Getting the maximum amount of money for collectibles is the wish of every hobbyist. It is usually possible to get maximum prices for your collectibles if you follow certain rules. It is not difficult to follow these rules. However, remember that by following these or any other rules, you do not have a guarantee of a maximum price for your collectibles. But, it will give you a guide line that if followed, may help you to get better value for your collectibles than if you hadn’t followed the guidelines. The values of collectibles are greatly dependent on who buys your collectibles.
Finding buyers for your collectibles is not as difficult as in the past, thanks to advances in communication and technology. First, find out if the market exists for your particular collectible. You can go to a shop keeper, auctioneer or even sales agents to sell your collectible. They will be very happy to sell your collectible, and will charge you with their expenses. If you don’t know how much the dealer will pay you for your collectible, then visit a dealer and ask. Typically dealers or resellers will pay you 25 to 35 percent of the retail price of your collectible if you want cash immediately. But, if you are willing to wait until your collectible is sold, then you may be able to get around 65% of the retail price.
Another alternative is to auction your collectible. Here also the rules vary with different countries. Typically you may receive a maximum of 70 to 80% of the sale value after fees and taxes. The one important thing about auctions is that you are dealing with many strangers. Choosing the auctioneer is also very important. Select the auctioneer that has a good record for selling the collectible that you want to sell. Try to observe the auctioneer for 3 or 4 times. This will give you a feel for how much cash your collectible will be sold for in your auction.
After seeing the exorbitant fee charged by the agents, auctioneer, or reseller, you may be thinking of selling your collectible on your own. If so, then you should consider that carefully before you make up your mind. The average person has very limited resources. You may be able to get an advertisement in a local newspaper, or sell your collectibles at exhibitions by renting a stall. Again in one or two days there is a very remote chance that you can sell your collectibles from your stall at the prices you are expecting. If you add all the expenses than you will realize that it is better to give 25-30% to professionals for selling your collectibles.
One good practice is to set a minimum price for your collectible before you even consider selling it. Think of how valuable the collectible is to you, and vow not to part with it for less than a certain amount. Then when you start getting offers from prospective buyers, you will know exactly where to draw the line. Much of the time, a seller will get offered an amount of money that is less than ideal, but will be so excited by the prospect that he will take the first offer to come. Avoid making this mistake, as you will surely regret it.
Selling collectibles is very different than buying collectibles. Selling your collectible requires some homework and research. As selling collectibles is not an exact science, there are no standard rules to follow but the one important thing that will help you to get maximum amount for your collectible: research. Do as much research as possible on your collectibles, their markets, their prices, and so on. Of you are thorough and cautious when selling, you could find that your collection hobby is very profitable in the end. It just takes time for the values to amass, but it does happen often.
