posted on November 11, 2001 03:52:56 PM new
Recently we ran several auctions for various pieces of Noritake's Gilda. Put up lots of 9 to 12 pieces, and had all rim soups in one auction etc. Got no response, so would like to ask any Noritake fans here if this is the way to go. Dale thinks it would be better to put up 2 soup bowls for about 9.98 instead of 12 for 48.50. Joan prefers to move it all at once. Is the Noritake bidder likely to want 12 or 2? Seems to Dale that to sell each type item would take 6 auctions over a 4 month period. We disagree about this and would appreciate any help people could give us. Dale and Joan Meridenmor
posted on November 11, 2001 04:51:23 PM new
I used to sell quite a bit of china on Ebay about two years ago. At that time, I definitely had better results selling them in varied lots, mostly small lots of 2. If I had 8 soup bowls, for example, I would list one lot of four bowls, and two lots of 2 bowls. I would run all the auctions at the same time, and mention in the ad to check your other auctions for more pieces in this pattern. Also I offered in the ads to combine for shipping just in case someone wants to bid on more than one auction.
It combines the best of both worlds, you can be accomodating to people looking to fill in on an inherited set or replace broken pieces, as well as buyers looking to build a complete set.
I don't know anything about that particular Noritake pattern but just compare prices with other closed auctions and price accordingly. Good luck on selling the china
posted on November 11, 2001 05:29:13 PM new
I recently sold some china (not Noritake) that I listed by each individual piece. It took a little longer to list but I had pretty good success when it was sold. I made sure to mention that I had other pieces of that pattern that were available at the same time and that I would combine shipping. I ran them so they all ended on the same day.
posted on November 11, 2001 06:43:50 PM new
Enchanted has very good advice on this subject. I, too, am not familiar with that pattern in the Noritake line so it is best to review completed auctions as well as ones running at the present time, if any. List completer pieces separately such as: gravy boats, creamer & sugar, teapots, vegetable bowls, etc. My past experience has been limited but I have sold Noritake in both stoneware and fine china. I do much better with it this time of the year than any due to the upcoming Holidays. As far as place settings, that is the more difficult decision. Do you list one plate at a time or list a 5 piece place setting? Some people may need to replace just a plate or bowl. It depends on how much you have and how bad you want to get rid of your inventory. Is the pattern popular or difficult to find? I had good luck selling 5 piece place settings but the pattern was current and was selling for 50% less than retail. Hope this helps........
posted on November 12, 2001 08:37:18 AM new
Thanks to those who are taking the time to share their ideas and experiences on this issue. In the past, I have had luck in listing 6 or 8 or 10 or 12 of the same pieces in the same pattern in one auction and selling to matching services who were really pleased to find so many pieces at once at an affordable price. I've also found folks who have inherited a partial set and were quite happy not to have to hunt down those elusive soup bowls or bread and butter plates one at a time. The shipping cost really mounts up that way. For me, the advantage to selling a large number of pieces at once is the saving on the listing fees and time expended in launching auctions. Lately the fees have started mounting up, and on a small sale (only one bidder) the combined fees can quickly gobble up most all of the profit, already slim to begin with. However, what I am reading from those of you who have posted sounds like good advice, so I'll try again with lots of 2 or 4 and see what happens. Thanks again for your opinions. Cheers, Joan
posted on November 13, 2001 02:24:01 PM new
I sell in lots of 2 to 4. They have sold far better dividing them up. I have found from correponding with the buyers they are usually looking for just a couple of pieces. If they are extremely expensive pieces, I will list them one at a time (e.g., Heisey stemware) Good luck
