posted on August 10, 2002 04:23:18 AM
Yesterday I bought some Royal Doulton dinner ware. Several of the items were chipped and one cracked (which was pointed out by the seller) The cracked item is the nicest piece, a lovely footed serving bowl, with an old 3" crack. It could not be used for hot food, but would be fine for cold, fruit, etc. My question is, would it be worth trying to sell making sure the crack was clearly mentioned?
posted on August 10, 2002 07:27:47 AM
Hello
I don’t sell in your line but the way to find out is list it. However I look at the profit and grief asso with the listing and decide. I do not relist these items but batch or trash.
posted on August 10, 2002 08:38:59 AM
Well, YOU bought it knowing it was cracked, so perhaps someone else will want it, too. Maybe for decorative purposes only. At what price? Dunno. If you are clear in your description and give a good photo of the damage, plus play up the alternative uses (cold foods, fruits, decoration, filler piece until they find another one, etc.), you might find a good buyer.
The surprise sale of my eBay career was a book I bought for $50 for myself. As I was leaving the seller positive feedback, my toddler tore off the front cover. (My scream of anguish could be heard 'round the world.) I decided to put it up on eBay in its damaged condition. I carefully described the damage and started it at $5.00, hoping to get at least $10. To my surprise, it went for the full $50.00. The buyer was thrilled, as she had been searching for this book for months. She just wanted to read it, and didn't care about the collectible value.
The moral of the story is that damaged goods are saleable, so long as clearly described and if there is enough demand.
posted on August 10, 2002 08:13:55 PM
Hi
I have sold dozens of collectable dishes that have been cracked,chipped, or stained. They have always sold!! I am just careful to describe the damage - size, superficial chip, type of stain, crazing, utensil marks and so on. I also take a picture of the area. Many people who cannot afford the mint pieces are glad to get these for their collections until they can replace it with a better conditioned piece later on. Also, many of these cracks and chips are easy to hide and the item displays great!! Good luck Suzy
posted on August 11, 2002 02:32:26 AM
Thanks for the comments. I don't usually buy damaged items, but this one came as a whole lot. I threw out the other cracked or chipped items, this bowl is so pretty, I just can't bring myself to toss it out, I'll try listing it.
posted on August 11, 2002 10:10:54 AM
You know, there are buyers out there who like to take chipped and cracked good, decorative china, break it down, and use it for mosaics. If it's not too late, one thing you could do is sell the whole lot in the crafts sub-category. . . .
I also agree with others here who suggest you list the bowl as is and see if it sells. If it's decorative enough, especially on the outside, have one of your pictures show it with fruit or such in it. Good luck!
posted on August 11, 2002 07:47:05 PM
What have you got to lose? Idon't very often sell cracked or chipped china, but in a case like this, as long as you tell in detail & if you can take a picture of the crack, then go for it. I deal in china primarily & have on occasion sold pieces with crack or flaws. I have always tried to show the flaw in a pic as well as describing it. Always sell "as is" with NO return.
posted on August 11, 2002 07:59:49 PM
Two of the highest % net profit pieces I have sold on Ebay were plates with chips. Both were in the Vernon Kilns category, and about 6 months apart. It turned out these were extremely rare pieces and there were collectors who wanted to get their hands on them in ANY condition. Go ahead and list it. It will only cost thirty cents, and you have a good chance of finding a Royal Doulton collector who has been looking for that particular piece. Your chances of a monetary return are better than they would be with a state lottery ticket.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on August 24, 2002 07:03:07 PM
Just thought I'd let you know I got 2 bids on the bowl, it sold for 6.50, not a fortune, but better than throwing it out.
posted on August 24, 2002 07:31:30 PM
I was right! I bought a lottery ticket and didn't win a dime Congratulations. I hope you can take that $6.50 to a yard sale and parlay it into a thousand.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on August 25, 2002 01:55:20 PM
Go ahead & put it on if you can show the crack in a picture. I deal mainly in china & have sold several pieces with flaws, i.e. chips, cracks & crazing. I always point this out & always state that is no return on this item. Start the price low & it will only cost you 30 cents to list. You might get a surprise out of this.
Congratulations. I hope you can take that $6.50 to a yard sale and parlay it into a thousand.