What Sells: Pottery & China
Online marketplaces are popular sources for many types of pottery, from casual stoneware and rustic hand-thrown pieces to elegant porcelain figurines and dinner plates.
Top-selling brands include:
The following websites contain photo galleries; pattern and color lists and other information that can help you identify and describe pottery:
Belleek: http://www.belleek.com/
Fiesta: http://www.fiestafanatic.com
Franciscan:http://www.gmcb.com/franciscan/
Lenox: http://www.lenox.com
Majolica: http://www.majolicasociety.com/
McCoy: http://ohiopottery.com/mccoy/ and http://www.mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org/
Roseville: http://www.wwcomponents.net/roseville/roseville.html
Wedgwood: http://www.wedgwood.com
Look for these signs of wear and tear:
- Scratches from utensils on plates, bowls, cups and serving dishes
- Cracks and chips (run your finger around the rim, base and handles to detect tiny chips called “flea bites”)
- “Crazing,” a web-like network of tiny, delicate cracks in the glaze of old pottery
- Torn or missing stickers and labels
Include these details in your listing:
- Brand
- Model or pattern name (if known)
- Type of item (vase, bowl, plate, etc.)
- Color(s)
- Age (if known)
- Number of place settings (for sets of dishes)
- Packaging (e.g., New in Box)
Maker’s marks change over time and are critical to assessing the item’s value, so include photographs of any markings or stickers in your listing; a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass will help you read them, as well as spot imperfections and damage.
Pottery and china are very delicate and need to be well protected during storage and shipping. Always carry pottery (and other fragile items) with both hands. Use the original packaging whenever possible; many high-end manufacturers ship their items in dense foam that offers excellent protection. Otherwise, wrap each item individually in bubble wrap (wrap lids separately) and cushion with packing peanuts.
Dishes require considerable time and effort to package properly; as few as four place settings may require several boxes to allow for sufficient cushioning. If you’re selling a large set of dishes, determine how many boxes you’ll need before listing, and put the shipping total in your listing. Also, make sure you research the specific pattern, since high shipping costs deter some bidders.
