NORTH STAR ANTIQUES

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you buy or consign antiques?

Yes - we do both. We buy things from postcards to furniture. We also consider consignment for the right items but often prefer to buy items outright if we can agree on price. Some items may qualify for us to sell your item online. The criteria for that varies, but starts with a minimum value of $100. Commissions vary depending on shipping vs. pickup and other specifications needed to sell the item.

Do you buy dolls?

Generally the answer is no. The doll market is very soft. There are a few exceptions. Old Barbie and Ken dolls and accessories in GOOD condition. Madame Alexander Dolls in good to excellent condition still have some collectors out there. We have had some success consignment selling the oldest, and nicest dolls which have appraisal information valuing them in excess of $100. One doll sold for around $2,000. We are not doll experts and researching most dolls is complex and time consuming so we prefer for dolls of this nature to come in already researched.

Do you buy china / dishes?

Yes, with exceptions. There is an excess of China on the market vs buyers. Send us a picture of the front and back of a plate with a list of what you have. Text photos to 1-855-735-0211. We need to see the pattern and who the maker is. China is difficult to sell and that is a big factor in our decision. Keep in mind, IF we buy the dishes, we rarely pay very much because of the higher risk of selling them. Sometimes we may try to consign them for you.

We have items to sell. What is the best way to go about doing this?

*If you have things you would like to sell, please review ALL of our FAQ’s before you contact us.

*We like to see photos of items prior to you bringing them in. You can send photos by email or text.

Text Photos to 1-855-735-0211.

Email [email protected]

If you have a lot of items, just send a sample of photos with a list of general other items like “Colored Glass, tools, etc.

*Appointments are preferred to walk-ins and we ask that you please consider our time with the quantity you bring in. We generally arrange these after you have sent your photos.

* Please bring your items cleaned and with a general idea of how much you would like for them, any research that you do may impact what we pay for items. The more you know and can share about these items, may help that we buy your items at all or how much we pay.

*Please let us know if you have a timeline for when you need to sell the items. For example, if you are moving, clearing out an estate or any other timeline that is urgent.

* It's always suggested that you put together a small box or two at a time. We love buying in small lots. Lots can minimize risk vs buying one breakable item.

I have some very old things that were left to me, do they have value?

Value vs valuable, most things have value that doesn't make them valuable. Age does NOT determine value. Collectability or the market determines this. You may have Grandma's 1800's dishes, but if today's buyers aren't educated and value those items, their age doesn't matter. Value is FIRST determined by 'will somebody buy this'. If you have doubts, ask. But if these items are chipped or cracked, they hold little to no value and we suggest donation. We are not interested in clear or milk glass.

My Grandmother has some really old things for sale so they must be valuable aren't they?

No. Age does NOT determine value. Collectibility or the market determines this. You may have Grandma's 1800's dishes, but if today's buyers aren't educated and value those items, their age doesn't matter. Value is FIRST determined by 'will somebody buy this'. If you have doubts, ask. But if these items are chipped or cracked, they hold little to no value and we suggest donation.

Do you Appraise Antiques?

We are not professional appraisers. Professional appraisers are certified and can give values for insurance companies. We may be able to help you determine approximate retail value. However, these values are fluid just as the market is. Their may be a small fee if you require a lot of assistance and are not looking to actually sell your item.

Do you rent Space?

Yes we do. We have an Estate Room that is designed for customers who are downsizing. This room is limited to rent for 1-2 months. However, if you are a professional dealer, and would like to rent space and be part of our team, you can check with us and be put on a list if space is available. We also rent showcases or sections of showcases.

Can you return an item?

No. Because of the nature of our unique items, and multiple dealers and consignors that are paid for their items promptly, we do not accept returns.

211 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331, USA

NORTH STAR ANTIQUES

211 West Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331

Call Us Today! (855) 735-0211

Mon: 10:00AM-5:00PM

Tue - Fri: 10:00AM-6:00PM

Sat: 10:00AM-5:00PM

Sun: 12:00PM-5:00PM

GIVE US A VISIT

North Star Antiques

211 West Main Street

Lowell, MI 49331

GET IN TOUCH

Phone:

(855) 735-0211

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Mon: 10 AM - 5 PM

Tue - Fri: 10AM - 6PM

Sat: 10AM - 5PM

Sun: 12PM - 5PM

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