If you are collecting Hummels, Ebay can offer some real finds. Bidding often ends long before reaching the price listed in the reference books. A Hummel that should sell for $300 may go for $30 - $40. This is because of several factors. Crazing usually does not show up in photographs, and trusting the seller is required. But the seller is often a stranger, and this trust must be based on feedback from other strangers. Small chips can be hidden by careful photography, avoiding the angles that show them up. Again, you must trust the seller. Then there are those who will photograph one Hummel and ship another. This is bad news for the honest seller, but a bargain for those who can identify the sellers wh are trustworthy.
If you plan to buy from Ebay, find someone who sells many Hummels, check the quality for yourself with one or two inexpensive pieces, and go back to them if you are satisfied with the quality. You may pay a slight premium for this, since the people with the reputations for being honest on Ebay usually have repeat business. You will have to outbid their other regular customers, but it is better to pay a premium than to pay for something that is virtually worthless. And any piece with any defect, offered by a reputable seller with the proper disclosure of the defect, will bring little as a highest bid. Defects make Hummels virtually worthless!
Selling Hummels on Ebay can be frustrating. The books say you should get $500, but you barely managed to get $50. This is a common scenario. The problems is that while Hummels are no longer in production, that higher fair price for a discontinued piece is discounted because your customers are uncertain what you are offering with respect to quality. And selling Hummels on Ebay can be expensive. Ebay fees are high, and do not forget the Paypal fees. Paypal fees are lower than Ebay fees, but unlike Ebay fees, they apply to shipping. Shipping can itself be expensive. You need to procure packaging material to keep the item from breaking. You can charge insurance, but the problem is people buying collectibles are astute with money, and will add the shipping and insurance to what is bid to determine the maximum they will spend. This means you get a lower bid if you charge shipping and insurance. Photographs are another expense, and Hummels require many. You must make it clear that there are no defects from every angle, and have a photograph of the trademark on the bottom. That trademark indicates authenticity of the piece, and also helps determine the value.
Perhaps, if you have an outlet, buying on Ebay and selling in a physical store might be profitable. Just remember, if it does not mention a box on Ebay, do not expect one. So, it will be clear to your customers that the piece was previously owned.
This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author. Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.
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