| ign="center"> | | | | elsewhere on the Net. Therefore, anything you |
| Recently, a friend asked me to help her brother | | | | can do to prove the authenticity of your |
| sell his collection on Lladro glass figurines on eBay. | | | | collectible is well worth your time. Is there a |
| These are expensive glass collectibles and I knew | | | | marking on the bottom? Do you have the original |
| nothing about them - but I don't have to. The | | | | box or other container? Does it have a label? Is |
| principles for selling expensive collectibles on eBay | | | | there a certificate of authenticity or an appraisal |
| are the same, regardless of what is being sold. | | | | by a respected organization? If the answer to |
| Obviously, like any eBay auction, the seller must | | | | any of these is "yes", then be certain to |
| have a powerful listing with great pictures. This is | | | | emphasize your authenticity in your auction. |
| always true regardless of what the merchandise | | | | Taking pictures of your proof is especially |
| is. Expensive collectibles offer splendid | | | | effective. |
| opportunities, but also need special precautions. | | | | 5. I don't suggest offering a guarantee except in |
| 1. Price: decide the lowest amount you will accept | | | | the most general way - that is, you, the seller, |
| for each figurine and set that price as a reserve. | | | | are telling the truth about the product. Anyone |
| Then make your opening bid absurdly low - yes, | | | | bidding on a collectible is knowledgeable and |
| absurdly. | | | | therefore they know what they're buying so |
| Example: if you will accept $1,000 - make your | | | | there should be no reason for a return. If |
| opening bid $25. There is no risk in this, because | | | | someone expresses dissatisfaction and mails your |
| you don't have to sell unless the bidding reaches | | | | merchandise back, there is every likelihood of it |
| $1000, but the low price attracts buyers, | | | | being broken. You do not want the hassle of |
| (assuming there is demand, of course). | | | | trying to collect on broken merchandise or putting |
| Looking at completed eBay auctions allows us to | | | | yourself into a litigious situation with someone who |
| track prices, Again and again we learn that | | | | refuses to believe that the collectible was broken |
| starting the price where the seller hopes it will end | | | | via return shipping. |
| is not a wise tactic. | | | | Also, you don't want to take a loss on your eBay |
| For instance, a seller wants to get $750 for his | | | | fees, which might be substantial if the price is high. |
| figurine. An opening bid of $750 won't attract | | | | 6. With a really expensive item, always offer the |
| nearly as many buyers as an opening bid of $25 | | | | option of an escrow service - at the buyer's |
| and - surprisingly - the lower bid almost always | | | | expense, of course. They may not take want this |
| gets higher prices. There is some psychology at | | | | service, but make certain they have the option. |
| work with the cheap price. It may not make | | | | You, of course, know that your merchandise is |
| logical sense, but it's the reality of life on eBay. | | | | legitimate, but the buyer isn't so certain. eBay |
| 2. Devote space in your auction listing explaining | | | | recommends an escrow service that is available |
| how you will pack your item to ensure safe | | | | to all members. |
| transit. This is critically important because in the | | | | 7. If you're willing to ship worldwide, you need to |
| back of every buyer's mind is the dread of | | | | take special steps to protect yourself. In the US |
| receiving a package that rattles. A collectibles | | | | we have AVS (Address Verification System) |
| buyer will inevitably be thinking of the hassle she | | | | which offers some protection. A very large |
| will have to go through - and the possible loss of | | | | portion of the fraud suffered by buyers occurs |
| purchase price - if her item is broken. She needs | | | | outside the United States and you are justified in |
| to know that the seller has carefully considered | | | | protecting yourself. Losing the purchase price on a |
| this issue and has a solution. | | | | $5 item isn't such a big deal - but a $1,000 |
| 3. For the protection of both of you, insist that | | | | collectible absolutely does matter. |
| the buyer pay for appropriate insurance. Don't | | | | Your bank can advise you on the time it will take |
| allow this to be an option. You definitely do not | | | | to verify foreign funds. Be certain to let any |
| want the liability of a broken collectible that costs | | | | prospective buyer know in your auction that |
| hundreds of dollars. In fact, if a customer objects | | | | there will be a delay if they are outside of your |
| to paying for insurance, this might possibly be a | | | | country. Do not let your merchandise out of your |
| red flag. A genuine collector is very eager to add | | | | hands until you are sure! |
| to her collection and wants her figurine to be | | | | If you follow these 'rules', the chances of selling |
| protected. | | | | your expensive collectibles at the highest possible |
| 4. We can safely assume that every Internet | | | | prices will be greatly increased. |
| buyer has heard stories of fraud on eBay and | | | | |