posted on May 28, 2005 08:18:17 AM new
I have come to the conclusion awhile back that selling collectibles on ebay is a losing proposition for me unless I want to sell at rock bottom prices. There is too much competition for small sellers like myself. This is crazy. I can sell junk on ebay for top dollar. Stupid stuff sells well but get out the antiques or vintage items and there are thousands of sellers that are selling the same identical thing for 2.95 or on the high end 9.95.
posted on May 28, 2005 09:10:40 AM new
I feel the same way. I sell nice vintage porcelain, pottery, and glassware on Ebay at reasonable prices. Even with the two recent Ebay special 10 cent events, my items didn't sell as they should have. I had over 800 items on at that time. I also believe that the main problem is too many items on at one time. Those Ebay and other seller fees keep coming though. Sorta disgusting.
posted on May 28, 2005 09:30:36 AM new
Unfortunately, eBay has put a huge dent into glass and china in particular (just ask the Hummel and carnival glass dealers) -- unless it's something really special.
As a result, at shows both categories are pretty dead and have been for quite some time (serious buyers either passed on, already have everyting, and the new generation has no interest in old china or glass). Not sure where you could go and sell your items successfully -- shows are not it. Perhaps you need to re-think your category mix.
This from one who used to sell common McCoy for big bucks -- a long time ago though.
posted on May 28, 2005 09:32:24 AM new
I sell at a Peddler's Mall and antiques and glassware have ruined that place. It's everywhere you look and they want ten times what it sells for on E-Bay. I have had an excellent month but we sell Memorial Day flowers. Some of the antigue and glassware dealers did pull out this month,so I hope we can make it through the summer months. As far as E-Bay goes,I am just going to buy items I think I can move in my store and in a few auctions. It takes a lot of research,but there are still good selling items on E-Bay.
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Two men sit behind bars,one sees mud the other sees stars.
posted on May 28, 2005 09:56:22 AM new
I don't understand how glass sellers are making it. I are a couple lines of items that I am stocking up on now for the holidays. These are beautiful brand name items going for 25-30% of retail. It's boggling. You would think that at some time these people would start going under and prices would get back to normal but they seem to have created a market of buyers that will not longer accept reasonably priced items.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on May 28, 2005 10:07:15 AM new
Great start to a thread. Its a lonely place but I don't see it ever turning around in the antique and collectibles field. I have felt that way for 3 years. I've still sold items for a great price but its certainly not 1998 anymore.
Although the fact that there are more sellers than buyers isn't the sole problem. Most collectors appear to be advanced enough that they are looking for that one rare, elusive piece to finish out a particular collection. (so rarity I guess)
I don't believe the next generation is going to collect to the levels we have seen in the past. (even the low priced antiques aren't necessarily flying off the shelf) And then you have the avid followers of the Antiques Roadshow who believe everything they have is worth thousands and can't understand why I won't list it for them at what they expect to get. (versus undertanding the program is a marketing venue for the antique house or individual auctioneer) 2-income households are now facing becoming 1-income or no-income and the first to get cut are the frills and hobbies.
As a past show promoter, I can see shows and flea markets thinning out even more. You're faced with loss of sellers which buyers only have to see once and they won't be back. No seller/no buyers or no buyers/no sellers; things you have no control over. Insurance rates tripled after 2001 for public events. Complaints from sellers about no sales isn't always the promoters fault. Also so many new people in the game who have not done their research as a seller. They don't know their merchandise, the work it takes to be a seller--they just see the $$ and jump.
It's a Wal-mart society. People get cheap items for cheap and expect that to follow into the antique and collectible market.
I don't see any change back to the way things were in the past. I believe a few items can still bring some money but you can only ride any given wave for awhile, the fun in the hunt is gone, and it's more difficult to find the merchandise.....
posted on May 28, 2005 11:14:02 AM new
First: The economy is bad.
Second: It's a slow time of year.
Third: 3 years is a very short time in the rollercoaster world of antiques.
Fourth: ebay sales are always a rollercoaster ride.
Fifth: Ebay is still the best way to sell for me if I combine the effort/cost factors.
I made a lot of money on a huge garage sale and was exhausted. The cost of renting space in a mall here is outta sight, so are ads.
Pack the good unsold stuff away and wait for the upshift.
posted on May 28, 2005 11:29:32 AM newIt's a Wal-mart society. People get cheap items for cheap and expect that to follow into the antique and collectible market.
Toybuyer, I think some of it is the advent of technology too. I mean, its been said a thousand times, what once was unique or hard to find, and potentially considered a windfall to a dealer,...well you know...there are enough of them on ebay to drive some prices down to bare bones minimum (if you want to sell it). But you are right about young people and collecting. I also see that as the related to computer and technology oriented games/fancies, instead of collecting. jmo.
posted on May 28, 2005 12:14:28 PM new
dblfugger9: You bring up a great point and one that I've often thought about. The prices for antiques use to include the knowledge of the antique dealer or auction house. Now most of us do a quick google search or post it on a board like this for identification. And for the most part, no matter what you have, someone has one in nicer condition, in a better box, or selling for half what you'd like to see yours sell for!
If you study economics, you know that this is not just a downward cycle that will come around. You're seeing the savers of the 1920's-30's dying off and who is going to buy their stuff? I see it all the time. A lot of people want new not used. Until we really fall on major economic hard times.....
I do agree to a point with crowfarm that eBay is a roller coaster ride for those things still selling; that is what I mean by the things we don't have control over. And eBay is much easier to do then all the work for a garage sale or setting up at a flea market. But enjoy it now! I have.
posted on May 28, 2005 12:18:57 PM new
I also see that as the related to computer and technology oriented games/fancies, instead of collecting. jmo.
By the way dblfugger9, I walked through a Target store last night and there's hardly a traditional toy department anymore. Games and electronics department doubled in size. I guess that's the new "traditional" toy department now. For young and old....
[ edited by toybuyer on May 28, 2005 12:19 PM ]
[ edited by toybuyer on May 28, 2005 12:19 PM ]
posted on May 28, 2005 12:55:15 PM new
I'm with you folks on this. Just got back from a yard sale where I found (not priced) a couple of old magazines, an old stamp album, etc. The seller guy said, "Oh, I haven't gone through those boxes yet." He examined the magazines carefully and wanted $15 for each, $50 for the old album (little, crummy), etc. I told him I'm used to yard sale PRICES and can't/won't go that high.
Also, I think we shouldn't underestimate the influence of all the Clean-Sweep-type shows on cable right now, encouraging people to de-clutter and clean up their lives.
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posted on May 28, 2005 01:12:49 PM new
Ah yes, I remember the "mission organization" episode where they unceremoniously decided to toss out a very large stash of Barbie things from someone's childhood. Yikes!
And of course, you have noticed that whenever someone needs new furniture, it's off to the "import store" -- it's all about the look, not its intrinsic value/age, or workmanship. Try selling antique furniture set up next to an Indo vendor. Yikes!
That said, I'm truly grateful to eBay which permits me to sip coffee in mid-afternoon on a holiday week end, rather than biting my tongue when someone at the show I decided not to do this time says she'll "give me" $5 for a $45 tagged item. It's a good thing there are no "best offers" on auction listings!
posted on May 28, 2005 01:30:04 PM new
I deal mostly in jewelry. Usually not the vintage kind because it is hard to described. Jewelry from the 50's and 60's. It's a foreign marked for that age. I purchased 4 pair of earrings at the Goodwill for $10.00 and made $100.00, but they were new. I also sell a men's line of clothing and do quite well in that. But for antiques and stuff that hasn't sold I am selling them in our garage sale next weekend. At a Garage sale although you don't get the money remember you don't have to pack and mail it, pay eBay, paypal, Vendio fees and the high price of gas. So add up your price of the antique,the fees, see what it comes to and sell it for $10.00 more. It's gone out of your house. I know $10.00 doesn't sound like much but at least you have made something.
I try and stick to items small, easy to pack and pretty reasonable to mail. I think buyers also look at shipping and handling and if they think they are getting robbed they back out.
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posted on May 28, 2005 01:39:20 PM new
birgittaw, I agree with the furniture thing....they just HAVE to have the latest piece of cheap trash when they could get a good sturdy(but not trendy) piece. I recently got a suite... bed, dresser, bench, for $265.00. Beautiful Art deco style, two different woods, sleek chrome handles and actually it does have a "new" look although probably from the 40's or even 30's.
NOW is the time to buy antique furniture in my area.
posted on May 28, 2005 01:42:34 PM new
Toy, I agree with everything you said.
And yes, it still can be fun. I think there's still some surprises in it yet and especially if you get in on some new trend that is just starting, etc. I've bumped on some by pure accident so that was fun for me
posted on May 28, 2005 01:51:48 PM newI try and stick to items small, easy to pack and pretty reasonable to mail. I think buyers also look at shipping and handling and if they think they are getting robbed they back out...
Libra me too! re: the small items. But as far as buyers backing out on the s/h/i - I will tell you - I locked horns with this one woman who was a buyer to me (unbeknowst to me at the time, she was also a seller) and when I went looking after her, to see if it was just me, or what others had to say was going on, I found out she is selling and at a pretty good rate. No matter what she sells, a shirt, a tie, a pair of boots, shipping is a flat rate 10.00. I couldnt believe she still had buyers (tho she's gotten a few complaints on it) she keeps merrily selling away. I only try to cover my ebay and pp fees on the shi and maybe pocket a buck or two if I am lucky, but after seeing that, I am seriously considering just plumping it out. I will say she seems to catch mostly newbies though, who probably dont read or have a clue what a stupid shirt costs to mail...
edit to clarify: and its not like she starts her auctions @ .01 cents or .99 either.
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[ edited by dblfugger9 on May 29, 2005 04:47 AM ]
posted on May 28, 2005 04:01:34 PM new
Dorrie: they have a program called Mr. Grabber. I use Ioffer and get a couple of sales a week. Good place to store stuff for free.
Beth
www.vintageads4u.com
posted on May 28, 2005 05:44:29 PM newAnd of course, you have noticed that whenever someone needs new furniture, it's off to the "import store" -- it's all about the look, not its intrinsic value/age, or workmanship. Try selling antique furniture set up next to an Indo vendor. Yikes!
LOL! It's so true! It's not that they are all bad ideas but quality still counts. I'd even taken an import from Japan from the 50's than an import from the 90's. I've seen porcelain kissing angels made 40 years apart, guess which one has fine details and which one doesn't. No get me wrong; I watch a lot of HGTV! but what looks good in a designer room or model home usually means its not practical in everday life. All that fabric looks great until a winter of dust accumualtes!
THE ONLY bad thing right now--is that is going to be the "stuff" we see at garage sales in the future and they'll still want $15 for their $20 item!
posted on May 28, 2005 06:33:30 PM new
Toybuyer: LOL, I've seen the makeover shows where they give a family of 5, which includes 3 active boys, off-white FABRIC sofas and chairs. Give me a break! That's okay if your "parlor" is never used by the family. Otherwise, you'll be spotcleaning very soon.
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posted on May 28, 2005 07:43:02 PM new
dorrie said-
I feel the same way. I sell nice vintage porcelain, pottery, and glassware on Ebay at reasonable prices. Even with the two recent Ebay special 10 cent events, my items didn't sell as they should have. I had over 800 items on at that time. I also believe that the main problem is too many items on at one time. Those Ebay and other seller fees keep coming though. Sorta disgusting.
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800 items ?? and YOU ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT OTHERS??SORTA DISGUSTING !!!!
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
posted on May 29, 2005 03:37:25 AM new
I feel bad for people like Paloma who really need to make some money, but the sad truth is that there is little market anywhere for "stuff". There are a lot of reasons that there is no demand, some mentioned here already, and eBay is only one (and not even the major one).
Low-cost "antiques" (and I am being very loose in my definition here) used to appeal to people who wanted something different from what they found in the stores, and at a reasonable price. Now, with Home Goods, TJ Maxx, etc., you can go in and buy things like this every day. If you sell $5 figurines and $6 decorative plates, you are competing with them.
As a side note, Spode began re-issuing a number of their antique designs a few years ago. We bought some in London. The plates began appearing at our local TJ Maxx a few years ago at $19.95. When they began appearing at $12.99, I thought about buying some for the house. At $9.99, I thought about buying some for sale on eBay. Glad I didn't. Home Goods had them the other day for $3.99. And although it was a good deal on something I liked, I realized they would get stuck in the cupboard and forgotten, so I didn't buy them. And this is the market you are trying to sell into?
posted on May 29, 2005 04:41:21 AM new
I have to disagree on Ioffer. I have four sites and use each one a little differently. The Ioffer site gives me steady sales weekly and I have no complaints. All my WWII buffs use Ioffer and I can't keep up with them. As soon as I list it they will buy it.
I think you just need to know your niche groups, find them (ebay, ebay store, VD store, Ioffer store and your own web site) and market to them.
Recently we started going to vintage car shows with our 1899-1910 auto ads. Collectors will pay about 5x eBay to get what they want. However, the down side of that is travel, etc. It is still fun tho.
Beth
www.vintageads4u.com
posted on May 29, 2005 08:18:46 AM new
This has been very very helpful. Thanks to everyone for your advice. I have been trying to sell on ebay and in want ads (newspapers, the local throw away that that everyone reads etc) Now I guess I need to branch out and do something else online. A website?
There are no "shows" around here that I could really use to sell my "wares" It's such a collection of "stuff". From what I understand the local flea market is now just a place where stores sell, kind of like an outlet of sorts. So that's out too. I know sanmar travels to L.A. to his swap meets but he lives closer by one than I do. The only time I would be able to travel is during the summer months and that would be very difficult to arrange and to do. I think a local consignment store might be good thing for the larger pieces.
I guess a website would be the best. Does anyone know an inexpensive website hosting company?
posted on May 29, 2005 10:17:49 AM new
jackswebb said "ioffer is a WASTE of your time.... "
The great thing about ioffer is that it takes up very little time at all.
Using Mr. Grabber you can transfer all of your items from other auction sites quickly and easily. You can even upload items from a .csv file. You can also import feedback from eBay (no time wasted trying to build feedback). Image hosting is easy and free. And ioffer is problably the easiest and quickest site to modify listings.
Oh yeah, you don't waste as much time paying fees for items that don't sell.
posted on May 29, 2005 01:42:53 PM new
Paloma,
there is a cheap place to sell outside Ebay auction,it is called Ebay store.
There is also TIAS and Rubylane.
-sig file -------
Eat grass,kick ass,never go belly up!
but what looks good in a designer room or model home usually means its not practical in everday life. All that fabric looks great until a winter of dust accumualtes!