Silver items - clean or no clean?

[second-chance-sa1es]

For those that sell silver items. Silver or silver plated I have some questions. Speculation also welcome.

1. Do you guys find that when you are selling a non scrap item weather sterling or plated, do you find that it sells better, for more, or quicker if its cleaned and polished vs the patina left on it? What is the over under? how much faster, how much more?

2. Where do you draw the line between an item that is scrap and an item that is worth selling at an item price? Seller appeal? Hard numbers from the sold section?

[second-chance-sa1es]

Answer appreciated. But I do feel compelled to point out two things.

1. I do not feel that I gave any indication of my personal thoughts on the value, or collectable level of these specific pieces, which leads me to point number two.

2. My initial question was about silver items in general, both plated and non plated which is why I asked about both because it is not the only silver pieces in my possession nor the only ones I am likely to deal with in the future.

That said I do appreciate your input so dont infer any attitude that was not intended.

Painting them why and how? How does that increase the items value? are we talking about some sort of speciality painting? airbrush artistry?

[second-chance-sa1es]

Your response is absolutely appreciated. as I am sure you saw from the thread, there seems to be many differing opinions on the matter which is probably the third unspoken reason I posted this to begin with. as a rule of thumb I try to please two things. The customer and my wallet.

offering to polish upon request is a good idea. Sort of increases the handling time when if I happen to be exceptionally busy and may open me up to some 'performance issues' if I happen to end up with a customer who wants polished and wants their item on a tight time scale.

there has to be a way to balance that. Something for me to think on.

[rainbowcolorz]

@second-chance-sa1es, you have very nice items listed.  

[threshold.sales.group]

Fwiw, if you are going to sell sterling and plate flatware and hollowware then invest in a large tub of Hagerty silver foam, plus a horsehair brush and natural ocean sponge. Those are the tools of the professionals in the business.  Silver foam is mild and enhances the patina.  The horsehair brush will clean pattern work without scratching and removing the blackening.  Once your silver is clean store in a sealed environment ideally with 3M tarnish preventing strips to absorb sulfur gases that cause tarnish.  An alternative for storage is the kenized cloth bags, but they can be pricey.     

[second-chance-sa1es]

excellent advice ty

[ferretofparis1922]

I am willing to bid more for clean attractive silver than tarnished silver that may have hidden scratches and damage.

[castlemagicmemories]

That's true but sometimes patina can be attractive and interesting, too.