There are many factors to consider when buying Antique and collectible tools and we are regularly asked what they are worth. Normally my response would be ‘whatever you can get for them’ but I’ll explain what I mean by this.
The most important factor has always been where and by whom it is sold and to whom at any given point in time. So, let’s assume someone with a great reputation, who is also known to be knowledgeable about the subject is going to attract the best buyers who respect their judgment. How well they are known also plays an important factor when selling antique tools. Where it is sold and how it is sold are all considered important whilst presentation and professionalism act as serving features when selling something of value.
Supply and demand play an important role and how many buyers are after the same tool at the same time will affect prices. Auctions, as a result, can produce higher or lower prices for this reason but generally, they do tend to have an average mean price over time unless the item is particularly sort after and very rare.
Each old tool will have its merits and its flaws, knowing what needs to be pointed out if it could affect the tool’s value. So, again experience plays a big part for buyers to have enough confidence when purchasing, especially when making their final position. Confidence is especially important as trusts with whom buyers are prepared to listen.
Let’s put it this way if someone was to take an antique tool to a car boot sale they are never getting close to its potential price. On the other hand, if you sell it on eBay you can use your own feedback reputation which may be limited in the subject of selling antique tools, where any experienced buyer will attest to checking this out first. You may get lucky but it’s making the sale stick without issues or partial refunds requires certainty on behalf of the person selling it. Others may sell their tools direct to used tool dealers as this is usually much easier but at lower than retail prices.
Some old tools are desirable and require the use of the services of someone more established and experienced to air them properly to the right eyes that will understand what they are buying and have the confidence where they are purchasing it. Buyers will expect the outlet to be able to handle any issues should they arise, without any hassle.
In 5 years of trading online, we rarely have issues, returns, or requests for refunds. This has been achieved by providing buyers the full information they need and being honest regarding conditions. Our experience with Tooltique is invaluable as we have seen just about everything when buying old tools, we know what to look out for and can fully identify missing parts or provide the information that is important to buyers.
There have been many changes over the years with the internet becoming an ever greater part of the buying and selling of old tools, up until recently antiquetools.co.uk was only a contact point but has now been highly redeveloped to ensure one of the longest-running specialised antique tool websites meets the demands of the future.
The investment in time and costs into the business creates additional confidence, this website for example has memberships, eCommerce with auction functionality, a user forum, and other aspects that allow people to communicate within its framework. This sounds easy when writing about it in one sentence but the reality is that this website has taken a year to plan and develop the facilities to manage and process all these functions.
This investment is significant in both time and cost and isn’t like opening an eBay account who by the way don’t deserve the fees they charge for their services. What do they know about the antique tool industry? Read More
So, if you have any antique tools where else better than using our services? In a progressive website that ensures sellers and buyers are treated equally and for the benefit of the industry, which at times hasn’t covered itself in glory. We have added a professional edge to the user grade tools sold on Tooltique.co.uk and are now through this website we intend to do the same for the collector market.