Messages

1

EBay Forum / Re: eBay vs Auction Houses

« on: February 15, 2014, 12:18:53 am »

Thanks mart,

I suspect the auction house is frequented by those looking for a bargain, and the retired dealer is quoting prices they would expect to get on a good day, hence the difference in prices.

Thanks for the suggestion of trying the smaller pieces on eBay.

2

EBay Forum / eBay vs Auction Houses

« on: February 12, 2014, 11:41:46 pm »

Hi Folks,

I'm planning to sell a few antiques, mostly ceramic vases, glassware and silverware. A dealer I know (now retired) has appraised many of the items and given me an idea of their value. I’ve also taken a few items to an auction house for appraisal and received estimated sale values which were about a quarter of the first price. That’s a huge difference.

It pains me to think of letting these items go too cheap at auction, so eBay looks to be the better avenue for obtaining prices closer to what the retired dealer suggested. But then I think of the time required to properly pack ceramics for shipping, the risk of damage in transit and the subsequent risk of eBay negative feedback. It would be a lot easier to just hand the items to the auction house, but then I’m reminded of the bargain prices they’ll probably go for. As a result, I’m sitting on my hands.

If I go with eBay, should I opt to make the items “pick up only” to avoid shipping hassles?
Is it worth checking with a couple of other auctions houses? And might different auction houses attract higher bids for certain wares?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,