1stDibs Selling Guide 2026: How to Sell Antiques and Luxury Items

If you’re serious about selling high-end antiques, vintage furniture, or luxury collectibles, 1stDibs represents the pinnacle of online marketplaces. Unlike mass-market platforms, 1stDibs caters exclusively to discerning collectors, interior designers, and affluent buyers willing to pay premium prices for exceptional pieces. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a successful 1stDibs seller in 2026.

What is 1stDibs and Why Does It Matter?

1stDibs launched in 2000 as an online destination connecting buyers with the world’s top antique dealers and luxury vendors. Today, it hosts over 5,000 vetted dealers across 50+ countries, offering more than one million items ranging from 18th-century French furniture to contemporary designer jewelry.

The platform’s key differentiator is exclusivity. Not everyone can sell on 1stDibs—the application process is rigorous, and sellers must meet strict quality standards. This selectivity creates tremendous value for approved dealers: buyers trust that items are authentic, fairly priced, and accurately described.

Average sale prices on 1stDibs typically range from $2,000 to $50,000, with many pieces commanding six or even seven figures. If you’re currently selling antiques on eBay or local marketplaces and have inventory that deserves premium positioning, 1stDibs could significantly increase your profit margins.

Dealer vs. Consignment Tiers: Understanding Your Options

1stDibs offers two primary pathways for sellers, each with distinct requirements, costs, and benefits.

Dealer (Direct Seller) Tier

The dealer tier is designed for established antique dealers, galleries, and luxury goods specialists who maintain their own inventory. This is the traditional 1stDibs model and offers the most control and highest profit potential.

Requirements for Dealer Approval:

• Established business with verifiable history (typically 3+ years)
• Physical gallery, showroom, or warehouse location
• Professional-quality photography capabilities
• Expertise in a specific category (furniture, fine art, jewelry, etc.)
• Business references and portfolio of past sales
• Minimum inventory value requirements (varies by category)

Dealer Commission Structure:

• Standard Commission: 12-15% of final sale price
• Monthly Subscription: $175-$500/month depending on tier
• Optional Promoted Listings: Additional 3-5% for enhanced visibility
• Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Example Dealer Transaction: You sell a 1920s Art Deco armoire for $8,500.

• Commission (15%): $1,275
• Payment processing (2.9% + $0.30): $246.80
• Net to you: $6,978.20

While commissions may seem steep, remember that 1stDibs buyers expect to pay premium prices. That same armoire might sell for $4,000-$5,000 on other platforms, making the 1stDibs commission worthwhile.

Consignment Tier (1stDibs Consignment)

For sellers without an established dealer business, 1stDibs offers a consignment program through partnerships with vetted consignment houses. This provides access to the platform without meeting full dealer requirements.

How Consignment Works:

1. Submit your item to an approved 1stDibs consignment partner
2. The partner photographs, lists, and manages the sale
3. Sale proceeds are split between you and the consignment house
4. 1stDibs takes their commission from the consignment house

Consignment Commission Structure:

• Your share: Typically 50-60% of sale price
• Consignment house share: 40-50% (includes their 1stDibs fees)

Example Consignment Transaction: You consign a vintage Hermès Birkin bag valued at $15,000.

• Consignment house sells it for $15,000
• Your share (55%): $8,250
• Net to you: $8,250

Consignment yields lower percentages but requires zero upfront investment, no photography, and no customer service responsibilities. It’s ideal for one-time sellers or those testing the luxury market.

The 1stDibs Application Process

Becoming an approved 1stDibs dealer isn’t automatic. The platform maintains strict standards to preserve its reputation. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Initial Application

Submit your application through the 1stDibs dealer portal. You’ll need:

• Business name and registration details
• Physical address and contact information
• Description of your specialty and expertise
• Sample inventory photographs (10-20 pieces)
• Business references (2-3 industry contacts)
• Website or social media presence

Step 2: Portfolio Review

1stDibs curators evaluate your inventory quality, photography, and pricing. They’re looking for:

• Authentic, high-quality merchandise
• Accurate descriptions and provenance documentation
• Professional presentation
• Competitive but premium pricing
• Category expertise

Step 3: Interview

Approved applicants typically receive a phone or video interview. Be prepared to discuss:

• Your sourcing methods
• Authentication processes
• Customer service approach
• Business goals on the platform

Step 4: Trial Period

New dealers often start with a limited listing allowance (25-50 items) to demonstrate their capabilities. Successful performance leads to expanded privileges.

Pro Tip: The approval process can take 4-8 weeks. Use this time to refine your inventory, upgrade your photography, and prepare detailed provenance documentation.

Photography Requirements: The 1stDibs Standard

Photography makes or breaks sales on 1stDibs. The platform’s affluent buyers expect museum-quality images that showcase every detail.

Technical Specifications

• Image Size: Minimum 2000 x 2000 pixels
• Format: JPEG or PNG
• Background: Clean white, gray, or contextual room settings
• Lighting: Even, professional lighting without harsh shadows
• Images per Listing: 5-15 recommended

Required Shots

1. Hero Image: Full item, front-facing, perfectly lit
2. Alternate Angles: Back, sides, three-quarter views
3. Detail Shots: Joinery, hardware, signatures, labels
4. Scale Reference: With measurements or contextual placement
5. Condition Documentation: Any wear, repairs, or imperfections

Photography Best Practices

Invest in Equipment:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera (minimum 24MP)
• Diffused lighting setup or light tent
• Neutral backdrop (seamless paper or fabric)
• Tripod for consistency

Consider Professional Help: Many successful 1stDibs dealers hire professional photographers, especially for high-value pieces. A $200-$500 photo session can mean the difference between a $5,000 and $15,000 sale.

Room Settings: For furniture and decorative objects, lifestyle shots showing pieces in elegant room settings dramatically increase engagement. 1stDibs provides resources for creating compelling contextual imagery.

Before listing high-value items, use our ROI Calculator to determine if professional photography costs are justified based on expected sale prices.

Authentication Standards and Provenance

1stDibs buyers pay premium prices partly because they trust item authenticity. Meeting authentication standards is non-negotiable.

Documentation Requirements

For Antique Furniture:

• Approximate date and origin
• Style period (Georgian, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, etc.)
• Materials and construction methods
• Prior ownership history if available
• Any restoration or repair history

For Fine Art:

• Artist attribution with supporting evidence
• Provenance chain of ownership
• Exhibition history
• Literature references
• Certificates of authenticity

For Jewelry and Watches:

• Designer/maker identification
• Materials (gold karat, gem specifications)
• Serial numbers where applicable
• Original boxes, papers, certificates
• Professional appraisals for items over $10,000

For Luxury Fashion:

• Brand authentication (receipts, dust bags, boxes)
• Date codes or serial numbers
• Condition grading
• Proof of purchase when possible

Working with Authentication Services

For high-value items, third-party authentication adds credibility and protects against disputes:

• Furniture: Appraisers certified by AAA (Appraisers Association of America)
• Fine Art: Authentication boards, catalog raisonné inclusion
• Jewelry: GIA reports for diamonds, brand authentication services
• Watches: Manufacturer service records, certified watchmakers
• Handbags: Entrupy, Real Authentication, or brand authentication

Authentication costs typically range from $50-$500 depending on the item category and value. For pieces priced above $5,000, this investment almost always pays dividends in buyer confidence and higher sale prices.

Pricing Strategy for 1stDibs Success

Pricing on 1stDibs requires balancing premium positioning with market reality. Here’s how successful dealers approach it:

Research Comparable Sales

Use 1stDibs’ sold items archive and external resources to understand market values:

• Recent 1stDibs sales for similar items
• Auction results (Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Heritage Auctions)
• Dealer pricing from established galleries
• Price guides and appraisal databases

Factor in Platform Costs

When setting prices, account for all 1stDibs-related expenses:

• Commission (12-15%)
• Monthly subscription fees
• Payment processing (approximately 3%)
• Shipping and handling (often seller-paid or subsidized)
• Photography and preparation costs

Premium Pricing Strategy

1stDibs buyers expect to pay more for the platform’s curation and trust. Price accordingly:

Example: Mid-Century Eames Lounge Chair (authentic, excellent condition)

• eBay/Chairish price: $4,500-$5,500
• 1stDibs price: $6,500-$8,000
• Auction estimate: $5,000-$7,000

The 1stDibs premium is justified by:

• Verified authenticity
• Professional photography
• Buyer protection policies
• Access to affluent, design-conscious buyers

Real Price Examples from 1stDibs

To illustrate earning potential, here are actual 2026 sale examples across categories:

Furniture:

• French Louis XV commode (18th century): $28,500
• Milo Baughman chrome dining set: $12,800
• Antique English library table: $8,200

Decorative Arts:

• Murano glass chandelier (1950s): $15,500
• Art Deco bronze sculpture: $4,800
• Chinese export porcelain collection: $22,000

Jewelry:

• Vintage Cartier Tank watch: $18,500
• Art Nouveau enamel brooch: $6,200
• Estate diamond tennis bracelet: $35,000

Luxury Fashion:

• Hermès Kelly bag (vintage): $24,000
• Chanel tweed jacket (runway): $8,500
• Vintage Pucci silk dress: $2,400

Use our ROI Calculator to model potential profits before committing inventory to 1stDibs.

Optimizing Your 1stDibs Listings

Once approved, listing optimization determines your success. Here’s how to maximize visibility and conversions:

Title Best Practices

Craft titles that balance searchability with elegance:

Good: “French Art Deco Macassar Ebony Sideboard, circa 1930” Poor: “Beautiful Old French Cabinet”

Include:

• Style/period (Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, Georgian)
• Designer/maker if known
• Primary material
• Approximate date

Description Writing

Your descriptions should read like museum placards—informative, authoritative, and engaging:

1. Opening Hook: Capture attention with the item’s significance
2. Detailed Description: Materials, dimensions, construction, condition
3. Provenance: History and previous ownership
4. Context: Historical period, design movement, maker biography
5. Practical Information: Shipping, returns, inquiries welcome

Category and Attribute Selection

1stDibs’ search functionality relies on accurate categorization:

• Select the most specific category available
• Complete all relevant attributes (period, style, material, origin)
• Add multiple relevant tags
• Specify exact dimensions

Pricing Psychology

Consider these strategies:

• Make Offer Enabled: Increases inquiries by 30-40%
• Price Ending: $8,500 vs. $8,495 (cleaner looks more premium)
• Competitive Positioning: Price within 10-15% of comparable listings

Managing Sales and Customer Service

1stDibs buyers expect white-glove service. Your customer interactions must match platform standards.

Response Time

Respond to inquiries within 24 hours—preferably sooner. 1stDibs tracks response rates, and slow dealers lose visibility.

The Negotiation Dance

Most 1stDibs sales involve negotiation:

• Expect offers at 70-80% of asking price
• Counter with confidence, justifying your pricing
• Be willing to negotiate on high-margin items
• Hold firm on fairly priced, rare pieces

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping high-value, often fragile antiques requires expertise:

For Large Furniture:

• Use white-glove delivery services (Plycon, Cadogan Tate)
• Obtain proper insurance (minimum 150% of sale price)
• Professional crating and packing
• Typical costs: $500-$3,000 domestic, $2,000-$10,000 international

For Smaller Items:

• UPS/FedEx with signature confirmation
• Double-box fragile items
• Full insurance documentation
• Tracking provided to buyer

Many successful dealers build shipping costs into their pricing or offer free shipping as a competitive advantage.

Handling Returns and Disputes

1stDibs provides buyer protection, so approach disputes professionally:

• Maintain detailed documentation and photographs
• Respond promptly to any concerns
• Offer reasonable solutions before escalation
• Learn from any issues to prevent recurrence

Building Long-Term Success on 1stDibs

Sustainable success on 1stDibs requires strategic thinking beyond individual listings.

Develop Your Specialty

The most successful 1stDibs dealers develop recognized expertise:

• Focus on specific periods, styles, or categories
• Build relationships with collectors in your niche
• Contribute to the platform’s editorial content
• Attend trade shows and auctions to source exceptional pieces

Leverage Designer Relationships

Interior designers drive significant 1stDibs volume. Cultivate these relationships:

• Offer trade discounts (typically 10-20%)
• Provide excellent photography for their presentations
• Be flexible on holds and approvals
• Build a reputation for reliability and expertise

Monitor Performance Metrics

Track your 1stDibs performance:

• Views per listing
• Inquiry rate
• Offer-to-sale conversion
• Average days to sale
• Return rate

Adjust your strategy based on data. If certain categories perform better, focus inventory there. If listings languish, reassess pricing or photography.

Expand Strategically

Once established, consider expanding your presence:

• Add new categories within your expertise
• Upgrade to higher dealer tiers for more listings
• Invest in promoted placement for key pieces
• Develop exclusive inventory relationships

Is 1stDibs Right for You?

1stDibs isn’t for everyone. Consider whether the platform fits your business:

1stDibs is ideal if you:

• Have access to authentic, high-quality antiques and luxury items
• Can produce professional photography
• Possess expertise to authenticate and describe pieces accurately
• Serve buyers seeking premium, curated inventory
• Have inventory with average values above $1,000

1stDibs may not fit if you:

• Primarily sell commodity or reproduction items
• Lack storage for inventory during approval and longer sale cycles
• Cannot invest in photography and presentation
• Need immediate cash flow from quick sales
• Don’t have expertise to stand behind authenticity claims

Conclusion: Entering the Luxury Marketplace

Becoming a successful 1stDibs seller requires investment—in inventory quality, photography, expertise, and customer service. But for dealers with the right merchandise and commitment, the platform offers unmatched access to affluent collectors and premium prices.

Start by honestly evaluating your inventory. Do you have pieces worthy of the 1stDibs audience? If so, prepare your application carefully, invest in professional photography, and develop thorough documentation for every item.

The 12-20% commission structure might seem substantial compared to other platforms, but when your antique armoire sells for $8,500 instead of $4,500, the math works decidedly in your favor.

Before committing inventory to 1stDibs, run the numbers using our ROI Calculator to model potential profits across different scenarios. Understanding your margins upfront ensures you price correctly and build a sustainable luxury reselling business.

The antiques and luxury market rewards expertise, presentation, and patience. 1stDibs provides the platform—your knowledge and inventory quality determine success.

Ready to evaluate potential 1stDibs inventory? Our ROI Calculator helps you determine profit margins across different platforms and commission structures, ensuring you choose the right marketplace for each piece.