by W D Adkins

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 21, 2011

Selling a collection of antiques can be a difficult experience for many people. The items in tee collection may be keepsakes, an inheritance from a loved one, or the fruit of years of collecting as a hobby. The first thing you need to do is to take all the time you need to make the decision to sell. If you do decide this is the best course for you, move ahead with no backward glances and no second-guessing yourself.

Before you begin, however, do your homework. Your goal is to make as much money as possible, while minimizing the hassle and headaches that can come with selling your collection. Thoroughly researching and preparing your collection ahead of time and learning to understand the market you are using will reduce the stress and increase your profit.

RESEARCH YOUR COLLECTION AND THE MARKET

The first step in research and preparation is to have the items in your collection appraised. This is especially important with high-value items like antique jewelry, paintings, or furniture. Research the history of the pieces in your collection, and gather any documentation of that history. This information (called the "provenance" by collectors and dealers) adds considerably to the value of a piece.

Second, research the markets for your collection. There are a variety of ways to sell a collection. You need to know something about them in order to decide whether you should place your collection with a dealer, auction your collection, sell items on the Internet, or some other method. Once you select a marketing strategy, learn the market. Getting into the game without knowing the rules is a guaranteed way to lose money you could have made.

MARKETING YOUR COLLECTION

Some markets are good for some types of collections, but not others. The basic criterion is the value of the pieces. If you are selling your collection of baseball cards, for example, selling online on eBay, Yahoo, or Amazon is a good way to go. The individual cards are of modest value (perhaps with a handful of exceptions) and you may be able to simplify the whole process by selling all or most of the collection in lots.

Be wary. The majority of bidders will prove to be honest and you will have no problems. However, there are unethical people who rely on the anonymity of the Internet to rip people off. Learn the warning signs, and don't hesitate to turn down an offer. A good idea to prevent possible problems is to sell just one or two items on the Internet at first. That way, you can go through the whole

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