Militaria enthusiasts are knowledgeable about their specific areas of interest - they must find what they are looking for quickly and easily. 

1. List your militaria in the correct categories to improve search ‘relevance’ for buyers

When you list items on Collexchange, we have three main search categories:

  • ITEM – this narrows down search results by type e.g. Badges, firearms etc.
  • ERA – the timeline the militaria is associated with – e.g. 18th century, etc.
  • ORIGIN - the country associated with the regiment.

2. Add your militaria key selling points

Show what makes your militaria special with the essential details and evidence to support its provenance and authenticity.

Share details about its story – it’s regimental history, military campaign, and connections. If you know the manufacturer, let the buyer know.

Take plenty of good quality photos.

A short description should be clear enough to tell your buyer what they need to know when scanning search results.

Your detailed description should provide all the essential information including the item's condition - so there can be no confusion about what they are buying.

3. Spelling and Jargon

Provide full sentences with correct spelling and punctuation throughout.

Avoid jargon or abbreviations – e.g. HP for helmet plate. When buyers use keywords to search for specific items, your abbreviations or mis-spelt titles will be missed.

Listing militaria accurately will help increase your chances of making a sale.

4. Photographs are a major part of your item’s description

Buyers review photographs in detail before even considering a purchase.

Good photographs lead to higher returns.

Good quality photographs help to prevent buyer dissatisfaction.

5. It’s all in the detail

Buyers are interested in seeing all the detail to make an informed decision.

They will pay very close attention to inscriptions, hallmarks, markings, signatures etc. Take plenty of photos and include close-up images of any such defining features.

6. Lighting is everything

Natural lighting is best and will deliver the most accurate colour representation and any imperfections.  

A bright room with windows on two walls is ideal.

Or place a white board on the shadow side of your item to brighten it up.

Flash photography can cause shading.

If you do use the flash, turn it off when taking close-ups.

If you're taking photos outside, find an area that's not in direct sunlight.

7. Steady your camera

Move your camera, and your images lose focus.

Use a tripod or use some other means of securing your camera when taking pictures.

8. Use a plain background

Consider creating a white background by pushing a table against a wall and then taping white paper to the wall, allowing it to drape over the table, before placing your item.