A reader writes:
Hello, I have a c6 Christmas light collection that I would like to sell. I'm not sure what its worth or how to go about selling it. I have not counted but there must be 1000 regular lamps, some in new packages, some just loose. There are several strings of lights in packages, many just loose. I know there are a couple of sets of bubble lights and a set of old bell lamps with plastic covers . I can send pictures but need to know if this is something you would be interested in or where I would go to sell them. Thank You for any help you might have .
------- Our Response - Feel Free to add your own below, but be nice.
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These aren't so rare that people are paying top dollar for them yet. If you sold them a strand or two at a time on eBay until you were done, you would get the maximum possible, but as you can see, you'd have hundreds, if not thousands of hours tied up into the effort and you still might get only a few dollars a strand. If you could find a collector or a flea-market reseller who would give you an offer for the whole bunch, that might be worth considering. You'd get a lot less than if you poured thousands of hours into it, but then you wouldn't be spending all that time.
As far as what individual sets might be worth, check out what similar sets are selling for on eBay. Not what they're listed at, what they sell for, if they do sell. Most people price collectibles too high and they keep reposting in the hope that someone will fall for it. But at least you'll get an idea.
If you would like a general overview of the dynamics of selling large unsorted "collections," please check out our article on "How Much is My Collectible Worth?":
http://www.familychristmasonline.com/mu ... tibles.htmI will pass your note on to a friend who sells vintage Christmas decorations, but he has a huge inventory already, so please don't be upset if he doesn't get back to you or offer you what you think your collection is worth.
Please have a great rest of the year,
Paul Race
www.OldChristmasTreeLights.com