posted on April 20, 2001 07:27:05 AM new
Was wondering what other's opinions are regarding small fix-ups or repairs to your items before selling. Do you do any? And if you do, is it revealed in the description?
I'm not talking about covering up flaws, or making repairs to items such as pottery, china, etc., that would reduce the value.
Example: You have acquired an old guitar case that has a piece of trim/molding loose. Would you glue/rivet the loose piece to make acceptable?
A book has pencil marks on the glossy cover. Would you carefully erase the pencil mark?
I do mild cleaning to my items because I would not want something delivered to me filthy dirty, but was wondering about the ethics issue on minor fix-ups.
posted on April 20, 2001 08:07:32 AM new
I will make such repairs to most items I sell, in order to make them more appealing to buyers. I fix minor clothing problems (hems, buttons, loose trim, etc.), clean and polish silver, hand-wash glassware, etc.
HOWEVER...if you deal in true antiques or serious collectibles, it's wise to NOT make repairs or clean the item. In these cases, age and condition are extremely important to value and a "dirty" item is worth many times what a freshly-cleaned or repaired one is. Leave the restoration (if any) to the buyer.
posted on April 20, 2001 08:21:50 AM new
Last year I sold a Weller Pottery Coppertone Frog that had a chip on the top side of its head. The chip JUMPED out at you & I had my wife touch it up with water colour paints [she's pretty good with a brush] before listing it. I mentioned that fact in my description, and took a cose up pic.
posted on April 20, 2001 09:07:12 AM new
Here's one (among many) dilemmas I'm facing. I recently bought two small needlepoint covered wooden footstools. Both are really old and in good shape. Very minor wear on the needlepoint, but both are dirty.
The have cabriole carved legs, one with ornate carved roses/flowers on the center apron, back and front, and each leg at the top.
The other has plainly carved legs.
Both have the old strapping on the bottom holding in the cottony cushion material. But, the strapping has come loose (rotted from age?) on both footstools. Do I try and re-attache the strapping to make them look rounded and cushiony on top, or sell them as is?
I'd show a photo but I use eBay's photo service and only upload pics from my computer, so I can't offer a url to click to. Thank you in advance for your advice!
posted on April 20, 2001 09:22:39 AM new
Nice, reddeer. How big was your frog? I love Coppertone...it's about my favorite of the mass-produced stuff.
I have a small (around 3", I think) Coppertone frog. He has a repaired chip on his foot...and not the best example of the glaze... I was pretty sure the chip killed it...think I should list him anyway? I bought him in one of those DARK auction halls...my own fault, though. Should have used my flashlight...
posted on April 20, 2001 06:16:36 PM new
If it's a collectable ( I mess with vintage electronics), I normaly leave it alone, discribe it as well as I can, and let it go for what it'll bring.
If it's not a collectable, (mostly I sell boat motors) yes I fix things before I sell 'em, if it needs fixing, and it will make me more profit. If not, I tear it it apart, and sell the good parts. Which ever will make me more profit.
posted on April 20, 2001 07:32:06 PM new
I just got 3 Bostitch carton stapling machines - one air and 2 manual. Only one had the follower that pushes the staples forward and none had a good spring.
It cost $34 for 2 pushers and 3 springs but they will sell MUCH better functional.
Do that sort of thing all the time.
posted on April 20, 2001 08:44:49 PM new
From what you say about your footstools, I think I would reattach the strapping. I will often do that kind of thing. It sometimes makes a huge difference.
posted on April 20, 2001 09:17:33 PM new
Interesting topic.
I do make repairs when necessary and I don't think it's always necessary to mention it.
I occasionaly sell old fountain pens. Pen collectors/buyers want to see a nice, clean and polished pen, fully functional if possible. So, I polish, clean and repair them. Pens are one of the few vintage collectibles that old "patina" is not as desirable as newer looking. Try selling a dirty, ink-stained, tarnished pen vs. a nice clean one. The clean one will win every time. As a matter of fact, I've cleaned and repaired so many pens that I'm sick of it. I don't have any for sale right now.
Other things I sometimes sell in "as found" condition. Yes, it might bring less than a nicer one, but I don't have a lot of time into it either. Time is money.
posted on April 21, 2001 12:05:31 AM new
The "strapping" you describe is the webbing base of the upholstery, and you can't properly re-attach it to "fix" the sagging upholstery without taking ALL of the upholstery off (including needlepoints) and starting over.
Unless you know how to do upholstery (and want to spend all the time it takes to reupholster them), you're better off just tucking the hanging pieces up where they won't show in your photograph, and selling them "as is".
posted on April 21, 2001 12:13:21 AM new
I've run across many auctions where the seller states something like "the item is a little dirty, needs cleaning" etc. I always wonder -- why don't THEY clean it then? I would not want to buy someone's dirty stuff! Gross!
posted on April 21, 2001 02:28:36 AM new
I have a vintage clock that I'm going to list. The cord is dry rotted and cracked, so I'm going to replace it with a new U.L. listed cord. Along with this cord, I going to use a brand new vintage sytle plug. In my auction listing, I will include this information. I've done this in the past. I think this brings in more bidders in the fact some people are always considering safety when buying old electric items. An electric cord on any item is a fire hazzard and a real turn off to anyone who does not know how to replace it.
How big was your frog? I love Coppertone...it's about my favorite of the mass-produced stuff.
