How to Sell Science Fiction Collectibles

Collecting and selling science fiction memorabilia is an exciting way to stay in touch with a community of like-minded people who enjoy the same sci-fi story lines, characters and plot lines. When it comes time to sell what you have, there are several variables to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Ask yourself the big question: "Do I really, truly want or need to sell this item right now?" Too many collectors realize that they wanted to keep a particular item after they sold it. Don't sell unless you are sure you want to.
2. Decide on what avenues of possibility you'll explore as you look for buyers for your science fiction items. There are many opportunities to hook up with buyers who are looking for what you have, so take advantage of every path available to you.
3. Buy a book or other such guide to help you accurately price your items. Something that is particularly significant to you may be so only because of the emotional memories that it brings to you. This does not guarantee that it will be of great monetary value on the open market, however. You need to be objective when deciding on these prices.
4. Put your item up for sale on eBay, or in some other auction. In such an atmosphere, you can set the starting price, and even set a reserve price under which the item cannot be sold, thus guaranteeing that you at least make a minimum amount of money in the sale. Also, the auction format lends itself well to your possibly getting much more than you expected, as those who want the item will bid each other higher and higher.
5. Fix your price, and, if you are sure that you will only sell your science fiction items for that price, go the more traditional route with ads placed in local and national newspapers (easily done through the Internet now), and on sites such as Craigslist.
6. Attend, as a dealer, sci-fi conventions as well as broad-based flea markets. At conventions, you're guaranteed access to those who will be specifically interested in what you have. The downside: there will be others there selling the same items, and their prices may be lower than yours. Be firm on what you decide for your prices, or decide ahead of time that you'll be willing to negotiate, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• A good guide for helping you price your items is that published by Stuart W. Wells, entitled "Science Fiction Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide." This book can be purchased economically through Amazon.
• It would be best for you not to blindly take your items to a convention and offer them for sale to the vendors who are there. They will, most likely, quote you a price much lower than you could get by selling them yourself to other fans.