| FFA Nation

Ever wondered how much your collection of baseball cards, coins or dolls are worth?

Jessica Walker | 09/21/2010 |

Just how much is your baseball collection worth?

Whether it’s stamps, dolls, coins or other items, almost everyone has collected something at one time or another. But how much is it all worth? Should you sell your stuff for a quick buck, or hang on to it? Franco Lagudi, founder of online buying and selling community The SOC Exchange, offers a few tips on getting the most out of your collectibles.

WHAT IS VALUABLE?
According to Lagudi, anything – literally, anything – can sell well online. He says collected comic books and magazines are big sellers, as well as Coca-Cola bottles and clocks. Sounds random, right? Well, what it really comes down to is the condition and quality of the item.

“The items that don’t sell well are really knocked around and damaged,” Lagudi says. “Make sure your items are in good condition. Wear and tear is the crucial thing.”

You can often look at online auctions to see how similar items are priced, which should also help you determine the value of yours.

HOW TO SELL
First, you must decide whether you want to keep your collectibles or sell them. For many people, collections have sentimental value, so they choose to keep their items for a very long time. For others, they may be moving, cleaning out clutter, or ready to start a new collection, so selling makes sense.

Once you’ve decided to let go of your items, you have to put them up for sale. The most popular way to do this is to use a website, such as eBay, Craigslist or The SOC Exchange.

“If you don’t put your items up there, they’re not going to be seen,” Lagudi says.

Next, be sure to take good pictures of the items from a variety of angles and be truthful when you describe them.

“Give good, accurate, honest details,” Lagudi says. “Don’t embellish.”

Finally, price your items reasonably. Collectibles typically sell for as little as $20 and as much as $100 – so, when pricing your items, be honest. If they aren’t in good condition, don’t try to sell them at a high price. Lagudi also suggests letting potential buyers know how far you’re willing to ship the items.

STAY SAFE
When selling anything online, it’s important to follow a few guidelines to ensure your safety. Remember to never give out personal information, including your phone number, home address and e-mail address. Be especially careful if you have a meeting planned to exchange items and payments.

“Tell a family member where you’re going and when you will return,” Lagudi says. “Always meet in a public place and take a friend. Trust your instincts.”

In fact, it’s probably best to have a parent or family member help you with the whole process – posting, selling and delivering.