If can buy sterling flatware cheaper on Ebay, then why should I buy from a pattern matching service like Replacements LTD, Silver Queen or Antique Cupboard?

Mar 93 min read

Silver Queen Largo Florida — The Silver Queen in Largo, Florida a major sterlings silver pattern matching service

If I can buy sterling flatware cheaper on Ebay, then why should I buy from a pattern matching service like Replacements LTD, Silver Queen or Antique Cupboard?

If you are shoping around to purchase silver flatware or holloware, you've undoubtly discovered the top 3 silver matching services in the United States which are Replacements LTD in North Carolina, The Silver Queen in Florida and Antique Cupboard in Wisconsin. However, you've also compared prices of flatware pieces you've found on Ebay and have probably concluded that the items on Ebay are usually cheaper in price. Why even check elsewhere than other than Ebay?

Top Reasons to consider buying from Replacements, Silver Queen and Antique Cupboard over Ebay even if you are paying more money:

Quality - The pattern matching companies only stock like new flatware pieces. They receive millions of dollars per year of flatware and surprisingly over 50% of what they receive is scrapped out to the refiner. That is because the don't try to sell overly used pieces to their customers. They don't want high return rates so they will only stock flatware pieces that are free from major dents and defects. Their quality control methods are very strict. Unfortunately on Ebay, a lot of mom and pop antique, pawn and coin shops are not always as consistent with grading their flatware and often will try to market pieces as in good condition when often times they really are not.
Polishing - The three major matching services employ multiple professional polishers who use the same exact maching buffing techniques that the silver manufacturers use when the items come off the assembly line brand new. The result is refurbished flatware that looks like new with virtually no flaws, scratches or any signs of usage. The Ebay resellers are typically small time outfits and do not have these resources to restore the flatware and at best you will maybe receive pieces that are just hand polished and that will still show more signs of wear and tear than pieces that were sent back through the machine buffing process to be refurbished like how is done at Replacements, Silver Queen or Antique Cupboard.
Consistency - If you buy from a pattern matcher, you will likely get a well matched set or grouping of flatware, especially if it a full flatware service. If you buy piece meal from Ebay, you are more likely to get some variations along the way and in the end, your flatware service might be a bit uneven in appearance due to variations in patina, condition and even weights. The pattern matching services strive to offer a consistent product and will bend over backwards to make sure a customer gets exactly what they want even including specific manufacturing marks if the customer so desires. Pattern matchers are also experts in matching your current pieces to what you are buying from them.
Longevity - If somewhere down the road, you encounter an issue with your flatware, the pattern matching services will be there to help and make things right. However, if you buy everythign on Ebay, you might not even remember the name of whom you even bought from and if there is a problem, you'll have no long term recourse.

Conclusion: Yes, it's absolutely possibly to scour Ebay for deals and fill in your flatware service and save 10-25% off from what you'd pay the top 3 pattern matching services. However, you may not end up getting what you pay for and you might be dissappointed if the flatware is not as nice looking from Ebay as would be from the top three pattern matching companies of Replacements, Silver Queen and Antique Cupboard. Everyone has to use their own judgment when shopping and some customers like a more do it yourself mantra and other like more full service. If you're leaning to more full service than the pattern matchers may be your best choice. If you live at Home Depot, change your own oil on your car and do your own lawn mowing, then Ebay might best for you. Best of luck with whatever choices you make and it might just end up being a combination of all the above.

We Buy!

We buy all Sterling Silver!

If you have items that you'd like to sell,

or even just want to get an idea on valuation

please click the email us button for a quote.

Email Us:

Please send us photos, measurements and item descriptions.

Thanks,

Greg Arbutine

Silver Museum Owner