How many of one item to Bundle into Lots

[MDC Galleries & Fine Art]

We certainly are not new to bundling multiple items into lots. We like to make sure that the size of the Lot[s] are enough to make it worth it to us if a “Lot” sells. But we are having a discussion here that seems to not end in an agreement mainly because I think the items are not something someone would want too many of at one time and on the other hand that a Lot of just a couple of pcs. is not enough money to make it worthwhile.

Here’s the situation. We recently got a what I think are a whole bunch of silver plated drink ware made in Spain. They are all on a 4″ ornate twisted vine like stem.

These whole pile is made up of the following. 8 water glasses, 8 wine glasses, 8 cordial glasses and 24 champagne glasses. The issue is our “discussion” of lotting each separate category of glasses set of 8 as one listings vs. the whole 24 pcs. listed as an 8 pc. set of each type. Wife says list only the water glasses as 8 pcs., then the cordial as 8 pcs., then the wine glasses as an 8 pc. set. I say, all 24 pcs. as a complete set. She says… if they want a complete set, they can add all three listings to their shopping cart and make 3 purchases and we combine shipping. Her premise is someone may want the water and wine glasses but not the cordial set, etc., etc.

Now the 24 champagne glasses enter the discussion. To incorporate those into the complete set or break those out separately? But separately who buys 24 silver plated [metal] champagne glasses. Wife says separate into 8 pc. lots also with 3 lots available. And if they want everything all as a set they would make 4 purchases of 8 pcs. each totaling 32 pcs. and that would still leave us 2 sets of 8 pcs. champagne for sale. Seems maybe OK.

Anybody want to venture forth and suggest how to break these 48 pcs. of silver plate glasses up into sets or lots that would be more appealing to a customer?

Wife said who knows, maybe a party rental company would buy everything, including 24 champagne glasses to use for rental. OK, but what about a smaller family and them selling maybe faster than waiting on a party rental company? 4, 6 or 8 at a time seems easier to swallow?

So we thought we would post to you guys before we strangle each other here…
Thanks for any input

Mike at MDC Galleries in Atlanta

[Inglewood]

I would sell them in lots of 8 – even for the glasses you have 24 of. I would break up the 24 into a lot of 8, but have 3 available with shipping discounts if more than 1 lot is purchased. That way you give the mix ‘n match options to potential buyers.

[So Cal Joe]

A while back I had several sets of Gold plated Flatware. I listed them as sets and got no interest for months.

I then relisted them separately as knives, then forks, then spoons etc. Everything sold and relatively quickly for much more money. I even sold the box on it’s own. I was happily surprised.

I agree with Inglewood, break up the large set.

[MDC Galleries & Fine Art]

Thanks Inglewood and So Cal Joe. SCJ funny you mention flatware. At this Estate Sale we also got a whole cabinet-box with 3 lift out trays of bronzeware flatware at approx 160 pcs. So we will follow your suggestion and break up into the various categories such as teaspoons forks, fruit spoons, knives, etc., etc. It comes in a nice wooden box and will also do as you did and list it separaetly.

Mike at MDC Galleries in Atlanta

[Retro Treasures WV]

List individually with quantity and best offer. Set price to something you’d be comfortable selling one. Mention other items in each listing so buyer can look at your other items.

[Jay]

We only list huge lots of items is when we want to get rid of something. Our thinking is that another seller will buy it and take the time to piece it out.

But as everyone says, we always make more money when we separate items. It takes time to list and takes time to sell it all, but it makes more money.

[MDC Galleries & Fine Art]

Thanks everyone for the input. Everything is broken out into 8 pc lots. Now we have to do some quick polishing before photog. They are really tarnished, but a test showed that the salt, baking soda, hot water and vinegar liquid did a quick, great clean up of the two test pieces, so tomorrow comes a couple of gallons of “silver dip” and we should be good to go to photog. and then listing.

Appreciate all the suggestions.

Mike at MDC Galleries in Atlanta

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