posted on April 16, 2001 07:24:44 AM new
Hi I am in need of some advise on how to sell a collection of cameras. The gentleman that wants to sell them ask that I put them all together as a lot. There are app. 65 antique cameras that are in good condition ranging from all different kinds of brownies to Rollie's ,Lyka's etc.He is in need of money and wants to sell them fast and at least make some money on them. I do not know what to tell him to do. So if anyone has advise on this subject I would sure appreciate it.
You'll make much more money if you list each camera individualy. The Leica's and Rollei's (note spelling) will likely bring much more money then the Kodak Brownie's. (some brownies are worth a little something... but most of them are worth just $1-2.)
When listing the cameras, make sure you include the model number in the auction title. Also, in the description, include a picture and note any imperfections that you notice (such as brassing). If you are not certain whether the camera is functionable, mention that in your description as well. Also mention any accessories that are included (lenses, lens hoods, lens caps, eyecups, straps, cases etc...) Although, again, you'd probably make more money if you stripped each camera of its accessories and sold them off seperately as well.
I hope this helps to answer your question a little bit. Let me know if you have any more specific questions!
I would do research on the individual cameras and list them separately. The ones that aren't too valuable you could group together in a lot by brand. Some are quite collectible, others are not. There may be collectors looking for a certain brand of camera and wouldn't want to big a lot of 65! Good luck
posted on April 16, 2001 07:41:44 AM new
slohr: First... I would NOT "box lot" them.
List them individually for best results regarding ending values.
Provide clear pictures and include abundant information about each individual camera listed.
Start them out with an opening bid that is reasonably close to "market vale" (do some reasearch by viewing completed "like" item that have recently sold on eBay)
Be available to answer questions about each camera from potential bidders (especially on the final day of the auctions)
If you box lot them (all cameras in one listing) you will have to put a higher opening bid on them... and that might cause potential bidders to pass on your auction in favor of single items with lower opening bids... and perhaps a single "serious" collector will come along in the final moments and snap it up for the opening bid amount (or slightly more) only to divide the box lot up themselves for resale at a huge profit.
posted on April 16, 2001 07:57:42 AM new
At the least I would suggest you break them down into groupings by maunfacturer.
Individual listings will bring the best return.
Grouping by manu. will appeal to buyers interested in that brand.
You might consider researching closed auctions to see if any of the better cameras are worth listing individually.
The most many potential buyers of the entire group can offer is a very low wholesale price. They will be planning to resell for a profit and will assume some cameras have no value and others might need repairs.
If he needs immediate cash you might consider using a pawn shop and then listing individual items and redeeming them at auction close. Seperate tickets for better items. You might expect 25 to 30% of present retail from the pawn shop. Repayment of the loan plus interest may still provide a profitable return on the better items.
A local auction house is another approach to investigate.
Resale Lots on eBay usually bring bottom dollar for preowned mixed groupings.
With all due respect and no offense intended, I recommend that you get someone to proofread your description(s) before you list. "Advise" is a verb, and the correct spelling you were looking for is "advice." Also, adding an apostrophe does not make something plural, it indicates possession (i.e. "The Kodaks are for sale," or "The Kodak's lens is cracked" ).
While there are many sellers out there who make spelling, grammatical, or punctuation mistakes in their auctions, it could make you appear to be unprofessional IMO (BTW even if you use a spell checker, it won’t pick up a problem like “advise” and “advice” or "their" and "there" ).
There have also been threads here about the pros and cons of consignment selling. Even if you do it as a friend and don't charge him a commission, be prepared for something to go wrong! I haven't bookmarked those threads, but I'm sure a search of the message board would bring them up.
Best of luck with selling these!
Without eBay, I might have a real life...
[ edited by mcbrunnhilde on Apr 16, 2001 01:46 PM ]
