much information as you can find out. For example the age / period that its from, the maker name. The materials it's made of as well as it's condition. 
• Price - this is the price you would like to charge for the item.  If you have multiple items such as a collection of chairs we need to know if the price is for each item or the job lot. 
• VAT - Most private individuals should choose VAT free (i.e you don't charge VAT). If you are VAT registered you can either choose to include VAT within the price or add it to the advertised price. 
• Location - Give us the postcode so we can include it to localise searches. Unless specified we will use your address from payment or company location.
• Delivery notes - Advise the buyer if you require them to collect the item or if you can deliver and at what cost, payment requirements.
• Contact details - Provide a phone number and / or email address. (If you don't supply us with this information we will use the email address you have contacted us with and any phone number we have for you).

We also advise that you include key words in your advert, for example if you want your advert to appear when someone types in Oak or Edwardian you need to include the text within the title or body of the advert. 

Click here for our price list and instructions on how to advertise with us

Photographs

To get the best interest, it is advised that you include the best photos you can get of your goods. A customer will base 90% of their purchasing decision on the first photograph they see. If you are selling a job lot of equipment, I would try and show all the items you are selling on the first photo. For example if you are selling ten chairs show all ten chairs in the photograph. 

It could be worth getting a professional to take a photo of expensive items. Taking time photographing can make the diference between getting the best price for your advert or not.

You can have one or as many photos as you feel necessary to sell your advert  (within reason).  If something comes with a certificate of authenticity or provenance please scan this so we can include it. 

If you are sending us a lot of photos it may be worth resizing them. We normally suggest at least 640 x 480 and no bigger than 1200 x 900 . Click here for information on how to resize your images

Tips and things to avoid:

• Try to make the subject of your advert as large as possible in the photo and do not to capture random objects or distracting backgrounds.
• Avoid camera shake - Take your photographs in a well lit area or outside. If possible use a tripod, or alternatively rest your camera on a solid object like a chair.
• Only use flash as a last resort - it will not flatter your antiques.
• Make sure the photo is taken with the lighting from behind the photographer. Back lit objects often appear much darker. 
• The best photos show at least two sides and the top with something in the photo for scale, you should be able to show every side of your equipment with two or three photos. Close ups are advisable to highlight any special features or to make buyers aware of any damaged areas.