How to sell antiques from Ukraine abroad: an overview of the best online platforms

In the digital era, antiques are no longer just the preserve of galleries and flea markets. Today, anyone from Ukraine can enter the international market and find a buyer for antique furniture, books, or jewelry thanks to online platforms. The main thing is to know where to sell, how to choose a platform for your goods, and how to organize safe international delivery.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top platforms for the international sale of antiques and vintage available to Ukrainian sellers. We will also tell you what to look for when exporting antiques and vintage and what role professional logistics plays.

What You Need to Know About Exporting Antiques and Vintage Items

Before listing an antique item on the international market, it’s important to consider a few key rules. This will help you avoid legal issues and properly prepare for the sale. The main preparation steps:

• Obtain an export permit. According to Ukrainian law, items over 50 years old (antiques) require mandatory state expert evaluation and a Certificate for the Right to Export. Without this document, export is not allowed.
• Determine whether the item is vintage. For items aged 20 to 50 years (vintage), the procedure is usually simpler, but expert consultation is still recommended for valuable pieces.
• Prepare the item for sale. Take high-quality photos showing the item’s condition from all sides, write a detailed description in English, and objectively assess its value.

Thorough preparation is your foundation for a successful and safe antique sale abroad. Once you’ve completed these key steps, you can confidently move on to choosing the best sales platform for your item.

The Most Popular Online Platforms for Selling Antiques

We have selected 7 platforms most commonly used by antique sellers from Ukraine. All of them have an international audience but differ in terms of conditions, trading format, and accessibility for beginners.

1. eBay
One of the largest and oldest marketplaces in the world, perfect for starting international sales, especially in vintage and antique trade.

Pros:

• Huge global audience of collectors.
• Flexible formats: auction or fixed price (“Buy It Now”).
• Convenient integration with logistics partners for international shipping.

Cons:

• High sales commissions and listing fees.
• Strong competition in popular categories.
• Buyer protection system that often favors buyers in disputes.

2. Ruby Lane
An elite marketplace for antiques, vintage collectibles, and jewelry. Known for strict seller and product selection, which attracts serious and wealthy collectors.

Pros:

• High trust and a target audience specifically seeking quality antiques.
• Less competition than mass platforms like eBay.

Cons:

• High seller requirements and strict item moderation.
• Mandatory monthly store fee (regardless of sales) and commissions.

3. Etsy
The world’s largest marketplace for vintage goods (over 20 years old), handmade items, and craft supplies.

Pros:

• Millions of buyers worldwide searching for unique and vintage items.
• Very user-friendly interface for creating a shop.
• Options to personalize your storefront and in-house promotion tools.

Cons:

• Commissions and listing fees: In addition to a sales commission, there’s a fee for each item listing.
• High competition: Especially in popular niches like jewelry.
• Only vintage, handmade, and craft supplies are allowed for sale.

4. 1stDibs
A global leader among online galleries for antiques, luxury items, design, and art. 1stDibs is a closed, elite club working only with professional galleries and verified dealers after a strict selection process.

Pros:

• Access to the wealthiest global audience (VIP clients, interior designers).
• High status and prestige, allowing for higher price points.

Cons:

• Very high entry threshold: complex selection system and high commissions.
• Not suitable for beginners or individual sellers — only for established businesses.

5. Chairish
A popular U.S. marketplace for vintage and modern designer furniture, decor, and art. Chairish is a curated platform aimed at interior designers and connoisseurs of unique pieces.

Pros:

• Access to a premium U.S. audience (designers, decorators) willing to pay for quality and unique style.
• High trust in the platform due to item moderation.

Cons:

• Strict curation: not all items are accepted, and high-quality photos are required.
• High sales commission (usually 20% or more).

6. Auction Aggregators (Invaluable, LiveAuctioneers)
This is the highest level of antique trading. Platforms like Invaluable and LiveAuctioneers are online aggregators broadcasting auctions from hundreds of prestigious auction houses worldwide (especially in the U.S.). You work not directly with the platform, but with an auction house that accepts your item on consignment.

Pros:

• Access to elite global collectors and the chance to achieve top auction prices.
• High trust in the lot since it’s represented by a reputable auction house.

Cons:

• Very high entry threshold: your item must interest and be accepted by a partner auction house.
• High double commissions (from seller to auction house, from buyer to platform) and no control over the sale.

7. Catawiki
A popular European online auction where all lots undergo expert review. Ideal for selling unique items to a solvent collector audience.

Pros:

• Expert review that increases buyer trust.
• Target audience of collectors across Europe.
• Secure transactions through a guaranteed payment system.

Cons:

• Strict selection: not all items are approved for auction.
• Commission charged to both seller (12.5% + VAT) and buyer, which may affect final bids.
• Price depends on auction results, not set by the seller.

International Delivery of Antiques: Solutions from GlobalPost

We offer a comprehensive service for the safe international delivery of antiques, artworks, and other valuables. Our approach is more than transportation — it’s a guarantee of your shipment’s safety. Our key services include:

• Complete documentation support: We assist with obtaining export permits for cultural valuables, prepare customs declarations, and organize DDP shipping (with full tax payment on behalf of the recipient);
• Professional packaging: We create custom wooden crates, use shock-absorbing materials, and provide temperature control if needed;
• Security and financial guarantees: We offer full cargo insurance up to €50,000 and shipment tracking throughout the entire route.

Whether you are a private collector or a gallery representative, we will offer the best solution. Learn more about our terms for private clients and businesses.

Conclusion

Selling antiques abroad is a real opportunity, the success of which depends on two key factors: proper legal preparation (obtaining permits) and flawless logistics. While the first task lies with you, the second — safe packaging, insurance, and international delivery — is fully handled by GlobalPost. With us, your most valuable items will be in safe hands!