Things to Remember when Selling Your Keepsakes
Anderson welcomes the stars of A&E's "Storage Wars" to the show to talk about auctions. If you're interested in selling your own memorabilia or keepsakes, check out the helpful tips below. Information courtesy of Victor Moreno, Founder of AmericanMemorabilia.com.
1. Internet Research
If you feel you have a valuable item, but don't know much about it, Victor suggests going online to do some research. Google is a great place to start.
Click here for more information on what makes sports memorabilia unique and valuable.
2. Rare Doesn't Necessarily Mean Valuable
Victor says to keep in mind that just because something is rare, doesn't always mean it's valuable.
3. Authentication
If your item has an autograph from a celebrity or professional athlete on it, you must get it authenticated. Visit AmericanMemorabilia.com/authentication.com to find out how this process works.
4. Do Your Own Examination
Examine your keepsake or memorabilia for any markings, dates, titles or brands. All of these details will give you a better estimate of your item's value.
5. Photos
If you need to take photos of your item to get it authenticated, make sure you take pictures from various angles and distances, zooming in on important details. Natural lighting is best, and avoid using your camera's flash, which can cause color distortion and shadows. Always include photographs of any flaws.
6. Collector vs. Dealer
Victor suggests trying to sell your item to a collector, rather than a dealer, in order to try and get a higher price.
7. Memorabilia Item: Baseball Cards
Victor also points out that many people think their items, such as baseball cards from the 1970s - 1990s, are worth a lot, when in fact they most likely won't get you much. He says that baseball cards are a common item people believe to be valuable, but the most coveted cards are dated from before the 1960s. He emphasizes to do your research to find out if the items you have are even worth anything.
8. Reserve
If you take your item to an auction house, make sure you put a reserve price on it. Here is the definition of an auction reserve, according to Wikipedia.com.
Reserve auction is an auction where the item for sale may not be sold if the final bid is not high enough to satisfy the seller; that is, the seller reserves the right to accept or reject the highest bid. In these cases a set 'reserve' price known to the auctioneer, but not necessarily to the bidders, may have been set, below which the item may not be sold. The reserve price may be fixed or discretionary. In the latter case, the decision to accept a bid is deferred to the auctioneer, who may accept a bid that is marginally below it. A reserve auction is safer for the seller than a no-reserve auction as they are not required to accept a low bid, but this could result in a lower final price if less interest is generated in the sale.
9. Getting Paid
Keep in mind it may take up to three months for you to sell an item and get paid if you take your item to an auction house.
10. AmericanMemorabilia.com
One of the reasons many people consign with AmericanMemorabilia.com is because of the quick turnaround time for getting paid. Victor says the site hosts an auction every 15 days, and you won't have to wait months to list your item in a high-profile auction.
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