Retro metal kitchen cabinets are making a comeback in homes across the country. With their sleek, mid-century modern aesthetic, these cabinets provide a stylish and durable storage solution for contemporary kitchens. If you’re looking to sell retro metal cabinets from a renovation or selling your home, this guide will provide tips to help you get top dollar.
Assess Your Retro Metal Cabinets
The first step is to thoroughly assess the retro metal cabinets you want to sell. Make notes on the following:
- Brand: Is it a well-known manufacturer like Youngstown or Gladiator? Branded cabinets tend to have more value.
- Condition: Are there any dents, scratches, rust, or other damage? Immaculate condition brings higher prices.
- Size: Both width and depth. Standard widths are 12″, 18″, 24″, 30″, and 36″. Depth is usually 24″ or 25″.
- Door style: Are doors solid or with windows? Unique styles like tambour or curved doors are desirable.
- Hardware: Original vintage hardware like chrome pulls or latch handles increases value.
- Color/finish: Popular retro colors include turquoise, pink, yellow, teal, mint green, and bright white. Stainless steel finishes are also popular.
- Countertops: Formica, boomerang, or stainless steel countertops paired with cabinets are a huge plus.
Take detailed photos of your cabinets from all angles and measurements of each section. This will help accurately appraise their resale value.
Clean and Restore the Cabinets
A thorough cleaning and restoration can significantly boost your selling price. To clean retro cabinets:
- Remove doors, shelves, and hardware. Clean with a degreasing soap and water solution.
- Use a wire brush to remove any loose paint or rust spots.
- Sand down any scratches or marks in the metal to smooth them out.
- Wipe down the cabinets with a metal cleaner and buff to restore original shine.
- Replace any damaged hardware or missing pieces with period-appropriate replacements.
- Repaint cabinets in original color if paint is significantly chipped or damaged. Match vintage artisanal techniques like rag rolling for texture.
Proper restoration removes dirt, damage, and flaws to make your retro cabinets look their absolute best. This restoration process shows buyers how stunning the cabinets can look installed in their own kitchens.
Decide How to Sell Your Retro Cabinets
Once your cabinets are cleaned up, it’s time to determine the best sales method. Consider the following popular options:
Online
- eBay: Good for connecting with collectors interested in vintage items. Can get national visibility.
- Etsy: Popular for mid-century and retro home goods. Big audience of design fans.
- Facebook Marketplace: Lets you connect with local buyers. Can arrange pickups.
- Specialty sites: Sites like Chairish and 1stDibs cater to high-end vintage shoppers. Higher fees but global reach.
- Your own site: More work but higher profits by avoiding fees. Drive traffic through social media, SEO.
Be sure to calculate fees from online platforms when pricing items. Beautiful photos attract more buyers online.
In-Person
- Flea markets and antique malls: Great local foot traffic. No fees but less visibility than online.
- Auctions: Live or online auctions like EstateSales.NET can connect with enthusiastic bidders. Higher prices but auction fees.
- House sales: If you have multiple cabinets, sell them as part of a home renovation sale.
In-person sales require more effort but you can avoid fees and sell at higher prices.
Set Optimal Pricing for Your Market
Retro metal cabinets vary widely in pricing due to size, brand, condition and desirability. When pricing consider:
- Recent sold prices for your specific cabinets: Check eBay, Etsy, and other sites to see real sales data.
- Cabinet size: Larger cabinets over 25 cubic feet can sell for over $1000. Smaller pieces under 10 cubic feet will be priced lower.
- Mint condition: Scratch and dent free cabinets in excellent original condition fetch higher pricing – often over $500 even for smaller pieces.
- Rare styles and colors: Unusual tambour doors or desirable colors like mint green or bright yellow can boost value.
- Local demand: Some locations have more interest in mid-century style resulting in higher prices.
- Paired cabinets and countertops: Full kitchen sets or matching countertops increase resale value.
Start on the higher end of expected values. You can always lower the price later. Unique retro cabinets in great condition can sell for top dollar to the right buyer.
Write a Strong Sales Listing
To maximize interest, write a compelling listing that captures the retro charm and quality details of your cabinets.
- Lead with eye-catching titles: “Stunning Pair of 1959 Pastel Yellow Youngstown Steel Cabinets with Boomerang Countertops”
- Note dimensions: Specify cabinet width, height and depth. Mention countertop dimensions too.
- Call out special features: Play up brand names, rare colors and door styles. Mention matching countertops.
- Describe condition: Note any repairs, flaws and current condition. “Professionally restored with original hardware.”
- Specify pickup/shipping: Detail if customer will need to arrange pickup or if you can handle delivery.
- Add engaging photos: Show cabinets styled attractively from multiple angles and as sets.
- Be responsive: Answer questions promptly and provide any additional details or photos requested.
The right listing will attract engaged buyers who appreciate the cabinets’ unique retro style and quality construction.
4 Tips for Shipping Retro Cabinets
If selling locally, buyers can arrange pickup. But you’ll expand your buyer pool by handling shipping yourself. To ship metal cabinets:
- Disassemble cabinets to make smaller, lighter pieces. Stack panels and wrap separately.
- Secure parts with waterproof moving blankets and cardboard. Use rigid foam blocks to prevent dents.
- Choose freight carrier experienced with furniture like UShip. Get insurance to cover damages.
- Provide accurate dimensions and weight for the most accurate quote. Overestimate to prevent surprise fees.
- Charge actual shipping cost so you don’t lose money. Or build estimated cost into sale price.
Proper packing and experienced carriers ensure cabinets arrive damage-free.
Answering Buyer Questions about Retro Cabinets
Expect interested buyers to have questions. Being prepared with answers helps educate buyers and prompt more offers. Common queries include:
What is the cabinet brand? If branded, share details on the manufacturer and any model information. If unknown, describe construction techniques.
What is the cabinet made of? Specify gauge of metal. 18 and 20 gauge steel were common. Stainless steel may increase value.
Are there any scratches, dents or rust? Note any repaired or remaining flaws and current restored condition.
What is the cabinet interior like? Describe shelving material and adjustments. Are shelves original or replaced?
Do the doors/drawers operate smoothly? Note any sticky or loose hardware and if you’ve restored functionality.
Can I customize the cabinets? Describe if paint can be stripped for repainting or if interiors can be adjusted.
Being upfront about any imperfections while emphasizing restored condition and style will give buyers confidence in quality. Quickly answering questions builds trust so buyers make offers.
Closing the Sale
Once you receive an offer, move quickly to close the sale. Follow these tips:
- Confirm buyer details including full name, phone number, email and shipping address.
- Invoice buyer through selling platform or directly via PayPal/QuickBooks. Specify payment timeline.
- Have buyer pay any shipping fees upfront before collecting the cabinets.
- Only accept secure verified payment methods like bank transfer or PayPal. Avoid risky payments like wire transfers.
- Be flexible on pickup dates but confirm timing in writing. Schedule delivery dates for shipping.
- Handle any last minute questions or requests promptly. Send a thank you note after purchase.
- Leave positive feedback after a smooth transaction to build selling reputation.
Closing the sale quickly and professionally ensures a smooth transaction from sale to delivery to keep your buyers satisfied and build your reputation.
Displaying Retro Cabinets in Your Home Staging
If selling a home with retro metal cabinets, make sure to stage your kitchen in a way that highlights their attractive features. Tips for home staging:
- Style counters with vintage appliances, tableware and decorative objects.
- Use period-appropriate accessories like geometric canisters, wall clocks or a rotary phone.
- Incorporate vintage-inspired accents like gingham curtains or retro wallpaper.
- Add mood lighting like pendant lamps or under cabinet lighting to create a retro diner aesthetic.
- Paint or replace walls with a bold retro color like atomic turquoise, coral, or bright yellow.
- Flooring like checkerboard tile, terrazzo or speckled vinyl completes the vintage look.
Home styling shows buyers how coveted and special your retro kitchen cabinets are. The right décor makes the cabinets shine.
Conclusion
Retro metal cabinets from the mid-century era are increasingly popular for modern kitchens, shops, and bars. Their stylish design and durable steel construction make them functional and beautiful. With the right pricing, marketing and sales techniques, you can successfully sell your vintage cabinets to buyers hunting for these unique finds. Proper restoration and transport will keep your buyers satisfied and protect your selling reputation. Take advantage of this demand by giving new life to your unused retro cabinets and enjoy the profits!