9 Ways to Sell Your Collection
Have you decided to sell some or all of your collection? Changed your collecting preferences? Run out of room, or just need the money?
What was a passion yesterday, sometimes doesn't remain that way - interests change, circumstances change, and everyone must move on from time to time - that's just part of life.
So, what do you do with that precious collection into which you've invested time, emotion and cash? If you're not in a hurry and have the time to sell each item individually, you will usually realize higher prices overall than if you sell your entire collection as a lot. Selling each item individually can also pay off if you have elusive, rare pieces that may be highly sought after by collectors.
So here goes with our suggested 10 best ways to sell your collection:
1. On Line Auctions
If you have rare items to sell, this is where you will most likely be able to recover some or all of your investment. Of course, when you mention on line auctions, eBay is what comes to mind, but there are many other reputable auction options. You may want to consider specialized auction sites which might be a better fit for the items you are trying to sell. Of course, we recommend The Teddy Patch as the #1 specialized auction site for teddy bears, dolls and other fine collectibles.
2. Collector Clubs/On Line Forums
Collector forums and on line clubs may have bulletin boards where you can post items for sale to other members. This is a good way to sell a collection to a targeted group if you have what they're interested in. Reach out to as many like-minded forums as you can and post your for-sale items on their bulletin boards.
3. Classified and Wanted Ads
Collector publications and magazines offer classified and wanted ads for a reasonable fee. Unfortunately many of these publications do not have the circulation they did a few years ago, but a lot of collectors do not shop on line and this is the way you will reach them. A few specialized on line auction sites, including The Teddy Patch offer a classified/wanted ad service for a nominal fee. Consider using these services in addition to the printed publications for greater exposure.
4. On Line Malls
Its important to chose a good on line mall in order to get the best price for your collectibles. This type of venue will work if you do some research and find out where the collectors you want to target are hanging out and where they're buying. It can be time consuming to load your pictures and set-up your descriptions, but you can control your final price. Do be careful with these types of sites, however, because fees can vary widely. As with some of the higher-priced auction sites, you can go broke quickly on listing fees.
5. Auction Drop Off/Consignment Stores
If there are drop-off business in your area that specializes in selling stuff on line, you may want to consider this option. Be careful with this one, however, since not all stores will be experienced in selling your type of collectibles and you'll need to make sure that your types of items are categorized and listed as you want them to be. Make sure you are aware of all fees for this type of service before making a commitment. Charges can include commission, listing fees, transaction fees and other hidden fees.
6. Selling Your Collection in One Lot to Auction Houses or Dealers
Sometimes its almost a relief to be able to sell everything in your collection in one fell swoop. There is a lot to be said about just getting it over with all at once even though you may have to take some loss. If you just want to get it over with quickly, try consigning your collection to an auction house or wholesale directly to a dealer. Be sure to check references and be aware of all costs to you up front before making any agreements. If you sell directly to a dealer, consider using a reputable escrow service to ensure both parties interests are protected.
7. On line Auction Stores
There are several auction sites which offer stores from which to sell in addition to their auction services. These auctions sites provide the web hosting and payment services for your store. Again, with this option you may want to consider specialized auction sites which might be a better fit for the items you are trying to sell. Fees for these types of stores vary widely so be sure you know what you're signing up for. The Teddy Patch offers unique Artist/Studio Stores for a reasonable fee and provides regular free advertising to specialized collectors as part of the package.
8. Host Your Own Store Front on the Internet
If you have the time and are inclined to do so, there are plenty of web hosting options and store-front templates with fill in the blank forms and shopping cart options to get you going if you are computer challenged. If you are more technically inclined, you may want to build your own site and then advertise it at the collector clubs and forums.
9. Living Estate Sale or Garage Sale
Contact a local company that specializes in estate sales and let them do the work if you're considering a living estate sale. You'll pay a hefty commission for this service but you won't have to worry about the details or have to deal with people who want to haggle over price. You could also consider having a garage sale. We don't recommend this option if you're trying to sell a valuable collection, but if you just have a lot of stuff on which you put no particular value, this option might work for you.
Give Your Collection Away
Now that we've discussed 9 ways to sell your collection, have you considered giving your collection away? If you give your collection to charity, you can take a tax deduction which might end up being more than you'll get selling it on line. Another option is to give special pieces away to friends and family who have admired them over the years. You may feel better about knowing your treasures go to a good home. And what greater joy is there than sharing something special with those we care about?
What was a passion yesterday, sometimes doesn't remain that way - interests change, circumstances change, and everyone must move on from time to time - that's just part of life.
So, what do you do with that precious collection into which you've invested time, emotion and cash? If you're not in a hurry and have the time to sell each item individually, you will usually realize higher prices overall than if you sell your entire collection as a lot. Selling each item individually can also pay off if you have elusive, rare pieces that may be highly sought after by collectors.
So here goes with our suggested 10 best ways to sell your collection:
1. On Line Auctions
If you have rare items to sell, this is where you will most likely be able to recover some or all of your investment. Of course, when you mention on line auctions, eBay is what comes to mind, but there are many other reputable auction options. You may want to consider specialized auction sites which might be a better fit for the items you are trying to sell. Of course, we recommend The Teddy Patch as the #1 specialized auction site for teddy bears, dolls and other fine collectibles.
2. Collector Clubs/On Line Forums
Collector forums and on line clubs may have bulletin boards where you can post items for sale to other members. This is a good way to sell a collection to a targeted group if you have what they're interested in. Reach out to as many like-minded forums as you can and post your for-sale items on their bulletin boards.
3. Classified and Wanted Ads
Collector publications and magazines offer classified and wanted ads for a reasonable fee. Unfortunately many of these publications do not have the circulation they did a few years ago, but a lot of collectors do not shop on line and this is the way you will reach them. A few specialized on line auction sites, including The Teddy Patch offer a classified/wanted ad service for a nominal fee. Consider using these services in addition to the printed publications for greater exposure.
4. On Line Malls
Its important to chose a good on line mall in order to get the best price for your collectibles. This type of venue will work if you do some research and find out where the collectors you want to target are hanging out and where they're buying. It can be time consuming to load your pictures and set-up your descriptions, but you can control your final price. Do be careful with these types of sites, however, because fees can vary widely. As with some of the higher-priced auction sites, you can go broke quickly on listing fees.
5. Auction Drop Off/Consignment Stores
If there are drop-off business in your area that specializes in selling stuff on line, you may want to consider this option. Be careful with this one, however, since not all stores will be experienced in selling your type of collectibles and you'll need to make sure that your types of items are categorized and listed as you want them to be. Make sure you are aware of all fees for this type of service before making a commitment. Charges can include commission, listing fees, transaction fees and other hidden fees.
6. Selling Your Collection in One Lot to Auction Houses or Dealers
Sometimes its almost a relief to be able to sell everything in your collection in one fell swoop. There is a lot to be said about just getting it over with all at once even though you may have to take some loss. If you just want to get it over with quickly, try consigning your collection to an auction house or wholesale directly to a dealer. Be sure to check references and be aware of all costs to you up front before making any agreements. If you sell directly to a dealer, consider using a reputable escrow service to ensure both parties interests are protected.
7. On line Auction Stores
There are several auction sites which offer stores from which to sell in addition to their auction services. These auctions sites provide the web hosting and payment services for your store. Again, with this option you may want to consider specialized auction sites which might be a better fit for the items you are trying to sell. Fees for these types of stores vary widely so be sure you know what you're signing up for. The Teddy Patch offers unique Artist/Studio Stores for a reasonable fee and provides regular free advertising to specialized collectors as part of the package.
8. Host Your Own Store Front on the Internet
If you have the time and are inclined to do so, there are plenty of web hosting options and store-front templates with fill in the blank forms and shopping cart options to get you going if you are computer challenged. If you are more technically inclined, you may want to build your own site and then advertise it at the collector clubs and forums.
9. Living Estate Sale or Garage Sale
Contact a local company that specializes in estate sales and let them do the work if you're considering a living estate sale. You'll pay a hefty commission for this service but you won't have to worry about the details or have to deal with people who want to haggle over price. You could also consider having a garage sale. We don't recommend this option if you're trying to sell a valuable collection, but if you just have a lot of stuff on which you put no particular value, this option might work for you.
Give Your Collection Away
Now that we've discussed 9 ways to sell your collection, have you considered giving your collection away? If you give your collection to charity, you can take a tax deduction which might end up being more than you'll get selling it on line. Another option is to give special pieces away to friends and family who have admired them over the years. You may feel better about knowing your treasures go to a good home. And what greater joy is there than sharing something special with those we care about?
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