My dad was quite the junk collector. In his final years, we delved into the world of antiques and collectibles as we began sorting through the mountain of treasures he accumulated over 40 years. As we went along, I quickly learned how to distinguish trash from treasure. And, I also found many corners of the internet with other enthusiasts. Talking to other like-minded individuals helped me gain a wealth of knowledge. But more importantly, I also uncovered the best places to sell collectibles for maximum profit.
The Top 3 Places to Sell Collectibles for Maximum Profit
eBay
For years, eBay set the standard within the collectibles market. Even today, it remains one of the most trusted and established marketplaces. It’s also the first site I visit to look up comparable items and approximate prices. However, it has become oversaturated since people have begun selling just about anything you can imagine through their site.
With more competition, you won’t see the astronomical profits that many of the earliest users experienced. But, it’s still one of the best places to sell collectibles. Not only does it have a wide reach, but also an extremely active marketplace. And with its money-back guarantee and auction feature, it will help you get the best price.
As a seller, you have free listings for up to 250 items per month. Once you reach the limit, the site charges an additional $0.35 per listing. And, they take an average of 10% of the final value. Keep in mind that the fees vary by category, but you can find the breakdown of the seller’s fees here to help you determine if it’s worth your time.
Etsy
Although most people think of Etsy as the marketplace for handmade items, it also has a thriving market for vintage and antique items. However, they do have more restrictions for listing on their site. For example, it requires that all items are at least 20 years old to qualify as vintage.
If your collectibles fall within this category, Etsy offers a user-friendly platform and a more targeted market. With this site, you are more likely to encounter buyers and sellers who are familiar with specialty items and rare collectibles.
Furthermore, it has lower fees. Etsy only charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and a 6.5% commission. So if you are eligible to sell on their site, it may be the better option to help you get maximum profits for niche items.
Facebook Marketplace
While most of the world is going digital, you still have collectors who live in an analog world. Facebook Marketplace provides a happy medium between online and in-person selling. And best of all, it’s free to list items. It only charges a commission if you have a merchant account. Even then, it’s only a 5% transaction fee.
Facebook Marketplace can give you exposure in local and national markets. It has thousands of groups you can advertise in, including ones dedicated to specific interests. And, it puts you directly in touch with potential buyers. If you find a serious buyer, you can arrange meet-ups or facilitate long-distance sales through shipping.
There are minimal limitations to what you can sell. But, it must be a physical product and will have to be approved by group admins. But if you violate their rules, they may remove access and revoke selling privileges. So, make sure you read the fine print so you don’t find yourself blocked from their platform.
Important Details When Dealing with Collectibles
Although your collectibles may have value, they are only worth what people are willing to pay for them. But with more online marketplaces, you have more opportunities than ever before. With special niche websites that deal in highly specialized items, you can connect with the right audience.
With so many platforms, it’s important to do your research. It’s best to seek out forums and talk to other collectors. This will help you choose the platform best suited for selling your collectibles.
Read More
- 5 Hottest Collectibles to Invest in 2023
- What Are the Downsides of Investing in Collectibles?
- 50+ Items You Can Quickly Resell for Profit
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.