has anyone used "Replacements" to find discontinued china?

[bumbershoot]

I agree with cats_mom. I have used Replacements in the past with no problems, but they are extremely expensive. I was able to pick up many pieces of my china pattern on eBay for a lot less money. I would suggest checking eBay first.

I haven't used either, but I do know that replacements has a common way to "rate" pieces, which of course random eBay sellers don't have.


The crummy part of replacements is the VAST difference between what they pay people for old china, vs what they then charge others to buy that same china.

And the reason I know this is that I got a quote from them for my mom's old china, decided it wasn't worth it for what they were offering....and now a year later they send me info as though I want to BUY the stuff, and the price difference makes me angry, I mean, 3 times more than they offered me...

I know they have to make a profit, but... a) how stupid do they have to be to send a potential seller that info, and b) COME ON, 3 times more?


But I do remember driving by repeatedly on my way from the parents' in VA and chiro school in SC, and I was always intrigued.

 

[DVCLiz]

I haven't used either, but I do know that replacements has a common way to "rate" pieces, which of course random eBay sellers don't have.


The crummy part of replacements is the VAST difference between what they pay people for old china, vs what they then charge others to buy that same china.

And the reason I know this is that I got a quote from them for my mom's old china, decided it wasn't worth it for what they were offering....and now a year later they send me info as though I want to BUY the stuff, and the price difference makes me angry, I mean, 3 times more than they offered me...

I know they have to make a profit, but... a) how stupid do they have to be to send a potential seller that info, and b) COME ON, 3 times more?


But I do remember driving by repeatedly on my way from the parents' in VA and chiro school in SC, and I was always intrigued.

Well, that's why it's more fun to be the owner of Replacements than it is to be the person who needs a hundred dollar dinner plate!!!

Seriously, they make offers but you are not required to accept them. And they charge what their customers will pay. Each of their patterns is priced according to how much of it they have in stock and how many customers they have in their database who are interested in that particular pattern.

I'm glad they send me offers to purchase with their prices listed, as well as their retail prices. As far as I'm concerned, that's great information for me to have. It tells me how much my pattern is worth and whether it's worth it to try and sell on Ebay or privately vs. taking it out to Replacements (I live within driving distance.) If you know that teacup and saucer is worth $50.00 but Replacements will only give you $3.00 for it, that's a pretty good piece of information to have, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[arminnie]

I agree with cats_mom. I have used Replacements in the past with no problems, but they are extremely expensive. I was able to pick up many pieces of my china pattern on eBay for a lot less money. I would suggest checking eBay first.

I agree - I needed one saucer for a discontinued pattern - the price was as much as for full place setting.

Several years ago I inherited a LOT of china from my aunt - all different patterns. I did an inventory of it and sent it to Replacements to see if they wanted to buy any of it, but they were not interested.

I really didn't care about making any money on it - I just hated to throw or give away good stuff that someone might be looking for. That was before eBay.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, that's why it's more fun to be the owner of Replacements than it is to be the person who needs a hundred dollar dinner plate!!!

Seriously, they make offers but you are not required to accept them. And they charge what their customers will pay. Each of their patterns is priced according to how much of it they have in stock and how many customers they have in their database who are interested in that particular pattern.

I'm glad they send me offers to purchase with their prices listed, as well as their retail prices. As far as I'm concerned, that's great information for me to have. It tells me how much my pattern is worth and whether it's worth it to try and sell on Ebay or privately vs. taking it out to Replacements (I live within driving distance.) If you know that teacup and saucer is worth $50.00 but Replacements will only give you $3.00 for it, that's a pretty good piece of information to have, as far as I'm concerned.

Well yeah , but for the year that I was considering selling the china, NO ONE was buying on eBay for as much as replacements was asking... It's really frustrating to know that replacements will get $90 for something, when it's only getting bids of $15 on eBay... So I never sold and I never listed with eBay, and I continue to move it around with me and mix it with my own china. mmm, floral on cream background with gold trim with my federal platinum...whatta combo!

I also have a *weensy* issue with trusting professionals, and the concept of packing up my stuff and sending it out across the country, and then TRUST them to gauge the value fairly was just too much for me, even though I DO trust the company on the main level. Couldn't get the thought "I will be the only person they ever royally, erm, mess with" out of my head.



But for the OP, just don't see how much they are buying it for, decide if you think the price is good, and buy with trust. They've been in business quite awhile.

 

[arminnie]

I agree - I needed one saucer for a discontinued pattern - the price was as much as for full place setting.

This thread made me go check both ebay (no listings) and Replacements for my china. The prices have come WAY down since I last looked (maybe 6-7 years ago).

The prices were pretty normal. They do have good service and are very honest people to deal with.

 

[soccerchick]

I priced some of my pieces at Replacements and was shocked at the prices. I was able to eventually pick up everything I wanted on E-bay at a fraction of what Replacements wanted. You do have to be patient if you go the E-bay route though.

I totally second this. Their prices are pretty high for my pattern; I have been able to get everything I wanted for much less on ebay.

 

[disneysteve]

I totally second this. Their prices are pretty high for my pattern; I have been able to get everything I wanted for much less on ebay.

I know most of us here are pretty comfortable with ebay, but plenty of folks still aren't. They'd much rather deal with an established company that will stand behind their merchandise than to send money to some stranger selling knick knacks from his basement, especially if they are making a large purchase.

I think ebay is great. I think Replacements is great. It all depends where you can find what you are looking for, how much you are willing to pay and who you are comfortable dealing with.

Heck, I like Replacements because they've bought several of my ebay auction items, so they're okay with me.

 

[TEXASPRINCESSES]

i am in the process of completing my very expensive set of Pickard china thru Replacements and have been most happy with everything I've gotten! I have never ordered the discounted stuff tho".

 

[emerymt]

I have very unusual patterns from the 1940's, both china and sterling silver. I really love Replacements- their online ordering has gotten very easy over the years. They update me when pieces become available and when there are sales, probably twice a month.

What I really like is the grading of the pieces- from perfect (100%) down to significant imperfections (25%). I usually buy at the 75% level as they are less expensive and will match my much-loved pieces.

I can't say enough good things about them. I've been able to build up my mom's china and sterling set, something I could never do do otherwise given that both of the companies have been out of business for decades. They've helped me to preserve some wonderful memories.