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Tips for selling your collectibles

There is a collector for virtually everything. Ever watch the show "Hoarders?" Even if your collection is not that out of control, maybe you want to pare down a little or want to make some extra cash. Sometimes you may find something that you like better to collect and do not know what to do with your old collection. Here are some valuable resources where you can sell your collectibles and maximize your profit.

CONSIGNMENT STORES - High end or specialized consignment stores (such as stores that sell vintage and antique wares) can be a great selling ground to unload your collectibles. Consignment stores typically take your item on a contractual basis, awarding you with anywhere from 40-60% of the price the item sells for. What makes consignment stores a great outlet to sell collectibles is that a lot of consignment shoppers are also collectors. All that has to happen is the right collector to walk in the door and you may unload your entire collection.

ANTIQUE MALLS - If you have an invariably large amount of collectibles you may want to check out your local antique mall. Some antique malls chage a monthly fee to set up a booth and you price your own items. If your collectibles will be worth a lot of money this would be a great idea simply because almost all antique shoppers are also collectors, so you will maximize your selling potential by setting up your wares where they will be most seen by those who would want them.

ONLINE SITES - Once again, craigslist and ebay are top sites to sell collectibles. Ebay is also a great source to check prices similar items are being sold. It is free to list on craigslist and there is even a collectibles section. Another great website is www.replacements.com. Replacements will buy collectibles from you at a good price as long as the items are in excellent condition. You can scroll through their inventory to see where certain collectibles are being sold so that you can get an idea of how much they might pay you for yours.

PLACE AN AD - Place an ad in your local paper or advertisement publication. It costs very little to post and many papers post ads online as well. You may be able to attract someone who would be interested in your collectibles.

VINYL RECORDS - Old records are in a collectible world of their own. Check to see if there might be a local record convention and see if you can rent a table to sell yours. This is your best bet of getting rid of records to people who are specifically there to buy records. Also, you may want to try flea markets to unload some records - a collector might buy the whole batch if the price is right. If you have a rare record you might want to list on ebay - believe me, collectors know what they are looking for. Another website to try is www.sellvinylrecords.com.

DOLLS - Doll collectors can be the most avid of all the collectors. If you have a doll collection you can try to find a doll convention closeby or a doll collectors group (try www.meetup.com) so that you can find other doll collectors who might want to buy or trade from you. Ebay is another great source if you list it correctly - others can find it more quickly.

FLEA MARKETS - Flea markets can be a great place to sell more inexpensive collectibles. I say inexpensive because no one goes to a flea market expecting to pay high prices. Price the items well and if the right collector comes along you might sell them all.

Make sure you correctly price your items - check prices on ebay, replacements, and antique or collectibles pricing guides that are up-to-date because the prices of collectibles vary due to demand. Some years certain things are "hot" or "in" and the next year you may not be able to give them away. Make sure it is the right time to sell, be patient and you will surely rid yourself of that collection.

Learn more about this author, Heather Reid.
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