Topic: how to unload a paperweight collection

[tagdrj]

Hello All. I found this message board after some searching. The time has come to unload my mother's collection of glass apple paperweights. Not everything is glass, but probably 90% of more than 200 individual items. I have no desire to keep these items so I am looking for some advice please. 

I would prefer to ship the lot to someone else that would like the collection as my mother did. What is the best method to sell? Is it best to be patient and hope for the perfect buyer or do I list one at a time on boards like this one and then find others? Do I setup a store like Etsy (I prefer to stay away from eBay.)? Do I sell in lots with random groupings. Is there a consignment option? etc.

I have spent only a few minutes researching a handful; so far they range from only a few dollars to over $100.
Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.  Your experiences of success and failure will be helpful.

[NevB]

Hello and welcome to the board. I would have thought the easiest way would be to sell them through a reputable auction house. They usually research the items and lot them up appropriately in order to get the best price. They will charge fees though, in the UK it is usually about 20%.

[tagdrj]

Good one, I had not thought about an auction house.

[Lustrousstone]

Auction is the easiest option though possibly the one with lowest returns. Few people want to buy large collections and if they do the returns will not be full value because they will almost certainly be buying for resale. Equally, few people want to buy random groupings unless they spot something special or get items cheap enough to resell. Shipping is a big issue in all cases; it takes an awful lot of time and effort on your part just for a start and bumps up costs significantly for buyers. Another option is to donate to a charity and let them have the hassle of selling. You could sell the better ones yourself; they would likely be bought by collectors if the price is right. However, you have the hassle of accurate listing and descriptions (very important for collectors, particularly in regard to any damage however minor) and shipping