Several recent replies to previous articles concerned the value of items in a collection and where best to sell them. In my responses I suggested ways to determine value and places to help dispose of items from a collection. Since these issues come up often, let’s review and clarify my humble opinions.
Most important is determining the current fair market value of the item to be disposed. FORGET what you paid for the piece!! It has no bearing on its value and if you’re a collector like me, when it’s an item I want I may wrangle a good deal, but when it’s a must have doodad all logic is left on the cutting room floor.
Finding the value of your treasure means an honest appraisal of the item you have. Is it complete, in new condition, near new, excellent condition, good average condition for its age, less than average or junk? Was it expensive when new, is the item rare or was it mass-produced, are there reproductions on the market, did the manufacturer reissue the pattern? Do you have the original packaging? If the item is mechanical, does it function?
Most sellers rate their stuff above reality because condition was not an issue when forking out their own cash. But collectors want the best example they can find. A really rare item with flaws is better than not having a needed piece to complete a collection,
Some of our collections have imperfections, a chip on the lip of a teapot, crazing on some pitchers or plates. These are shelf sitters and acceptable as decorations. We were enticed by the low price, and would gladly buy better examples if they present themselves.
With a clear understanding of your precious procurement, we start our search for like items sold recently to determine current retail value. Prominent web auctions are my first thought, with Ebay still the place to view past sold items. You can also judge how plentiful the porcelain poodle you’re trying to peddle really is. Another site we check is Tias.com, here sellers set the price, but most seem to be accurate. With your item description and some searching you should fine other locations with listings.
On any auction site if only one example of your exact item is found, review the bidding to determine if two bidders got into a “me need” war before pronouncing your porcelain pooch priceless.
Another source commonly used would be the collectibles price guides available at bookstores, directly from publishers, or at your local central library. ( Even our Village library carries some common current editions including Kovels Antiques and Collectibles Price List. )
If your item is truly rare and you have not found any price reference to it, a qualified appraiser will be worth the expenditure, You may try to find one that charges by the time spent, and not on the value of the item, or your junk may be deemed jewels.
At last, you have an idea what the true retail value of your item should be. Porcelain pink poodles from Portugal are plentiful so your price is pretty paltry. But you decide to rid yourself of the pooch. Where do you go next? Ebay? You will have to sign up for an account, get a Paypal Account, if not currently using one, pay the modest fees, photograph and make your listing, price it right and hope it sells for more than your start price. (Did I mention wrapping and shipping?)
Another option is a ‘paid’ Ebay Seller. Most of these store front operations, require that an item have a salable value over a set amount; our local franchised place requires a minimum of $50.00. Then all fees are charged to you and the sellers’ commission is 30%.
Local Consignment Auctions? A good option, but check several for the amount of the sellers’ fees, some as low as 25%, commonly 30%. (Our local auction house would only handle a complete collection of smaller items, but would consider a single piece if it’s a Picasso.)
Many trying to off load a few items will contact antique stores or mall. Here your item has the best chance for a quick sale, but remember your friendly buyer needs to pay the rent on the store and will only offer to buy the item at the wholesale price.
Antique stores and malls often have consignment areas or cases which give you yet another option. Requirements range all over the board, but most take 40% of the sale price, less credit card fees. One store automatically reduces the sell price every 30 days. Many have restrictions on low cost items.
Our daily newspaper, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, features a weekly article on Antiques by Ralph and Terry Kovel. (A must read for any collector) The Sunday, Aug. 17th edition had this advice for a question on a 1995 Coca-Cola Grand Prize Winner, 600-minute phone card, and what it would be worth.
I quote:”There are eager collectors of phone cards, although fewer in the United States than in Japan and some other countries. Most Coke phone cards date from the 1990’s and sell for under $10. But yours happens to be a rare one. Fifteen, not 10, were made, but thats still a very small number.
Your card lists for $1600. That doesn’t mean you can easily find someone who will pay that much. A dealer in phone cards might pay you half, though.”
