How would you liquidate a collection....

[1952boyntoncollector]

If i paid for a bunch of nice cards a year or so go and had big money into it...i think the decisions would be much tougher as to how to go about selling it because there can be a huge loss. Some AH's may do better than others for the type of card in question for example.

However if i am just given a large stack of cards for free, its really easy. I would send them to a nice auctiion house and work out a deal to get better than the 'normal' deal they give (perhaps getting some of the buyer premium back) and let them send in to psa whichever cards they deem is warranted..

Afterall, the more the card goes for the more the Auction House makes...no reason to overthink it.

[Bkrum]

I assume auction houses submit large quantities of cards be graded therefore negotiate better pricing than small, one off submissions by myself? They could also advise if it is worth getting individual cards graded vs selling the entire set raw (or some combination). Am I understanding correctly?

[smallpaul2002]

Graded cards historically fetch better prices, like it or not..Grade the star cards..

[1952boyntoncollector]

Originally Posted by Bkrum

I assume auction houses submit large quantities of cards be graded therefore negotiate better pricing than small, one off submissions by myself? They could also advise if it is worth getting individual cards graded vs selling the entire set raw (or some combination). Am I understanding correctly?

yes there are many auction listings where the auction house says 'we submitted such and such cards on behalf of the consignor) Also some sell card by card and/or whole set..whichever gos for more.

However paying a Auction house that 10-20% does come at a cost. Many net54s can attest that they could of gotten more direct in certain deals then they could with an auction house...there is no perfect method

To net 50k for example you need to get 60-65k paid by bidders to get your 50k...but in a direct deal you would just need someone to pay 50-51k because of the saving of the premium. Taxes are also charged in some Auction Houses which impact how much is bid on them

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by 1952boyntoncollector

If i paid for a bunch of nice cards a year or so go and had big money into it...i think the decisions would be much tougher as to how to go about selling it because there can be a huge loss. Some AH's may do better than others for the type of card in question for example.

However if i am just given a large stack of cards for free, its really easy. I would send them to a nice auctiion house and work out a deal to get better than the 'normal' deal they give (perhaps getting some of the buyer premium back) and let them send in to psa whichever cards they deem is warranted..

Afterall, the more the card goes for the more the Auction House makes...no reason to overthink it.

Great post Jake. The only thing I can add is if you go the auction house route make sure you know of any additional fees they will charge you for submitting any card(s). I have read a few horror stories on here when the AH did not disclose there was going to be several additional fees and nickel and dimed the seller for a lot of extra $.

[reddog4063]

I would pull the star cards and grade those. Once they come back and you compare them graded to the rest of the cards you should have a better idea of how high grade the entire collection is.

Really high grade sets can be worth a lot but who knows if you're in the position to lay out grading fees on everything. Start with the stars. If they are nice enough, contact the auction houses. This is a major undertaking but it sounds like the collection is worth it.

[Fastball]

Not to steal the thread here; but, I'm in a similar boat as I have a nice collection of early 50's Topps and Bowman baseball and football cards that I bought from my dad years ago. I'm no expert but just loved collecting cards when I was a kid and still do. Some of the 53's and 54's are absolutely pristine. I'd like to get them graded perhaps but not sure how it all works and how much it will cost and even if it's really worth it. What is a good assumption? Some may be technically 4 or 5's but many look like 8's or even 9's. Will they charge different prices to grade a EX card vs one that turns out to be MINT? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Bestdj777]

The fees are based on the pre-graded, estimated value of your card. Take a look at PSA's site and they walk you through the costs. If you're going to grade a number of cards, you can join their club (you get free grading vouchers in exchange) and then submit under one of their monthly deals of something like $6.00 or $7.00 a card if you submit a certain number and they are under a certain value. One thing to be aware of is the return shipping fees. If you submit a large group of cards it's not terrible. But, at least to me, its cost prohibitive to submit just a couple of cards at a time.

[Bkrum]

I am attending the national convention in Chicago. Does it make sense to bring items and have graded on sight? Do they even offer such a service?

[kailes2872]

On site grading at the national is super expensive (at least it was for me) but at least you get to wait in line for 60-90 minutes while everyone else is scanning the floor and enjoying the show

[swarmee]

Originally Posted by Bkrum

I am attending the national convention in Chicago. Does it make sense to bring items and have graded on sight? Do they even offer such a service?

They do offer the service, but last year it was like $35/card and you might get it back two days after you submit, depending on demand. SGC was less busy last year and might get your cards done same day, but they won't accrue the same after-market value as PSA graded cards.