Selling large collections

[Anonymous]

If I were to go about selling an extremely large collection (mostly MTH, some lionel, some k-line....), what would be the first step? I've already done and up to date inventory with pics and all. I was thinking about using ebay, however I am concerned about having to sell it by individual piece, which I absolutely do not want to do! Please help me!!

[brianel027]

Well you must realize that with selling a collection you will have to be more flexible on the price. As individual pieces, let's say they're worth $1,000 with separate sale prices. But as a group, you should be willing to accept between $500-$600. Of course, all that varies too, on the condition of the trains (including being clean, dust-free), how well cared for they were, etc.
I can understand your hesitation on selling trains piece by piece on e-bay. K-Line has a classified page for members of their club which is free. There is also a new website for selling trains, which for the moment let's you post for free:
http://www.modeltrainjournal.com/cgi-bin/suite/classifieds/classifieds.cgi
You might also consider the classifieds in the train mags.
Come up with a list and a per-piece price, and then come up with a "whole collection" price. I'd also be flexible... state you'd rather sell the whole thing as one unit, but get e-mail addresses from possible buyers.
If they want to buy, let's say just all your engines, tell them you're hoping for a one-sale takes all, but say you'll get back to them in say 2 weeks if you have no other offers.

Of course, this all depends on how badly you want to sell your stuff and how quickly you want to do it. If you think your prices are reasonable, you might even try posting here that you have trains for sale and to e-mail you for prices. Could you put together starter sets from your collection? That might be an angle since this IS that time of year.
Anyways good luck.

[Roger Bielen]

I've seen collections listed on eBay, don't know if they sold or not. If the value is suffiecient you could run an add in the classifieds of one of the train magazines. There are also frequent ads in the mags. looking to buy collections.

Personally, when that time comes it'll be handled by my then widow or executor.

Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info!!! I would like to sell the collection as soon as possible, so, as soon as I get my pricing finished, I am planning on running a few classifieds. Hopefully I can get some possible buyers. The problem that I have is that it's my Dad's collection and I'm actually doing this as a favor for him. So- I really know squat about trains at all. What exactly is a starter set? All I know is that I have every single piece inventoried, along with the condition and pic, which I did myself. As for pricing, he's kind of been slacking on getting around to that, which is frustrating because I want to get this done!! So- would a greenburg guide be the best way to get an accurate price list? Or is there something else that would be better?

[Big_Boy_4005]

There are people who buy entire collections. Some advertise on Classic Toy Trains Magazine, and not just in the classifieds. Go to your local hobby store and buy a copy. Some hobby stores buy used equiptment, but you certainly will not get top dollar, as the trains will be resold.

Ebay may get you a better price. Rather than trying to sell the entire collection in a single auction, or each piece seperately, you might want to consider grouping them into lots, made up of similar pieces. Remember, the larger the grouping, the higher the price, the smaller the number of bidders, the less likely you are to get the best price.

Sell the higher value items individually, and take advantage of reserve bids to ensure that you get a minimum price.

A starter set comes with track and transformer, and usually trains of lesser value, as they're ment for beginners.

If your father is able to, get as much information as you can from him. Is he a member of any clubs or organizations? Does he have friends who are into trains? You may be able to get help in understanding what it is you are trying to sell. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

In order to get an idea of the value, you could compare a number of sources:
- Greenburg's guides for accuracy.
- eBay to see what people are actually paying.
- Train shows to compare all of the above.

Selling everything at once or individually both have their own issues; pricing, packaging, shipping, time spent, documentation are just a few thoughts.

If you want to best price you will have to be patient and do a little work.