Collection: Sell Your Collection
If you have a collection to sell, I may be able to help! Individual items and small collections are typically purchased outright, however, larger collections will usually need to be sold on a consignment basis.
While I specialize in 1:43 scale resin and white metal models (about 4-5" long), I may also be able to accept other types of models on a case-by-case basis.
Items are obviously much more valuable if in good condition and if they include the original box.
There are a number of items that I am not able to acquire for various reasons. The most common reasons are that either demand is low, or the market is already saturated with those items. I am also not able to take items that are in poor condition, unless they are particularly rare and valuable. Some examples of items I do NOT acquire are:
- Anything NASCAR related.
- 1:64 scale models (Matchbox and Hot Wheels-sized cars).
- Warped Promotional models (Promos) (typically 1961 and older).
- 1:18 scale diecast (Maisto, BBurago, etc.).
These are very general guidelines; there are exceptions to every rule. If you have any questions about the collection you have, please reach out...I would be happy to discuss it with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does consignment work?
Consignment is pretty simple; once we agree on all of the specific details of the acquisition and sign a contract, I take possession of your collection, sell it for you piece by piece or in lots, and send you proceeds every week from the items that sell. Once your collection is in my hands, you don't need to do a thing!
How long will it take to sell my collection?
That depends entirely on how big the collection is, and how desirable the items are. Most collections require a few weeks to a few months to find the right buyer for every piece.
Will my collection be safe?
Yes, your items will be stored or displayed with the utmost care at my climate-controlled shop in Nashville, Tennessee until they are sold. All items will be fully insured against loss or damage while in my possession.
How do I get my collection to you?
The most cost-effective way is for you to carefully pack and ship the collection to me, if possible. If that is not an option, I can come to your location to pack and move the collection for you. This is a good option for large collections. There is a fee for this service, which can be deducted from the proceeds of the sale. No up-front payment is required.
What is your fee for picking up my collection?
The fee is to cover my expenses, and will depend completely upon where you are located, and how big the collection is. Expenses may include one or more of the following: mileage, trailer or other equipment rental, supplies, lodging, airfare, and shipping. There will also be a charge of $200 per day for any time I need to spend packing and cataloging the collection, so any of this that can be done before I arrive will save you money!
Can I make more money if I sell it myself?
Absolutely! If you have the time and patience to sell it yourself, that is a great way to maximize your profit. It does require a LOT of effort, however, and most people would rather spend their time doing something a lot more fun!
What is involved with selling an item?
The following steps are typically required to sell an item:
- Unbox and inspect the item
- Clean the item if necessary and feasible
- Make minor repairs if necessary and feasible
- Photograph the item from multiple angles in good light
- Photograph the packaging from multiple angles in good light
- Photograph any accessories from multiple angles in good light
- Research sold prices of similar items to determine a selling price
- Create listings on eBay and TOYCARGEEK.com
- Advertise listings on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest
- Promptly answer questions about the item from prospective buyers
- Follow up with the buyer if there are payment issues
- Carefully pack the item to help mitigate shipping damage
- Create a shipping label and take the package to the shipper
- File a claim with the insurance company if there is shipping damage, and follow up as required.
- Repeat for every additional item!
What is your fee for doing all of this for me?
My commission is 50% of the sales price of the item, before shipping and tax. 30% of my commission goes directly towards paying for overhead, selling fees, taxes, equipment, software, shipping supplies, etc. The other 20% covers my labor. If expenses are incurred acquiring the collection, these fees will be deducted from your payout until they are paid off.
How long have you been buying collections?
Since January 2019!
I inherited a collection, and don't know anything about it. Can you help?
Absolutely! I have plenty of experience with estate acquisitions, so you can be confident that the liquidation will be handled with a great deal of patience, respect, dignity, and compassion. I will also be very transparent about the value of the items, and will be able to show you what comparable items are selling for. You will be able to track the listings on eBay and TOYCARGEEK.com, so you will know when the item sells, and how much it sold for.