Best way to sell my Schrade knife collection?

Pygmalion

Pygmalion

Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
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My Schrade knife collection consists of 60+ unused pre 2005 knives. I find myself at a time when I must sell them. Should I sell them individually or as a lot? I have no idea as to the current value of the collection. Is there someone here who would be willing to help me in figuring a fair sale price for the knives? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Selling individually almost always results in a better net return but it is a lot of trouble. Ebay fees generally run about 13%. Expect a selling price to be reflected in the "completed listings" search for each knife in question. Selling the whole works to a collector or dealer is fast and easy but probably less money. Rare patterns still bring good money, but the market is pretty slow for the commonly seen Schrades. And so is forum activity for the brand, as far as that goes.
 
Thank you for your insight, Tongueriver. In your opinion, would I be better off checking the completed listings and setting a Buy it Now price, or selling in an auction?
 
My advice (take it or leave it):
Take great pictures, show knife open and closed, both sides. Show all boxes papers etc.
Write honest accurate descriptions. State the closed length of the knife.
Low start price, get people bidding early, and several interested. Once certain people start bidding, they will keep bidding.
Sell 6 to 8 per week - certain interested bidders might not be able to afford too many at once, and you want a following.

In my opinion, BIN and/or BEST OFFER do not bring as much $$$, certainly not much action at retail price.
Lot sales are usually the best way for a bidder to get a bargain.

All of my opinions are based on selling, buying, and watching. It does not mean it will work best on every knife.
 
You can always cycle them through the exchange here before putting them on eBay. If they don't sell within a few days or a week, move them on and put up a new small group, individual piece sales.
 
thawk's advice,
"Take great pictures, show knife open and closed, both sides. Show all boxes papers etc.
Write honest accurate descriptions. State the closed length of the knife.

Low start price, get people bidding early, and several interested. Once certain people start bidding, they will keep bidding.
Certain interested bidders might not be able to afford too many at once, and you want a following."

I only buy knives and very seldom sell them. Although, I have seen so may knives sell for very low prices - because the seller tries to sell too may at once, or posts very poor photos.

Like thawk, of my opinions are based on buying, and watching for many years.

BY THE WAY: EBAY BLOCK AUSTRALIAN BUYERS, IF YOU USE THEIR POSTAGE SERVICE.
This is what comes up when I try to bid;
We are sorry but the item you selected may not be purchased due to Seller shipping restrictions, country specific import/export or other relevant restrictions.

When I email the seller they can not adjust this - then, often the sell has sent the knife to a friend in the US for me.
 
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Like the other guys said, you'll get a lot more bidding interest and higher profit if you sell them individually.
Good quality photos are critical. Clearly show the condition, tang stamps, and paperwork/boxes/accessories.
For the most common items Buy It Now could work just as well as an auction, but you gotta have a competitive price that's in line with all of the others currently being offered.

Good luck!
 
I've sold over one thousand knives, specifically Schrade and Camillus, on Ebay. I agree with the previous recommendations. I prefer using eBay auction software (Auctiva) to professionalize my listings. I would only add one thing. Be brutally honest in the item description. Describe ALL known shortcomings (dings, scratches, etc.). A confident bidder will pay a premium if the chances of unwelcome (negative) surprises are minimal. Underpromise and overdeliver. Don't be afraid to set a Buy it Now price that you feel might be a little high, as you can always come down in price should your knife not sell. I have been pleasantly surprised at how much a confident bidder will pay for a US made Schrade or Camillus. IMO they are worth every penny.

Good luck.
 
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