Process & FAQ for Selling Porcelain
Below, we explain how you can offer your porcelain to us for sale, which items we consider, and what we are likely to decline. You will also receive an overview of the entire process — from the initial offer to the final sale — as well as some additional guidance on our "Dos & Don’ts."
Process Through to Payment
- Complete the sales form (go to form)
- MEISSEN reviews your request (up to 3 business days)
- Response by email with a non-binding estimated payout value
- Send your items to MEISSEN by post for a second on-site inspection
- Response by email with a binding payout offer
- Once the sale is completed and the withdrawal period has expired, you will receive your payment
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I sell my porcelain through MEISSEN?
By selling through MEISSEN, you benefit from our many years of expertise and a professional sales process. We take care of the professional valuation, high-quality presentation, and the entire sales process for you — from listing your items in our online shop to handling payment and shipping to the buyer. Thanks to our brand and experience, we are able to reach collectors and enthusiasts of high-quality porcelain directly. This creates the ideal conditions for a successful sale — with no effort required on your part.
Who covers the shipping costs?
You are responsible for arranging and covering the shipping costs for sending your porcelain to the MEISSEN warehouse. If, after the second on-site inspection, MEISSEN decides not to include your porcelain in the sale, the manufactory will cover the cost of returning the items to you. In the event of a successful sale, the buyer covers the shipping costs to the new destination.
Is the shipment to the warehouse insured?
As the sender, you are responsible for the shipment to our warehouse. Transport insurance through MEISSEN is not included. To protect your porcelain as effectively as possible, we recommend choosing an insured shipping service and carefully packaging your items according to our instructions.
At what point does ownership of the porcelain transfer?
The porcelain remains your property until it is sold and will be stored for you on the premises of the MEISSEN manufactory. The sale is handled as a consignment sale on your behalf through the MEISSEN online shop.
How is the payout value determined?
The payout value of your porcelain is carefully and individually determined based on several factors. These include, in particular, the condition of your porcelain, its rarity and market demand, as well as comparable selling prices of similar items. The payout value initially communicated by email is non-binding. The binding payout value will only be confirmed after the item has been inspected by MEISSEN.
Why does the price of my porcelain in the MEISSEN online shop differ from the payout amount offered to me?
The sales process involves costs for the manufactory, including handling the sale, storage and shipping, as well as, where required, the creation of images and product descriptions. These costs are taken into account when determining the final selling price.
Why do I have to wait so long to receive my payment?
Sales through the MEISSEN online shop are handled as consignment sales. This means that you remain the owner of the goods until they are sold. Accordingly, you will only receive your payment once a new owner has completed the purchase and the applicable withdrawal period for the transaction has expired.
Who handles payments and invoicing?
Once you have sent in your porcelain, the MEISSEN manufactory takes care of all payment and invoicing processes. After shipping your items, you do not need to take any further action.
How will I receive my payment after the sale?
The agreed amount will be transferred to your bank account. You can provide us with your bank details using the package insert form that we will provide for shipping your items to the MEISSEN warehouse.
How long will my porcelain be stored at MEISSEN?
Your porcelain will be stored at MEISSEN for a maximum period of 9 months for potential sale. If no sale has taken place by the end of this period, our service team will inform you by email that the return shipment to you will be arranged. The manufactory will cover the return shipping costs. No additional costs will arise for you as part of this process.
Can I withdraw my intention to sell during the 9-month period?
Yes. You may withdraw from your intention to sell at any time. In this case, please simply submit your withdrawal request online (go to form). The return shipment of your porcelain to your address will then be arranged. The manufactory will cover the return shipping costs. No additional costs will arise for you as part of this process.
Can I hand in my porcelain at a MEISSEN store?
No. The sales process can only be initiated online using the designated form, and items can only be accepted at the warehouse by post.
Where can I find the Terms & Conditions for selling porcelain?
How else can I contact you regarding resale?
If you have any further questions after submitting the sales form (go to form), please send us an email at sell@meissen.com or call us at +49 3521 468 6631. Please note that our team can only provide information through these channels regarding requests that have previously been submitted via the sales form.
Dos & Dont’s
Dos
- The sales service is intended exclusively for private sellers
- We only accept items in very good condition
- We accept both individual pieces and complete sets from all product categories
- Invoices, certificates, or similar documents may be submitted to help speed up the inspection process
- Your photos should clearly show the décor, trademarks, embossments, and any other relevant details, as well as any signs of wear or use
Dont’s
- Requests from commercial sellers will not be processed
- Images with too few details and/or blurry photos cannot be considered during the review process
- Items with visible breaks, cracks, heavily faded colors, worn décor, or similar damage cannot be considered during the review process
- Second-quality items or products purchased from the MEISSEN Outlet cannot be considered during the review process
- Personalized items (e.g. with dates or monograms) cannot be considered during the review process
Shipping Instructions
- Always use sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes for shipping. For fragile or heavy items, double-wall or triple-wall corrugated cardboard boxes are recommended.
- Boxes that are not sufficiently filled may collapse, while overfilled boxes may burst or damage the contents. To prevent this, choose a box that is appropriately sized for the items being shipped.
- Wrap each item individually in paper or pulp material so that it is completely covered. Fill the bottom of the box with cushioning material (e.g. crumpled paper, pulp material, bubble wrap, etc.).
- Position the items centrally on the "cushioning base" and then fill all remaining empty spaces around the items. Make sure there are no gaps and that the contents cannot move during transport.
- Please include the provided packing slip with your shipment, listing all enclosed items in full, along with your contact details, including telephone number, email address, and bank details. This package insert form will be provided to you in advance by our service team via email.