How to Sell Your Oriental Rug 
By Penny Krieger ©2008-2024

Many individuals find themselves with a rug that is no longer wanted. This occurs either through inheritance, the evolution of personal taste, or just plain error in making a purchase because it was such a good "deal". 

Here is a secret. No one gives away good rugs. Don't be lured by the cliche "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE". If the deals offered were really that great you'd see rug dealers there first, ahead of you in line! 

If you find yourself in the position of having an Oriental rug or Persian rug that you no longer need or want, here are a few of your choices.

1) Sell it yourself by running an ad in a local newspaper or posting photos with prices on various local bulletin boards. Also, mention to your friends and associates that you have an Oriental rug for sale and have a picture with you at all times.

2) Take a digital photo and list it on one of the many online venues that are free such as Craiglist or Facebook marketplace. Indicate price as [Paid $2200, price negotiable] and list all the benefits of the rug such as; great condition, lovely colors, unusual design or whatever you feel is good about the piece. Be flexible on the price as you are only offering a choice of one. Clear, full-view photos and a close-up or two go a long way in inspiring someone to find out more about your rug!

3) Find a local rug store with a merchant and see if this person would like to purchase it from you outright. If not, check to see if he/she sells rugs on consignment. Ensure you establish the reputation of anyone you leave your rug with and agree upon an exact amount. Get a receipt and also a written agreement that states the merchant will pay you upon the sale of your rug within a specified time. Do not agree on a percentage basis as any negotiation that goes on in the sale of your rug will lower the dollar amount coming to you.

4) If you are in the market for a new rug, take the rug you no longer want and see if the dealer will take as it a partial credit toward your purchase.

5) Look for a reputable, local to your area, consignment furniture store and see if they occasionally sell rugs and might be interested. 

If you do decide to sell your rug yourself, I recommend you ask a little more for your piece than you are willing to sell it for just to be on the safe side but don't go overboard on your asking price. Why? If your potential customer is going to pay top dollar for a rug, they may decide to purchase a rug at a reputable gallery where they will have many choices of quality pieces.

If you are really unsure of the value of a piece, you can always get a professional appraisal but ensure you get this from someone that is certified and NOT the same person you would sell it to. I only recommend the appraisal for potentially high-valued antique pieces.

Please understand that I am not certified to do appraisals and at this time taking very few, if any rugs for consignment sales from individuals for my gallery. My retail store offers beautiful new Oriental rugs for sale, many of which are in antique tribal designs woven in Iran and Afghanistan. If you are looking to purchase a rug for your home or office, I would love to hear from you. Do give us a call!  

Penny Krieger is the owner of Paradise Oriental Rugs, Inc., located in Walla Walla, WA. Her gallery specializes in tribal rugs and carpets woven with hand-spun wool and plant-based dyes with a strong emphasis on Persian rugs and tribal designs woven in Afghanistan. She is now selling rugs on an appointment basis. For more info please have a look at her website: https://www.paradiseorientalrugs.com