News & Reviews

GUIDELINES FOR BUYING CHINA ONLINE

Often it can be difficult to determine from written descriptions and digital images exactly what you are buying online and how it will be packaged and shipped to you. The following are questions and suggestions a buyer can use as a guide to help make an educated purchase. Sellers should include as much information in their descriptions as possible to better the prospects of a solid sale. Tell people as much of the provenance or history of the item as you can. They love hearing where an item came from! Tell the age if you can, give information about the maker, and let people know if it is a reproduction or not.

APPEARANCE

• How does the item look?
• Are the colors bright and clear?
• Any smudges or blurriness?
• Any fading or discoloration?
• Is it artist signed?
• If it is a decal or transfer ware piece, do the seams match evenly?
• Can you see the seam?

CONDITION

• What is the overall condition?
• Is there visible wear?
• Are there any knife marks, scratches, lines, chips, cracks, or repairs? If yes, what size are they?
• Is the trim worn?
• Are there blemishes, paint skips, air bubbles, crazing, or glazing imperfections of any sort?
• If a black light were to be used would there be anything seen?

TOUCH AND SOUND

• How does the item feel?
• If you rub your palm around the edges, are there any rough spots, nicks, cracks, bumps, or glazing imperfections of any kind?
• Does the item pass the ping test?
• If held by the base and gently tapped against the side, is there a lovely ping sound or a dull thud?

WRAPPING AND SHIPPING

• How will the item be packed?
• What materials will be used?
• Will it be double boxed?
• What carrier will be used?
• What will the weight be?
• How much for the insurance?
• Ask for a receipt for the purchase.
• Get a tracking number if using a carrier that provides them.

RETURNS

• What is the return policy?
• How much time is allowed to return the item?
• How are claims handled?
• Who initiates a claim?
• Will shipping and insurance fees be refunded?
• Is there a handling charge?

OPENING YOUR PACKAGE

• When the item arrives allow it to sit for at least 4 hours so that it reaches room temperature.
• Open the box with a witness.
• If it is a very expensive item, record opening the package with a video camera.
• If there is damage take digital images or real photos.
• Save all the wrapping materials and your receipt.

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