Selling Beaver Fur: Tips For A Quick Sale

If you're looking to sell a beaver fur coat, there are a few things you should know. First, check if second-hand or vintage furs are in demand in your area. In some parts of the US, new fur is illegal to sell, which may mean low demand for vintage fur. Identify the type of fur you have and its condition—furs in excellent condition are more likely to sell. You can try consigning your coat at a quality vintage clothing store or resale furrier, or sell it online via eBay or Etsy with detailed listings and photographs. Be prepared that most vintage furs are worth less than $750 USD.

Where to sell a beaver fur coat

There are several options for selling a beaver fur coat. Online marketplaces such as eBay, Etsy, Depop, and Vestiaire are possible outlets, with eBay being recommended by several sources. It is suggested that eBay has a clear way to emphasise that the fur is real, and no policies against the sale of fur, aside from endangered species. It is also suggested that Etsy has real animal fur coats, rugs, and antiques for sale.

When selling a fur coat online, it is recommended to emphasise the coat's vintage status, as real vintage fur coats are considered sustainable and accepted in the fashion community. It is also suggested to include keywords such as "1990s" or "Y2K" or a pop culture reference like "Hollywood glamour" to increase sales. Including the weight of the coat to ensure accurate postage pricing is also advised.

For those wishing to sell their coat in person, it is recommended to try local vintage shops, or markets such as Camden Passage near Islington, London, or the market in Vinegar Yard, London Bridge. It is also suggested to try costume designers, as they may be looking for authentic items for a specific production.

How to identify a beaver fur coat

To identify a beaver fur coat, you can look out for the following characteristics:

• Beaver fur is coarse and shiny, with soft and exceptionally thick underfur.
• The colour can vary from dark brown on the back, shading to pale golden brown on the sides, or the entire fur may be pale or even silvery. However, beaver fur should never have a red tint.
• The best beaver fur comes from Canada, the northern US, and Alaska. Northern beaver is also more durable than southern beaver, which has thicker skin.
• Beaver fur is usually either natural or plucked and sheared. Sheared beaver fur has a velvety, soft pile, and the natural colour is sometimes dyed darker brown, beige, or bleached white.
• Natural beaver fur has long guard hairs that give the coat a lustrous sheen. It is ideal for men's coats due to its rugged appearance and is also suitable for casual wear for both men and women.
• Beaver fur is versatile and has been used for blankets, bags, coats, and even as currency during the 16th and 17th centuries.

By observing the appearance, texture, and colour of the fur, as well as its country of origin, you can identify whether a fur coat is made from beaver fur.

How to check a beaver fur coat's condition

To check the condition of a beaver fur coat, there are several tests you can perform. Firstly, beaver fur is typically dense, soft, and silky to the touch. So, the easiest way to check its authenticity is to run your fingers through the coat. Real fur will feel smooth and soft, whereas fake fur will feel coarse and rough.

You can also try the water test. Real fur is used by animals to protect themselves from the cold and rain, so your coat should do the same for you. If you wet the fur and it becomes sticky and clumpy, it is likely fake. Real fur will remain silky smooth.

The weight of the coat can also be an indicator of its authenticity. Real fur is heavier than its fake counterpart, so if your coat feels light, it may be faux fur.

You can also try the pin test. Use a safety pin or needle to try and poke a hole in the fur. If the coat is real, it should be difficult to penetrate the skin. If it is faux fur, the needle will pass through easily.

Another way to check the condition of the coat is to inspect it for any damage, missing patches, or bald spots. Check the zipper, hems, sleeve lines, and neckline for any signs of wear and tear. You should also check the pelt underneath the fur. The seams can break down over time, causing holes in the coat that may be unrepairable.

Finally, check the colour of the coat. Beaver fur coats are usually coloured, so if the coat is a standard brown or black colour, it may be real.

How to price a beaver fur coat

When pricing a beaver fur coat, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, the condition of the coat is crucial. Vintage and antique coats will be priced differently from newer coats. The age of the coat can also impact its value, with older coats from renowned fashion designers often being more valuable. The style and cut of the coat are also important factors. Oversized, full-length, and mid-length coats will vary in price, and the presence of additional features such as collars, cuffs, and pockets can influence the price. The colour and type of fur are other considerations. Natural brown and black beaver fur are commonly available, but dyed fur in various colours can also be found. Sheared beaver fur, which is shorter and denser, often commands a different price.

The price of beaver fur coats can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. When pricing a beaver fur coat, it is advisable to research similar coats and their prices to get a sense of the market value. Additionally, consulting with a furrier or a vintage clothing expert can provide valuable insights into the coat's authenticity, condition, and approximate value.

How to ship a beaver fur coat

To ship a beaver fur coat, you must first ensure it is clean. Sweat and other types of dirt can damage the coat, so it is important to have it professionally cleaned before shipping.

Next, you will need to gather your packing materials. You will need tissue paper, a white gift box, a larger sturdy cardboard box, packing tape, and newspaper. It is important to use quality boxes and packing supplies to protect your coat.

Once you have your materials, lay out several sheets of tissue paper flat. Take your white gift box and line it with 2-3 layers of tissue paper. If your coat has any buttons or zippers, you may wish to layer tissue paper between the folds of the coat to prevent them from catching on the fur. Place the coat in the box and lay another layer of tissue paper on top.

Seal the white gift box with clear packing tape. Then, take your larger cardboard box and reinforce it by placing it inside another cardboard box of a similar size. Place the sealed white gift box inside the larger cardboard box and use newspaper to secure it in place. This will help cushion the smaller box during transit.

Finally, label the package and take it to your local shipping office.

It is important to note that some countries and shipping companies have restrictions or prohibitions on shipping real fur. Be sure to check the regulations of both the origin and destination countries, as well as any carrier rules, before booking your shipment.

Frequently asked questions