5 Steps to a Secure P2P Sale of an Antique Mahogany Sideboard on Chairish

Safeguarding Your Antique Mahogany Sideboard Sale on Chairish

Selling valuable antique pieces like a mahogany sideboard requires diligence to ensure a secure transaction. Chairish offers a platform for such sales, but awareness of potential scams is crucial. This guide outlines five key steps to facilitate a safe peer-to-peer sale.

Step 1: Verify Seller and Buyer Legitimacy

Before finalizing any sale, thoroughly vet the other party. For buyers, check seller ratings and reviews on Chairish. Be wary of new accounts with little to no history. For sellers, ensure the buyer's account appears legitimate and has a history of positive interactions. It's also advisable to use an independent verification service like Safe Trade Services for high-value items to confirm identities.

Step 2: Document Everything Meticulously

• ✓ High-resolution photographs: Capture the sideboard from all angles, highlighting any unique features, craftsmanship, and existing imperfections. Include detailed shots of the wood grain, hardware, and any maker's marks.
• ✓ Detailed condition report: Provide a comprehensive written description of the sideboard's condition, noting any restoration work, structural integrity, and measurements. Be upfront about any existing damage, no matter how minor. Scammers may try to exploit unreported structural damage.
• ✓ Video evidence: Consider creating a short video showcasing the sideboard, perhaps demonstrating drawer functionality or stability. This adds another layer of transparency.

Step 3: Navigate Shipping and Payment Securely

For significant transactions, consider using Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for identity verification. For sales of an antique mahogany sideboard, which typically exceeds $500, the Premium Plan offers enhanced security. Ensure all payments are processed through Chairish's secure system. Avoid off-platform payment requests or 'Payment via Check' traps, where a buyer might send a fraudulent check for an amount exceeding the sale price and request a partial refund or payment to a third party (like a mover).

Step 4: Identify and Avoid Common Scams

• ✓ Fake Designer Attribution: Be wary if a seller claims a piece is by a renowned designer without proof. Conversely, if you are the seller, ensure any attributions you make are supported by evidence, as Chairish does not authenticate items. Use the 'Styled After' field if attribution is uncertain.
• ✓ Stolen High-End Gallery Photos: Scammers may use professional photos of similar sideboards to misrepresent the item they are actually selling. Always insist on seeing actual, recent photos of the specific sideboard you are buying.
• ✓ Vintage vs. Reproduction Bait: Ensure the description accurately reflects whether the piece is a true antique (100+ years old) or vintage (over 20 years old). Misrepresenting newly-made items as antique is a common tactic.
• ✓ Account Takeover via Phish: Be vigilant against phishing attempts that mimic Chairish communications, aiming to steal your login credentials or personal information. Always verify the sender's email address and never click suspicious links or download unknown attachments.

Step 5: Confirm Delivery and Finalize the Transaction

Once the sideboard has been delivered and thoroughly inspected by the buyer, confirm the successful completion of the transaction within the Chairish platform. This triggers the release of funds to the seller and closes the loop on a secure P2P sale.