Where do you start with selling a collection of "collectible" items?
I have inherited a bunch of different collections of "collectible" items and I have no idea where to start with moving them on to interested collectors. Where is the best place to start?
For example, I have inherited large collections of Ginny dolls and original, handmade Cabbage Patch Dolls; also a substantial collection of model trains.
With no idea where to start looking for potential buyers, I also have no idea where to find appropriate pricing, etc. Ebay just doesn't seem like the best option to sell a collection.
Answers ( 1 )
Well this is the question, isn't it? Where to even start?
First -it really depends on the "collection." Everything has value, but not everything has the same kind of value to everyone.
I collect Japanese comics. In Japanese. They have almost no objective value at all. As a whole the collection is invaluable and historically important, but what does that mean for a single series I want to get rid of?
If you know that the collection you have absolutely has an enthusaist base, like trains (which I see you tagged this question with) take a look on a search engine for sites that sell collectible trains. Some of them may also have a "we buy trains" link. If not, you can at least see if what you have has any value to people who might value them.
Also look on line fo collectors and stores that do buy and sell thiose items.
Of course you can look on eBay for what other people are selling those same items for. Check to see if any have been sold, rather than what current listings have them priced at. That will give you an idea of real -world value. I mean that it's great and all to say "this item is worth $100" but if it sells for $20, then it's worth $20. I don't recommend ever selling on eBay. It's not worth it for individual sales or sellers anymore. It'd basically a storefront. But it could be useful for finding a store that sells what you have and negotiating a private deal. I did that some years ago, found a store and asked if they wanted to buy some collictibles I have. The store owner was happy to do so.
You might want to see if there's a historical or enthusiast group/museum in your area, too, to see if they are interested. Especially if the items you have are worth little in real money, donating them to a local train museum or group can be a great way to let folks enjoy the collection. A friend of mine passed away a few years ago and I've been slowly getting rid of his collection. Ultimately I found it easier to group things and ask if my larger circles of collectors wanted that group. My friend was a fan of a specific series of Japanese animation and games and I know someone else who loves it, so I grouped all the items up, and sent them to her. I aked her to pay shipping. I know that my late friend's most beloved items are with someone who loves them as much as he did. That's more important to me than the few bucks I might have made selling them online.
Good luck and have fun with the research!