Antiques2Sell

Antiques2Sell: a private bidding platform for antiques and vintage pieces

Antiques2Sell is an online marketplace built around a single transaction model: individuals who want to sell antiques or vintage objects publish them on the platform and receive sealed offers from professional dealers. The service states that listings reach 937 professional antique dealers across the UK, a figure the company presents as the basis for obtaining more offers than other platforms.

The platform is aimed at private sellers rather than the general public of buyers. Only verified antique and vintage dealers can bid, and they cannot see each other's offers, a format the site describes as a Dutch auction. According to the company, this structure encourages dealers to submit fair offers.

How the sale process works

The procedure is organised in stages. The seller creates a free account, uploads photographs and a detailed description of the item and sets a minimum price, the lowest figure they are willing to accept. Dealers then receive alerts and submit bids privately. The seller reviews the offers and decides whether to accept one, taking into account both the price and the delivery or pickup arrangements.

Payment is handled through Stripe, which the platform identifies as its payment partner. Once a bid is accepted, Stripe debits the amount from the dealer and holds it until the dealer marks the item as received; at that point the funds are released to the seller. The site states that it does not process payments itself. Sellers are not obliged to accept any bid and may decline offers or wait for higher ones.

Items accepted and listing formats

The catalogue of accepted goods covers a broad range of antiques and vintage pieces. The platform lists the following categories:

• Antique furniture, including Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian, Art Deco and mid-century modern pieces such as cabinets, tables and dressers.
• Antique silver: sterling silverware, tea sets, candlesticks, coins, trays and decorative pieces.
• Antique and vintage jewellery, from Victorian rings and Georgian brooches to Art Deco necklaces, in gold, platinum, diamond or gemstone.
• Clocks and timepieces: grandfather, mantel, bracket and carriage clocks.
• Watches and pocket watches, with brands such as Rolex, Omega and Patek Philippe mentioned among the examples.
• Ceramics and porcelain, including Royal Doulton, Meissen, Sevres and Chinese porcelain.
• Fine art: oil paintings, watercolours, sculpture, signed paintings and rare illustrations.

Sellers can list a single item, several items at once or a part or full house clearance, an option the platform presents as suited to larger collections or moves.

Dealer verification and the link to LoveAntiques

To support the legitimacy of the bidding dealers, Antiques2Sell states that it has partnered with LoveAntiques.com, described as a leading UK antiques marketplace. Through that partnership, the company says the dealers receiving stock offers are industry professionals. LoveAntiques.com is presented as featuring hundreds of active dealers and a broader directory.

Fees and buying side

The platform charges what it describes as a modest 5% fee on purchases. Dealers register to receive stock offers, browse listings, set bids and track their status until they collect the antiques. As with sellers, payments on the buying side go through Stripe and are held until delivery is confirmed.

Contact and operating details

The company operates from the United Kingdom and publishes a telephone number and an enquiries email address for its service. The site identifies LoveAntiques.com as its marketplace partner and Stripe as its payment provider.