Selling an antique: Buyers don’t care for sentimental value

Dear Nanay,

Our parents left us a piece of antique furniture (wooden desk in mahogany finish) which, according to them, they acquired from a rich and famous five-star hotel by the bay.

It has been in their antique house (now demolished) since the 1940s-1950s.  It has sentimental value to us but we have to be realistic.

We plan to sell it but how do we go about it?  Whom do we trust? — Marlon

Dear Marlon,

I think you have a couple of options for selling your antique desk.

One option is for you to take a lot of photos of the desk and bring the photos to an antique dealer who might be able to give you an appraisal or be willing to help you sell it.  Make sure you take photos of the desk from different angles and close-ups of the various details like the drawer pulls.  You can find antique dealers in the major malls, online or possibly in the classified ads.

Your other option would be to try and sell it online.  There are now several websites that allow you to sell your personal items.  Just do a search for online selling in the Philippines and you will see a number of options.

I do have one word of warning.  Very often, people who sell their family heirlooms tend to ask for too much.  They end up thinking that the item’s value is far more than it is really worth because of its sentimental value.  Just remember that the buyer is not interested in the item because of sentimental value.  He is only after a good deal.  Mas madalas, tatawad iyan ng presyo na mas mababa sa inaasahan mo, kaya huwag kang magulat o mainsulto.  (Often, the buyer will ask for a lower price than you were expecting, so don’t be surprised or insulted). That is just part of the game and you have to accept it.  Have realistic expectations and  get it independently appraised. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Nanay

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Work for the elderly

Dear Nanay,

In the Feb. 17 issue of Philippine STAR, I read the letter of  “Balikbayan” who suggested providing jobs even on a part-time basis to the older population.

I fully agree with the recommendation since there are senior citizens who can still be productive at age 65 and above.  I have recently retired and I am still willing to work either full-time or part-time.   I hope employers in the country will consider the suggestion of “Balikbayan” to enable the elderly to be still useful and become productive members of society.   — Retired Citizen

Dear Retired Citizen,

I could not agree more.  Look at me.  I am 89 and proud to say that I still go to work every day. 

This is something I encourage all senior citizens to do as working will keep you young, healthy and most of all, exercise the most important muscle in your body … your mind.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.