Pick for Profit

Can Antiques Go Viral? Social Media Strategies for Online Sellers

After a decade selling online, John finds social media can absolutely help move items from his Etsy and eBay stores. Here, he shares some insights on how to get started (even if you've never posted on social media in your life), how to easily get tons of content out of every item in your shop, and what he believes it means to go "viral" in the antiques and collectibles world (hint: it takes far fewer eyeballs than you think).

Deck the Halls with Vintage Finds

John is definitely seeing signs from his Etsy and eBay shops that the Christmas season is upon us as antiques and collectibles dealers. Here, he shares why he believes the Christmas (or holiday) shopping season is in full swing, how long you can expect it to last, and key steps you can take right now to ensure your online shop's in top shape for maximum holiday profits. Also, he's got some pretty sage advice for how to handle those mid-December dates. You won't want to miss it!

From Invisible to Irresistible: Boosting Views for Antiques & Collectibles Online

It's an eyeballs episode (and no, it's not about Halloween). Here, John shares how his own eBay and Etsy stores have recently seen an uptick in views and sales: why we think this is happening, and how you can capitalize on this in your own online shop. Turn the algorithm from your nemesis to your friend, and get more people looking at your antiques and collectibles. 

From Hobby to Hustle #2: Antique Booth Shenanigans

We’ve had a ton of interest in opening and maintaining an antique booth, so John and I decided to share some common shenanigans that take place when you have a booth. We cover what to do when items go missing, how to tell if your prospective mall is analog or digital (and why it matters for tracking sales), how to think about stocking inventory, and even why kindness toward the people who work your antique mall can pay off in the long run.

Q&A #3: You Asked, We Answered

In this latest Q&A session, John hits some best practices for listing online, and we both dive into some techniques we've used for identifying art pieces. John also relates a cool experience he had with one vintage enthusiast, walking him through successfully listing (and selling!) his first item online. 

From Slim Pickings to Oddball Scores

As antiques and collectibles dealers, we're constantly bombarded with articles and tips on what's hot in the collecting world. Problem is, by the time you see that article, generally everyone else has too. When you go shopping for inventory, those hot items are either nowhere to be found or priced at top dollar. So how do you fill those shelves? John shares his tips here on how to buy items that are sort of popular-adjacent to keep your inventory fresh and your sales strong. 

Selling Spotlight: Current Trends at Wisdom Lane Antiques

In this episode, John shares what's selling quickly out of his eBay and Etsy shops right now. He also offers some pretty priceless (pun intended) advice on why those lower-priced items can absolutely be a godsend for your business.

Patina or Perish: When to Clean Your Collectible Finds

As collectors and dealers, we've all faced the same dilemma: to clean or not to clean those new antique or collectible finds. John shares a few thoughts on why he almost always never does. (It all comes back to his specific selling niche!)

Service Can Still Come with a Smile Online

Great customer service doesn’t start at checkout. It starts long before a buyer ever clicks “purchase.” In this episode, John shares his top tips for delivering standout service in a digital storefront, from first impressions to follow-up. Whether you sell antique books or collectible figurines, these practices will build trust, ensure buyer satisfaction (and good reviews!), and, most importantly, keep customers coming back. 

From Treasure to Transit: Shipping Antiques 101

This week, John shares practical tips for shipping the large, the heavy, the oddly sized and the oh-so-breakable. Whether you're mailing vintage glassware or brittle celluloid, these shipping strategies will help you protect your items (and your profits)!