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What Sells: Rugs & Carpets
Rugs & Carpets
Like furniture, rugs and carpets can be difficult to sell online. Auctions are excellent
markets for antique rugs, but less so for runners and floor rugs from IKEA or Pottery
Barn since these items are widely available through retail stores and catalogs.
Online local classifieds websites, such as craigslist, usually offer the best markets
for selling previously owned, everyday rugs and carpets.
What Sells
Top-selling styles include:
- Dhurries, kilim and Persian rugs (see the section on Antique Rugs on page 7)
-
Navajo and other Native American rugs
- Needlepoint rugs
- Rya rugs: thick
shag rugs made in Scandinavia and popular in the 1960s and early 1970s
- Taxidermy
rugs from the skins of non-endangered species (the sale of rugs made of bobcats,
buffalos, cows, coyotes, lions, and zebras; bears, leopards, cheetahs and other
exotic cats are prohibited)
HOUSEHOLD RUG CARPET now selling on eBay
Research Resources
Visit the website at http://www.eruggallery.com
and go to the “Learn about Rugs” section that includes descriptions of many different
rug styles, as well as a glossary and historical information.
Condition
Rugs and carpets may have been subject to considerable wear and tear, including
spills and other damage. Look for the following signs of use and include detailed
photos in your listing:
- Holes and worn spots
- Dirty, faded or discolored spots and stains
- Loose or missing fringe
-
Loose or unfinished edge bindings
- Cobwebs, cocoons, or other signs of bug infestation
-
Mold, mildew or other odors
Run your hands over the rug and note whether the pile (nap) is even; it may be flattened
in high-traffic areas. Turn the rug over and examine the underside, paying particular
attention to the knots (if the rug was hand-knotted). Note also whether the edges
are straight, and if the binding is frayed.
Key Details Include these details in your
listing:
- Type (oval, rectangle, runner, round, square, other)
- Size (small 1x2–1x4,
medium 4x2–9x6, large 9x7–9x12, etc.)
- Source (Pottery Barn, Ikea, etc.)
- Style (Persian, Turkish, Chinese, etc.)
- Region of origin (if applicable)
-
Background color and primary patterns woven into the fabric
- Material (wool,
silk, etc.)
Storage and Shipping
It’s generally fine to keep the rug rolled up, however, you might want to unroll
it and air it out before shipping.
Keep rugs in a well-ventilated room, away from children, pets, smoke and cooking
odors. Don’t place them in direct sunlight; cover them with a sheet or better yet,
keep the windows covered. Don’t place rugs next to heating vents or air conditioners
either, since the temperature/humidity changes can cause damage.
The size and delicacy of an antique rug might require special shipping. It’s best
to determine the shipping method and include the total cost in your listing.
