posted on April 27, 2001 08:58:22 PM
I hit a garage sale yesterday like i didn't think existed any longer. Now, I'm dumbfounded on how to sell stuff:
I bought 10 fisher price little people playsets (the older ones), but not all people and accessories are there. Should i sell it ALL as a lot, or should I sell each large play piece seperately or??? I do know to sell the Sesamae Street little Gordon seperately, but what about the rest of the stuff? Its pre-loved, so I'm wondering if selling most of it as one lot would be better.
Also, I bought what I am pretty sure is a Chatty Cathy torso (missing head) yesterday. How can I be sure it is the torso? It works, so if anyone knows what she says, that would help. I know the talking ones are desired, so I was happy with my finds.
I know I'm going to make nice money compared to what I spent. Hello garage sale season. The people said they would have different stuff out tommorrow. Guess where I'm going to be bright and early? They were moving, and their idea was to get rid of stuff. In fact, its the only time I've ever given MORE at a garage sale than what it was priced. Felt like I was cheating them if I didn't give a little more. Still felt like I was stealing, though!
posted on April 27, 2001 09:47:42 PM
I might be able to help as this is right up my alley. :0)
Chatty would be marked Chatty Cathy on her back and will also say Mattel. The 1960 version had about 7-8 sayings and the 1962 had 12-13 but I don't remember what they are offhand. If it is chatty she will sell for quite a bit, even headless.
You might do better breaking up the FP stuff a bit. Hard to say--- it depends on what you have. Search ended auctions on ebay to figure that one out. :0) Some of the older sets can sell for great money. Definitely sell the Sesame Street guy by himself.
Sounds like you had a good yardsale! I am green with envy (but happy for you too).
:0)
posted on April 27, 2001 09:48:59 PM
I have sold a lot of Fisher Price stuff ~ it just depends on what it is. Main street ~ airport ~ parking garages ~ things like that ~ I make separate auctions for ~ most of this stuff sells well ~ even if you have some or no accessories ~ but then there is some stuff that only goes well in lots ~ like the little pull toys go better if you sell 3 or 4 together.
Chatty Cathy is before my time.......
The stuff that is prior to 1970 does well too ~ when I do lots ~ I try to group them from the same time period......people love to buy the toys they had when they were a kid ~ therefore things prior to 1990 are popular too ~ the 80's do better than the 70's for me ~ I hope this helps you some
Just my two cents...........for what it is worth............
posted on April 27, 2001 10:11:36 PM
I have sold (and bought) quite a few FPLP. The PEOPLE I would sell in lots, separately.
Like, 12 FPLP ~ old style. If you have rare ones, sell them as singles (like Gordon).
The reason you should do this is because there are many collectors who collect only the people. They don't want to bid on sets or pay shipping on the sets.
I have scooped up quite a few great buys by bidding on sets and just asking for the people to be sent. On the other hand, the auctions for the little people alone usually sell for more than I want to pay.
THEN, I would sell accessories in lots. Like 10 pieces of the FPLP farm etc. Then I would sell the actual buildings at a garage sale
The only exceptions I would make would be if I had highly sought after playsets like the hospital, carousel or castle. Check out the completed auctions and see if your SET sells well. Then take some time and check out the auctions for FPLP people only and accessories only and see what works best for what you have.
posted on April 27, 2001 10:26:21 PM
The doll says "Mattel 1964 Mexico". The lady said it was her Chatty Cathy doll. Maybe it isn't.
Thanks for the lp advice. I'm wondering what to do with the pieces (like the airplane that is missing a door) should I just toss them in the trash or add in a lot?
I specialize in 60's vinyl dolls - mainly buying but occassionally selling. These are the dolls I had and grew up with!
First issue Chatty Cathy had no markings. Subsequent issues from very early 60's had markings refering to Mattel in Hawthorne, Calif @ 1960. Chattys, as most doll folks know, command top dollar these days.
Your doll, according to the "Collector's Guide to Dolls of the 60's and 70's' by Cindy Sabulis (a buddy of mine), may be a "Timey Tell", pictured on page 201. 'Timey' used the Chatty body mould and had a talking ring like Chatty. 'Timey' was an early 70's doll. Estimated value in her book, loose with clothing, is between $20-$25.
An interesting side note: Mattel's Mexico doll facility burned down in the 70's at which point all doll manufacturing was shuffled off for good to the Far East.
