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| A peak inside portions of the garages before we got started. At a glance, looks like junk, right? Wrong! There were many hidden "treasures." |
I always thought that when we went through the thousands of items in my father's home - it would be after he passed away (since he has previously had a hard time letting things go). The general consensus between my sister and I was that most of his things were junk and we'd just have a garage sale and throw almost everything away.
Quite fortunately, I am able to do this project with my father - and also quite fortunately (and patiently), sorting through items one by one, hearing dad's stories about them, then taking time to research everything to determine the value. Most items include a debate concerning perceived value and the real value before we hit a happy medium on initial asking price.
I'm grateful to be doing this with him despite the tremendous patience & time it consumes. That being said, I've come to value many items as he and his parents did. Which makes me feel that in order to do the items justice - they deserve the love and consideration that their previous owner's bestowed upon them (so much "love" they were kept for over 70 years). A big part of that "keeping" mentality was from my father & grandparents living through the Great Depression. The fear of "I may have nothing" became as instinctive as today's consumers' "I can replace everything" mentality.
Anyways, while this seems daunting & I sometimes get too excessive in my research, at the end of the day - we just want the items to go to homes will they will be equally treasured.
Here's some of the tips I've learned along the way.
Rules to Live By When Selling Vintage Items
- It might look like junk, but it might be valuable. It might look valuable, but it might be junk.
- Research everything. Assume nothing.
- Do not clean. Do not polish. Do not restore. UNTIL you have done your research, and even then perhaps not.
- Many items lose value if cleaned. And sometimes, that patina and dirt ADD to the value. Don't think you will get more money if you clean or restore an item unless you are absolutely certain of it. Check with an expert before you get carried away with a restoration project.
- Do not throw away the original box because it is damaged, worn, dusty or anything.
- A lot of times the box IS the valuable part of an item no matter what condition. Post it with the item.
- Know YOUR value.
- If selling on ebay - set the MINIMUM you are WILLING TO ACCEPT for the item as your starting price. Don't think just because you start the bidding at $0.99 that you'll be one of the lucky ones who has a crazy run on the auction and you see the price hit an all time high. If you start the bidding at $0.99, you may only get $0.99. Then after all the fees - you get what - $0.75 give or take - is that worth the time it took you to research the item and post it?
- Weigh how much time you have to spend researching a vintage item and posting it and shipping it against the value of the item. Some things are better sent to Goodwill or Salvation Army.
- Look closely.
- Every little detail on your item will help you identify it. Look for dates, maker's marks, copyright, wear, tear, color, discoloration. It all helps you find like items and determine worth.
- If you can't find it online - it DOES NOT mean it is worth more.
- It just means that no one has mentioned it yet or you aren't using the correct search terms. Find an expert in the field of the item and email them to ask questions.
- Age does NOT equal value.
- Sure, a 100 year old book in good condition seems like obviously it should be worth a mint. But not true. Items are only worth what someone is willing to pay. And if no standard has been set, it makes it harder to determine value.
- Don't be afraid to ask.
- There are lots of experts out there willing and able and often excited to see the item you are trying to sell. Send them an email with a clear subject line, include details of your inquiry and ask if they are willing to look at an item. If they say yes, then send them a picture or a link.
** Keep in mind their time is valuable and they are doing you a favor. ** - Don't wear out your welcome. Be concise. Don't send images without permission as your email might just be deleted rather then read (because attachments can contain viruses, some folks are hesitant to open them when receiving an email from a stranger.)
- Be considerate of everyone
- The people you email to ask questions, the tools you use, the buyers and sellers of the world are all as important as you are. Their time is valuable, just like yours. Treat everyone the way you'd like to be treated.
- Be patient.
- All of the above takes time. If you want to get rid of something fast, sell it cheap or have a garage sale and let the negotiating begin.
Stay tuned - more tips to come...
