How should proceed about getting the best price for collectibles?

Question

I have inherited quite a few pieces of Depression, Fostoria and pressed glassware. I have a rough idea of the value, and I've placed ads in the local classifieds and on Craig's List but when people come to look at it, they only offer me a fraction of my asking price. One auctioneer even said that he would have to charge me a 30% commission plus a $200 handling fee for just taking it to try and sell. A few other have said that the bottom has fallen out of the Depression glass market. If I had had the glass to sell 15 to 20 years ago, I could have asked almost anything for it. Now is going for about 10% of book value. Are these people con artists, or what? What should I do to make sure I'm getting the best price for my things?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

If you've done research into the value of these things, you've likely consulted published price guides. However, you can't accept the values in them as what you are likely to get for them in a realistic situation. Someone told me once that the true value of something is what people are willing to pay. The person that told you the bottom had fallen out of the antiques market may be close to the situation. I inherited a whole houseful of things when my mother passed away last fall and I've yet to sell anything. Nobody seems interested. Another thing is the uncertain economy. People are holding onto their money right now. They need it for necessities, not luxury items and dust-catchers. If you have a place to keep these things, I'd advise holding onto it until the market improves.

Answer 2

Hi, Go to your local book store and ask them where the price guide section is. There are great up to date books with what the item is actually worth. But unfortunately just because an item is worth something that does not guarantee that you will find a buyer willing to pay. Once you have done research then list them on eBay or another auction website. In your advertisement you can quote the price that the book said and any other information that you can provide Always use the term Vintage. This increases sales for some reason.

Answer 3

Do a search in ebay for similiar items and see what they have been going for. Do an advanced search and ask for completed listings only. This should help give you an idea. Selling on ebay is easy enough if you want to go that route.