Tips needed for selling a large number of Lilliput Lanes!

[AfcThunder]

Hi guys
I could really use some expertise here, so I have 162 Lilliput lane models, if you haven’t heard of these, they are are small to large models of mainly houses, cottages, pubs etc.
Most people sell a 1 to a few online for anywhere from £5-£15, rare ones £40+ , however I’ve got 162 that are all different, with the exception of maybe 2 or 3 doubles perhaps.
I haven’t been able to sell them as a collection for nearly a year, my local auction houses would not accept them either, so i was going to try my luck via eBay auction. However bearing in mind the cost of an eBay auction and how that cost is determined. How could i sell my collection as best i can? I’m not looking for anywhere near max individual value but don’t want to sell myself ridiculously short. I understand only people who would look to resell would buy such a large group together, however if i separate them into smaller groups i may encounter more auction costs, and delivery/shipping costs. I can’t sell them via “dutch auction” as they are all the same brand, but not the same model, so i can’t just list one item with a quantity of 162.
How might you go about this if it were you? I’m sure some of you have had many situations like this and so i would appreciate any knowledge or advice.

your UK buddy
Craig

[Jay]

Hey Craig. Unfortunately I don’t have an easy answer for you.

It would take a special person who would want a collection of 162 pieces. Lilliput Lane is definitely a very niche thing. How much were you asking for the whole lot?

We would just start selling one by one, or in small lots. That’s what we all do on eBay. I see that they do sell for varying amounts: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Lilliput+Lane&_sacat=1544&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1&_sop=16
Do you know which ones are worth more than others?

Sure, it’ll cost you money to list, but the hope is you make much more selling. If not, this just means you don’t have something very valuable.

[AfcThunder]

Thanks for sharing that link jay, I am mega surprised by the prices of those you found, must be very different in the U.K. as I would accept £400 for the lot. I believe I have a good idea of each items value but because it’s very niche, it’s all about the right person seeing the items. A key factor here would be delivery cost. I did work with a courier when sending larger items and the minimum fee was £7. This is obviously too high for these models. How much would it cost you to send a small item such as a Lilliput model ? I’m sure you’ve nailed down your options and are very optimal in your processes.
The truth is they’re probably worth up to about £2k but I just want them gone now ! I will try small lots and see, thanks for your input, i came here specifically for an experienced second opinion. (That’s you by the way) 🙂

Best

[Jay]

–If you think there are few buyers, you could try an auction, but might be better to list “buy it now”and wait for the right buyer.
–If you list on eBay, US buyers can buy these items.
–If you broke up the lot and sold individual items, you would ship items that sold. GEt a box and pack it up.

Have you ever sold on eBay before? Selling on eBay usually takes time. If you want them gone fast, just donate them.

[karlacreekbank]

We’ve had some luck selling specific pieces for good money (several hundred dollars even without the box and deed.) Since they are made in the UK I imagine they are saturated there already. Definitely worth considering selling in the US market, or any market outside of the UK and also worth going through what you have and seeing what pieces are valuable and selling them one their own, and putting the others in small lots (or, as Jay said, just donating those)

[Author]

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