posted on August 3, 2001 12:10:36 PM
Two of my employees have asked me to look into selling some old magazines for them. They both could use some extra money, so I'd like to help them out.
They are McCalls, Sat Post, Good Housekeeping and Family Circle from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Also Playboy from the 60's.
Is there any value to these? Do you sell them by the mag or by the ad? If anyone could help me without feeling like you are giving away your trade secrets, I'd really appreciate it. Or is there a thread or site you could point me to? Thanks!
posted on August 3, 2001 12:50:42 PM
If in good clean a-1 condition many of them should sell either in batches (sell the whole years worth) or as singles. Don't expect to get real big money because there are a lot of these old magazines around. Look for stories and or photos of newsmakers, events in history , stuff about the Kennedy's, Elvis, The Beatles, moon landings, etc. check eBay for like items sold in the past to find a starting price. The old Playboys have a following and some are collectible. If you have a bunch with no covers or they are in bad shape,stained, dirty, torn, etc then there is some market for old full page ads, cars, tabacco products, movie stars, etc. However, I'm not sure it would be worth your time and effort. It is time consuming to list magazines because you need to look at each one and put a couple things in the header to attract buyers Good luck.
posted on August 3, 2001 01:56:45 PM
When I put on my buying hat, I love to browse through old mags because they make great gifts to put in birthday time capsules. So maybe you can market them as great gifts, and don't forget to state week/month/year in your titles.
posted on August 3, 2001 02:23:50 PM
Hi susan 1232 - I sold quite a few old Playboys a couple of years ago. They were from the '60s and 70's. Average price = $4 - $8. Had a few go for around $16.00. I think the people buying them were lighter collectors, as those were the ads they shared they wanted. I did however, have one that went for $102.50 (nice surprise) because, when writing my descriptions I mentioned what ads were in them. The one that brought top dollar had a car in it that was only producted for 18 months and I was lucky enough to have two gentlemen who both wanted the color ad.
I agree that before committing to listing these, you spend a little time doing searches on ebays completed auctions to see what they're now selling for.
But as alldings mentioned there are some collectors that are looking for the ads. Also some who are interested in some actor/actress that they collect items about.
If you do decide to go forward, list in your description everything that you can.
posted on August 3, 2001 04:17:33 PM
Susan - If your busines is anything other than selling on ebay (where your employees would know what's involved and have some idea of prices realized), then they could have unrealistic expectations of what you can do for them and blame you for slow or no sales or low bids. And if that's the case it sounds like very little reward for so much effort.
posted on August 3, 2001 09:38:23 PM
Capotasto has a very good point here! I sold a few autographs for a friend and it just felt weird--she didn't get what she thought they were worth, and I spent 'way too much time on her auctions.
Now I tell friends that I will sell one item for them, with no commission and them just paying the listing and FVF fees. And then if they like the results, I'll expect them to learn how to sell on eBay. (Note that I don't say I will teach them how to sell.)
posted on August 3, 2001 09:59:29 PM
Susan: don't forget to check eBay's completed auctions and the current listings to see what other sellers are getting for similar magazines and ads. This doesn't mean you won't get more, but it will tell you what the pulse of the market is right now.
I did this for a relative who wanted me to sell things for her. I showed her the recent completed listings. She was shocked at the low prices for her type of item. I said, "Well, that's the current market. You can wait for late Fall to list, or find another sales outlet." I'm just the messenger, but she snubbed me at the last 2 family parties. I wish more of my family would come to me for eBay help.
posted on August 4, 2001 11:51:12 AM
All of you have certainly given me something to thing about. Now, Cap, I completely understand your original message. Could be walking on thin ice here. Thanks for you help. Seems I need to do a lot more thinking on this one.
