Selling a Persian rug: appraisal, auction and dealer options

The short answer

Start by finding out what you have: type, age, materials and condition. An independent appraisal helps. Then choose a route — a specialist rug dealer, an auction house with a rug department, consignment through a shop, or a private sale online.

Your options

• Specialist dealer: quick, but dealers need a margin
• Auction house: good for antique or rare rugs; fees and no guaranteed price
• Consignment: often a better price, but slower
• Private sale online: most control, but you handle photos, buyers and shipping

Prepare the rug

Have it cleaned by a specialist if needed, measure it accurately, and take clear photos of the front, back, fringe, edges and any damage.

Paperwork

Keep any receipts, certificates or family history. Provenance can matter for older pieces.

Avoid

Be careful with buyers who offer instant cash at your door, and with 'free valuation' offers from the buyer themselves.