How to sell HUGE pin collection from mother's estate?

[leftwheel]

My mom passed away this summer and now my dad is left with hundreds of pins that she purchased or traded in the parks over many years. Most are still in the original wrapping and aren't organized in any way. Because neither my dad nor I are pin traders we have no idea which pins are exclusive and which aren't.

We have never sold anything on Ebay, but it sounds like that's best way to sell them? Would we have better luck selling them in small lots or trying to sell the entire collection all together?

Would appreciate any advice that any of you seasoned pin traders can offer.

 

[Dom13]

I would use www.pinpics.com to help you get an idea of what might be rare and what isn't. If a pin has a low number of traders and a large number of wanters (is that a word?) then I'd sell it individually. If the trades/wants are even or lopsided the other way then sell them in lots of 10 or 12 that are similarly themed. Good luck!

 

[Parkhopper]

Dom's advice is good. It will take a bit more time and research, but it should yield the best results.

Suzi

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

PinPics is the best resource. From there you can look on eBay to see what other sellers are doing as far as how many pins per lot, etc.
It seems to me that the bigger the lot the lower "per pin" cost. For example, it isn't unusual to see 10 pins that sell for $25, $2.50 per pin. But a 100 pin lot for $250 would be unusual if none of the pins are rare or limited edition. A lot of 60 (new pins in the original packages) that I was watching over the weekend sold for $105, which isn't even $2 per pin. I think you would come out better listing multiple small lots as opposed to a couple of big ones. On the other hand, if you just want to be done with it you can list them as big lots.

Be sure to come back here and post your eBay name so we can bid on your items once you get them listed.

 

[actionvaughn]

Not sure if you have your heart completely set on selling the pins, but if you ask around your family, someone might be more than glad to take over the collection... Definitely not trying to pull a guilt trip on you, but if I were to have large collection like your mother, I'd absolutely want my pin collection to be kept in my family or among friends- your mom sounds like she took a lot of care and time into her collection, after all. You never know; your (future?) DDs or DSs, might want to take up the hobby.

Then again, if you read up about pin trading, you can probably be easily convinced into the hobby yourself.. Trust me, it's addictive. Either way, let us know when and if you decide to sell the pins.

 

[EnnEss]

You could also list them on ebay, many of the rare ones take off in price because there are so many people hunting for them. The problem is that a lot may go for a lot less than they should.

The pps previous suggestion would be the only way to avoid that though.

Edit - I'm not sure if you don't deal with ebay if you're allowed to advertise them for sale on here, I would guess not, although I've never looked into it. Someone may be interested.

 

[~Kathie]

Selling is not allowed on the DIS Boards.

Dizpins dot come has a sale board on their forums you could try as an alternative to ebay.

 

[Parkhopper_Vince]

Going to ebay is fine. Trying to sell them directly here is not. There are other options, but not on the DIS Collectors Board.

 

[leftwheel]

Thanks to all of you for the great tips. It was all very helpful and I'll be sure to post here and let everyone know once we decide when and where to sell. We won't be keeping them, that's for certain. Thanks again!

 

[chaoscent]

Try Dizpins. I think you will do better selling the easier to find ones there. Ebay might be ok for your harder ones. My problem is I buy extras every time I go to a pin meet as I am convinced I am going to go home and sell them & I never do. But I sure know how to buy them. Good Luck,Penny

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

if you need any help, i live pretty close to you, and will be at the U.P. mall in mishawaka IN, the Sat after thanksgiving..If you still need help with figuring anything out let me know.

Or did you all ready decide to sell them...she might have had a bunch of sets that would go for more money than sold seperatly.

 

[mickeysaver]

If you decide you would rather make a donation of the pins to a charity and take a tax donation instead of the cash, I know of a great charity that would love to have those pins for a group of really special kids. Maggie

 

[LindaBabe]

If you decide you would rather make a donation of the pins to a charity and take a tax donation instead of the cash, I know of a great charity that would love to have those pins for a group of really special kids. Maggie

That would certainly be easier on the OP. Are the initials of the charity GKTW?

 

[~Kathie]

That would certainly be easier on the OP. Are the initials of the charity GKTW?

The charity is listed in Maggie's post as part of her signature and the link is there.

Bert's Big Adventures. Everyone should check it out online. They do great things.