800.663.4533 ~ 905.250.8880 ~ ocp@oldchinapatterns.ca
Start your pattern search here!
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800.663.4533 ~ 905.250.8880 ~ ocp@oldchinapatterns.ca Start your pattern search here!
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Seller's Questions
"What are my dishes worth?" Our #1 all time question. On a daily basis we are asked for a "ball park idea" of what something is "worth". Many people are surprised to hear that supply & demand are the main factors in determining a value for their china/crystal. Unfortunately, this often isn't the answer people want to hear. But it is understood that the demand for pieces of a discontinued pattern is limited to those who also have pieces and/or share the same appreciation for your pattern as you. Apart from supply & demand, condition can also greatly affect the value items. Particularly with items that are meant to be used, chips, cracks, crazing, dishwasher wear and general wear are all examples of condition problems that can render a piece virtually worthless. "Do you have a catalogue with pictures of all the patterns? It isn't practical to even attempt to assemble a catalogue of all the patterns ever made by all manufacturers. At last estimate, Royal Doulton arguably the most successful dinnerware company of the 20th century, had assigned over 70,000 different pattern numbers since 1880. With thousands of other potteries that produced dinnerware over time it is obvious why there is no such catalogue. We are assembling photos of all the patterns we have in stock on an "as needed" basis and are adding them to our Pattern Index. If we have taken a photo of a special or rare item the photo is added to our on-line inventory. "Where do you get your inventory? Is your inventory used?" We acquire our inventory from a variety of sources including retail stores. But, since we deal primarily with discontinued patterns most of our stock is "previously enjoyed". We do attempt to make the distinction of "New" or "used" items where we are positive of their condition. However, we do not charge a premium for "new/unused" items. Whether you purchase a new or used item we can guarantee the quality of your purchase because of the strict guidelines used in our inspection processes. If you request to be notified of new dishes only, whatever the reason, this information is specially noted. We have many retail contacts and within reason can conduct a specialized search for "new" items to fill such requests. "What condition can I expect my order to be in? " Generally, we do not buy items that are chipped, cracked, crazed, stained or excessively worn in any way. Therefore, all items are in excellent condition unless otherwise noted. Occasionally, when there is an excellent market for a pattern or particular items, exceptions may be made. All items are graded according to their demand as well as the amount of wear or use. For items deemed to be "less than excellent" both the reason and amount of discount are listed. For example, a dinner plate that has long been discontinued with minor knife marks might be discounted by ten or twenty percent. Our customers have said that such an item fits perfectly with the rest of their service. "How do I know you are sending me the right pattern?" In many cases manufacturers clearly identify their wares with their backstamp and their own naming & numbering system. We have incorporated these pattern numbers into our records to help identify patterns. Occasionally, there is no pattern name or number on pieces, or there are multiple versions of a pattern. In these cases we have made it a priority to have a pattern/item photo available for you. If you don't know the manufacturer & pattern name/number our staff will ask that you provide a photo for identification. If you are unable to provide a photo or if you prefer to bring a piece to our showroom we may identify it right away or a staff member will record your pattern and our research department will contact you with our findings. In order to reduce the chances of your ordering the wrong pattern, we will not make any assumptions as to what your pattern is. "Do you have a showroom?" Yes, our showroom is now located at #7 - 1755 Plummer Street in Pickering Ontario, just outside the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) city limits. We couldn't possibly display all the dinnerware patterns we stock, but we do have an interesting assortment of items on display and you are welcome to shop with us or pick-up your telephone or online order. "I hope my order arrives safely. Do you pack it well?" Our experienced shipping staff can carefully package your order for shipment anywhere in the world. With thousands of orders a year we are proud to state that very, very rarely is a claim made for breakage. "Can I pick-up my order instead of having it sent to me?" Our showroom is open to the public during regular business hours. If you prefer to pick-up your order we welcome your visit and appreciate the opportunity to provide the personal service that has kept our customers coming back for over 40 years. |
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For much the same reason as why we don't have photos of all patterns (see above), we cannot yet effectively service requests for all manufacturers. We do handle the major brands and our list of Wares Handled is constantly under review. In fact we have added several in the past few years."How does your company work?" (A close second in popularity.)We buy & sell discontinued dinnerware, crystal & collectibles. It is understood that the demand for pieces of a discontinued pattern is limited to those who also have pieces and/or share the same appreciation for your pattern as you. With 40+ years in business we have developed a large clientele for many dinnerware patterns. Much larger and more specific than any one person could generate with a classified advertisement, auction or antique store. Our computerized client registry & network of dealers often provides a specific market for your dinnerware pattern/items allowing our clients a simple one-stop solution for selling their dinnerware.
If you have a pattern for sale and are able to deliver/send your pieces to our Pickering office, please contact our Purchasing Department or register your pieces for sale. With each request to sell a pattern we research the most recent actual selling prices for your items (market price) and whether those pieces are selling or not (the demand). This research involves reviewing our registry as well as other markets in order to calculate a fair and accurate buying price. If we have a market for your items, we will present you with our current buying price(s). "How do I go about selling my dinnerware to Old China Patterns Limited?" If you are ready to sell your discontinued pattern Old China Patterns Limited is ready to help you. How can we help you as a seller?
In order to assist you, we ask that you first consider if you are able to deliver or ship your pieces to our location in Pickering. Next, check our list of Wares Handled. There will likely be more value in these wares, making the process more worthwhile for all parties. You can fill out a registration form or send us an email complete with all the items you have for sale, that are in excellent condition without chips, cracks, stains or excessive wear of any kind. Or, if you prefer, you can call us or fax us this information.In all cases our 40+ years experience will assure that you receive the best possible price from the sale of your dinnerware. "How much is my dinnerware worth" On a daily basis we are asked for a "ball park idea" of what something is "worth". While we would love to be able to provide everyone with advice on "How much to ask" and "How and Where to Sell", the volume of these requests prohibit us from doing so. If you want to know the retail/replacement value of your dinnerware, please feel free to view our online inventory for retail pricing. Alternatively, we offer an Appraisal Service. This is a paid service offered at a reasonable price for those who need accurate written replacement prices for their discontinued dinnerware and crystal. If you are considering the sale of your gently used dinnerware, crystal or collectibles please read on...Why should I sell to you? I think I can get more on my own.
If our current buying prices are lower than you expected or lower than you might have seen on the internet, the difference is likely what you will spend in your considerable efforts at selling on your own.
If there is a very limited demand for your pattern the best solution may be a consignment arrangement where some pieces may sell quickly and others may take longer.
What you can expect to receive will be determined by the actual demand for the items you have for sale.
The length and age of production, condition as well as availability are factors in determining the demand. While the type of ware, decoration and popularity play a part in the current value.
Since there is no way to accurately state the value of your set without reviewing the market for your pieces, a simple answer to this question could be : The value of your dinnerware is determined by the demand for your specific items.
What we are able to pay is limited by what we are able to sell in the immediate to not-to-distant future. However, what is salable is not as easily stated. For a more in depth explanation of how the value of your dinnerware is determined, please read on...
In order to understand how the value of your dinnerware is determined you need to have an understanding of how the supply & demand of items affects the market price of discontinued patterns and in turn affects you as a seller.
Since very few, if any people purchase dinnerware that has been discontinued, the "market" for a discontinued pattern is defined by the number of customers who already own a collection of the pattern.
Over time these people will either purchase the items they desire or for various reasons decide not to purchase and instead decide to sell.
This means that the market (number of buyers) for your pattern/items is constantly shrinking. Generally, the longer the period of time since discontinuation, the lower the demand for the pattern. Since the value of discontinued dinnerware is market driven, the demand and value for your pieces will decrease over time especially as others decide to sell.
"Do you come to the house to look at my items?" Our buying prices are based on the quantities and items you have listed for sale being "Since you are buying my china, will you pay for shipping too?" Sorry, we cannot absorb your cost of selling. This is a standard practice in our industry. Our buying prices are calculated according to demand & expected resale value. These calculations cannot incorporate variable shipping costs. Absorbing these costs would mean less competitive buying prices and/or selling prices. Additional reasons include:
"Do you take my items on consignment?" Occasionally we accept items on consignment, but in general, we quote our purchase price for your items based on the market for your items. This is the proposed price paid to you for your pieces, without any fees or commissions. However, sometimes there are valid reasons to have additional quantities on hand and available for sale. This is where the consignment of your items may be advisable. When accepting consignment items our objective is to facilitate their sale within 90 days. Often there is a market for certain items and not for others. If this is the case we can explain to you the merit of selling the items that are in demand while there is a demand for them. And possibly placing the other items with us on consignment. When do I get paid?" We try to schedule delivery appointments to allow for the inspection of your goods "while you wait". Unscheduled deliveries may not be inspected immediately and can result in a delay in the processing of your goods. Our payment terms can fluctuate from "Upon inspection" to "60 days following inspection" depending upon purchase price, monthly purchasing volume and date of receipt.On occasion, special circumstances necessitate the immediate sale of a person's goods. In these cases, we will be as accommodating as possible. "Will you buy my whole set or only the pieces you need?" We recognize that selling all items at once would be ideal. Most of our clients have told us they do not wish to split their service or sell only part of it. Unfortunately, the market for your items can put limits on what we are able to pay you. Simply put, what we are able to pay is limited by what customers with your pattern are willing to buy. We rely on our experience when making purchasing decisions. If timing is a factor affecting the current value of your pattern your purchasing agent can advise you on this matter. However waiting for an increase in demand for some pieces is ill advised as the value of other pieces can decline as their demand is satisfied from other sources. This can often result in a lower total value.Particularly if the demand pieces are not part of the regular place settings, selling them separately will not affect the salability of the rest of the set. Also, there is no need to keep all the items together as a set, especially if you are not using the set. Selling the items that are in demand while they are in demand maximizes the rate of return possible on the sale of your items. Much like a commodity or shares of stock, the value of your dinnerware is driven by supply & demand. We strongly recommend selling your items when the price is high. Our buying price is based on the quantities and items you have listed for sale. That means we buy your whole set unless otherwise discussed between you and your purchasing agent. |