Selling Antiques: Postal Services vs In-Person Roadshows (Pros & Cons)

When you're downsizing or going through a loved one's things, you might end up with jewellery and antiques and not know what to do next. If you decide to sell, the main question is how. Most people choose between posting their items to a remote buyer or bringing them to an expert at a local roadshow. Each option has its benefits, and the best choice depends on what you have and how you want to sell.

This guide explains how each selling option works and lays out the pros and cons in simple terms. Although we run in-person roadshows, we've aimed to give a fair view of postal services and when they might be right for you. By the end, you should feel ready to choose the selling method that suits your items and situation.

How Postal and In-Person Selling Work

Selling Antiques by Post

Many companies in the UK offer postal buying services, also known as send-away services. You ask the company for a box, pack up your items, and send them using a prepaid label. Once your parcel arrives, a valuer assesses your items and contacts you by email or phone with an offer. If you accept, the money goes into your bank account. If you decline, the company sends your items back.

Selling at an In-Person Roadshow

At a roadshow, you take your items to a local place like a community hall and meet an appraiser in person. The expert looks at each piece with you, explains what affects its value, and then makes an offer. If you agree, you get paid instantly. If not, you can take your items home. We hold over 250 roadshows each month across the UK and visit most towns regularly.

The Pros of Postal Buying Services

The main advantage of selling by post is convenience. You can do everything from home whenever it suits you. You don't need to travel or wait for a local event, which is helpful if you live far away. Packing and postage to the company are usually free, but return terms can differ, so check them before sending your items.

Postal services are also good for people who want to clear out low-value items quickly and easily. If you have a drawer full of odds and ends and want a fast and easy priority send-away pack, it's a good option. Some people also like the privacy of not having to talk about their belongings in person, especially during tough times.

The Cons of Postal Buying Services

The main downside is that your items leave your hands before anyone has checked them: It can be hard to claim postal insurance for items that haven't been valued yet. With these precious items put at the mercy of the back of delivery vans, they may not arrive in the condition they left in. For family heirlooms, this time between posting and valuing is often the most uncertain part.

You also can't see the valuation process or share details about an item's history, which can be important for antiques with a story. Offers usually come as one amount for the whole parcel, so it's hard to know how they valued each piece. If you say no, you have to wait for your items to be returned before you can try selling them another way.

We've covered these points in more detail in our guide to postal buying service risks. If a TV advert prompted you to start clearing out, our postal services comparison explains what to consider first.

The Pros of In-Person Roadshows

The main benefit of selling in person is that your items stay with you unless you decide to sell. You can watch the appraisal and ask any questions about how your expert arrived at their offer. This openness helps you decide if the offer is fair, even if you don't know much about antiques.

Roadshows are also fast. You usually get an offer within minutes and can be paid the same day. At our events, if you accept, we pay you by bank transfer before you leave and email and text you a digital receipt. Entry is both free and doesn’t require an appointment, so that you can come with a box of jewellery or just one ring.

Seeing an appraiser in person also lets you share the story behind your item. For example, a medal with its paperwork or a watch with its original box can be worth more when its provenance is known. Our experts will also suggest an auction house if they think that's a better option for your item.

The Cons of In-Person Roadshows

Roadshows require a bit more effort, as you need to collect your items and travel to the venue that day. Events have set hours, so you may need to plan. Busy events can also mean a short wait before you see an appraiser.

Events are time-limited, so you might feel pressured to decide quickly, but a good buyer will never rush you. You can always take your items home to think about it or return to another event later. Our guide on spotting a genuine roadshow explains what to look for before you go.

If you find it hard to get out, these challenges still apply. That's why we also offer other face-to-face options.

Which Option Suits Your Items?

The best choice often depends on how valuable your items are and how much they mean to you. One quick way to decide is to ask yourself what you would lose if a parcel got lost in the post.

When Posting May Work

Selling by post can work well for small amounts of low-value items you want to clear out. It might also suit you if you live far from regular events and are happy with the company's return policy.

When Face-to-Face Makes More Sense

Gold and fine jewellery are usually best valued in person, since details like hallmarks and weight affect the offer. The same goes for inherited items or anything with sentimental value that you couldn't replace. If you have a mix of items, an appraiser can help you sort through them and point out what's worth selling. You can look at our full list of items we buy before you visit.

Where to Sell Antiques If You Can't Reach a Roadshow

You don't always have to travel to sell face to face. Consider these two other options. We offer free home visits, where a DBS-checked senior buyer comes to you. This is helpful for estate clearances and larger collections. Appointments usually last about 40 minutes and if you accept an offer, we pay you by bank transfer before the buyer leaves.

If you're in or near Leeds, you can also book an in-store appointment at our York Road store. No matter which option you choose, our valuations are free and there's no pressure to sell anything you bring.

Choosing the Right Way to Sell Your Antiques

Both postal services and in-person roadshows are good ways to sell antiques. Posting is handy for inexpensive items, while in-person selling gives you more control over valuable or unique pieces. Whatever you choose, take your time and compare offers before deciding.

We are members of the National Association of Jewellers and have a 4.8 Google rating from over 2,000 reviews. You can meet an appraiser at your nearest roadshow or book an appointment at our Leeds store. If you find it hard to travel, you can request a free home visit, we'll come to you. If you have any questions, get in touch, we’ll do our best to answer any questions you have.