SELLING
The ideal seller from our vantage point is detached from false expectation and genuinely ready for the
selected item to find a new, loving home. In the real world this has usually manifested as an inheritance that does not fit
into the lifestyle of our client. They are very happy with the notion of the piece being cared for by the new owner and
pleased with the money they receive as they had nothing out of pocket for the item. It is a gift converted into a tangible asset!
The most difficult seller is the one watching Antique Roadshow and believing everything they have
is worth a fortune. It is our observation that those who expect more, end up with less.
Book value is a thing of the past. The main public record of how many actual green pieces of paper somebody
is willing to lay on the table in a seven day period is eBay. If you see an item in a book for $500 and it sells on eBay for $200,
then you can assume it is worth between $200 and $500. If the author of the same book were to be contacted and asked to pay $500,
their response would be "Why should I pay that when I can get it on eBay for $200?"
Finding an item on a fixed price website is similar. First of all, if it was really worth what they are asking, then
they would put it on eBay and cash in. They are only "fishing" for a higher value. Also, what they actually sell an item for
remains private or may not be reported accurately. You cannot expect these prices for your items.
Appraisal value is not reported as actual retail value. It is an estimate of replacement value for insurance
purposes. The next time you get an ethical and neutral appraisal, after everything is said and done, ask the appraiser if they
would like to purchase the item for 75% of the value they appraised the item at. The answer may surprise you. Then ask them if they
know anybody who would buy the item for that amount. Appraisals are excellent to get professional insight and accurate information.
We refer many clients to a variety of appraisers and I hire a couple regularly myself. Their knowledge level is required to identify
and describe items that exceed our level of knowledge. The good ones will give you a fair retail price estimate in addition to
the required insurance documentation.
If you come to us with unreasonable expectations, we will simply tell you what we believe the item will sell
for. We do not do unsuccessful auctions. I very much empathize with clients who have lost, or may lose money they are out of pocket.
I also cannot control the end results of any auction. We even recommend giving certain items as gifts instead of selling them,
hanging on to them longer (in certain cases), or directing you to resources that may help you achieve a higher value than we can.
After a research session with us, you are not obligated to sell the item through us. We want you to do the best you can
and understand if you choose another option. We do not give items away and we will always tell you when our knowledge falls short.
If you come to us and are ready to release the item to a new home, then we can assist you. There are many more surprises than
disappointments. Our most successful clients share this disposition. The five images to the right are examples of surprises.
The next page will help you understand the eBay buyer.
VIEW ALL OF OUR CURRENT AUCTIONS HERE
