What Recession? Tips for Having Fun in the Collectibles Market When Buyers Are Scarce

Let's face it. Ebay sales are slow. With the rise in gas prices, groceries, and other essential items, the amount of disposable income in our economy is dwindling. Ebay has even gone so far as to slash final value fees for sellers who are willing to offer free shipping. I would like to focus on things you can do to help take the sting out of this recession and hopefully have some fun while you are at it.

1. BUY! BUY! BUY! It is a buyer's market out there. There are deals to be had at yard sales, flea markets, auctions, and on Ebay. Many people "speculate" on various collectible and then sell at the first sign of a dip in the collectibles market. Use this as an opportunity to branch out and dabble in collectibles that you wouldn't otherwise buy or collect. For example, I recently purchased a large quantity of porcelain dolls. I have no idea what I am going to do with them all; but they were cheap, and, if worse comes to worse, I have birthday/Christmas presents for my two nieces for the next ten years. If you collect a particular type of item, now may be the best time to find and purchase that rare item that you have always wanted but balked at because of the price.

2. BARTER & TRADE! Never let money get in the way of a good deal. Many times, you can get a far better deal if you find someone who is willing to trade. For example, let's say someone wants one of my porcelain dolls that I would like to get $25 for but they do not have $25. I might ask them if they have any old baseball cards, magazines, scorecards or programs. Many times people will be willing to part with something which holds little to no material value to them for something that they DO want. Trading and bartering is a lot of fun and usually concludes with both parties happy with their take

3. EBAY IS NOT THE END ALL! Ebay is not the only place to peddle your collectibles and "good junk." There are several other avenues available to you when you are looking to sell:

Auctions: Make sure that you choose an auctions which draw a lot of buyers and who limit the number of sellers on a particular evening. Make sure that the auction house takes a reasonable commission (To me, anything above about 25% seems excessive) Choose an auction that advertises regularly. There are auctions every Friday night in Charleston and Scott City. There is a weekly auction on Saturday night in Blodgett. If anyone else knows of weekly auctions that I have missed, feel free to post when and where.

Flea Markets: You can usually rent a spot at a local flea market or swap meet anywhere from $5-15 a day. Sikeston, East Prairie, McClure, and Dexter are some of the local flea markets. Again choose a spot where there is a lot of traffic. If anyone else knows of weekly flea markets that I have missed, feel free to post when and where. If possible, find a spot with a roof/shelter (or bring your own) Nothing is worse than losing a couple of hundred dollars worth of good junk to May showers. Be willing to haggle a bit. Take a chair and sunscreen.

Consignment Shops & Antique Malls: Choose established consignment shops and antique malls with secure (locked) showcases. Make sure you make an inventory list of what you consign and make sure you update it regularly---GET THE HECK OUT OF THERE at the first time something comes up missing. Make sure all terms are in writing. Make sure that the shop or antique mall issues checks (pays you) regularly. Do not allow the store or mall to roll your sales over "until next month" Agree on a monthly fee for the space or commission--never both. Consignment shops and antique malls make their money by selling YOUR stuff; do not allow them to double dip. Shop around for the best terms but do not sacrifice security or regular payment.

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH before you list on Ebay. Research Ebay's completed auctions to see if what you are wanting to list is selling. Chances are if others are not getting bids on a certain item, you won't either. Check and see if Ebay is running any listing specials. Usually at least once a month Ebay will cut/waive insertion fees for items if your listing meets specific criteria (e.g., begins bid @ .99)

It is apparently true that Ebay's new policy, forbids sellers from leaving negative feedback about a buyer. Apparently, Ebay instituted this policy because some buyers reportedly were afraid to hold sellers accountable for fear of negative feedback retaliation. I see nothing but trouble with this new policy. Buyers will use this new leverage to bargain their way to better deals after the fact (e.g., reduced shipping and handling despite what the description reads) Sellers are extremely vulnerable here. For instance, let's say I sell a baseball card that shows significant wear in the photo. A buyer could come back and say that the item was not as described unless I described every single flaw in the card. In all fairness, Ebay should leave things as they are or do away with negative feedback altogether.

Potpourri: I asked Matt Sanders if my blog is required to stay with one topic and he said I could branch out into other areas, so from now on I will have a potpourri section which will be short comments on different things. Feel free to respond to those as well.

Grace Is Gone is one of the finest movies dealing with the Iraq war that I have seen. It is a tear jerker that really makes you think. Regardless of your view of the war, we should never forget those families who live with the reality of having a loved one in harms way every day. We should never ever forget those gold star families whose husbands, sons, mothers, and daughters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Likewise, we should remember those who have returned home a shell of the person that they were before they left for Iraq.

Mark it down, I am predicting that gasoline will be below $3.00 a gallon sometime around mid October. and will remain there until November 5.

Here's Your Sign Award: Man goes in and robs pharmacy, gets arrested and then posts bond and subsequently robs a second pharmacy within ten miles of the first. Are you kidding me?

Congratulations to the Scott City Rams on their state championship in baseball. I saw Scott City hurler Shea Simmons pitch against Charleston in the district final @ Charleston. The Rams defeated the Blue Jays 3-1 in a classic pitcher's dual. I kept thinking my hometown Jays would eventually get to Simmons, but it seemed he got stronger as the game wore on. Enjoy your state title guys.

Congratulations to the Oran Eagles for their third place finish and to the Notre Dame Bulldogs on their final four appearance.

Question for discussion: What do you think of Ebay’s new no negatives for buyers policy?