Selling art, etc. on eBay?

Hi All-

A friend of a friend wants help selling some things on eBay. I'm no expert, but I've had some success selling my own stuff, like everybody else in the world. Initially it sounded like she just needed some hand-holding to set up an account, do write-ups, etc.

Turns out she has some possibly quite valuable things to sell, and I'm not sure how to advise her or even if eBay is the best way for her to go.

For example, she has some paintings by an artist (Oscar Anderson) whose work is listed on artnet.com (nothing by him shows up on eBay). I can't see the price for previous sales without paying to access their database, and I know *nothing* about that market.

She also has a book, "I Dream a World" that she did some copy editing on. It was autographed by Rosa Parks when it first came out (1989) and she says it's in mint condition. The book is still widely available, but since this is an autographed first edition it should be worth... more?

She's offered to pay me to get her started, and since I'm currently unemployed I could definitely use the money, but I don't want to give her bad advice. She has some other things that fall into your typical eBay categories, but what do you folks think about the above-mentioned? Is eBay a good choice for those? Just want to take advantage of the collective wisdom here!

Thanks-

-Susan

Hi Guitarhacker-

Yes, I can certainly do more research, but as I said this particular artist isn't listed on eBay, and I have no experience with art whatsoever so I wouldn't know a similar item if I saw one! I know there are seascapes and then there are seascapes! The fact that he's not on eBay but is on eg. artnet.com is one thing that led to my question.

I think what I'll do is tell her where I am with the research and that the artist does show up on art auction sites, then see if she wants me to do more or would rather just follow up on her own.

The book is a somewhat similar case in that I can't really judge its value based on what I've seen on eBay, given the autograph. I'll see if she wants to pursue it with a broker or wants me to.

Thanks!

-Susan

Two things come to mind Susan...

I think one of your main concerns would be to get a minimum price that she would except so you can set the reserve. And that is something I believe should be set by your friend and documented for you both. Eliminate any price issues this way...no confusion. I personally wouldn't be involved in detemining price for a friend. I may help point them in the direction for establishing value but they would ultimately have to be the one that determines minimum value of item for an auction.

The other is to know that the art will be crated correctly as to satisfy insurance and know the cost of shipping and handling. And your friend to determine amount of insurance on items. And this cost to be posted for buyers to include with item value (as I'm sure you already know)

Really these thoughts are for your protection and to protect your friendship.

I think by handling the auction this way eliminates any confusion and you can rest easy doing the on-line part.

Hope this helps,
Michael

Hi Susan and that's quite alright.

Hope it all works fine and all are happy in the end.

Regards,
Michael

Friends don't let friends sell neat stuff to strangers, they take full advantage up front for themselves, that's what friends are for.

Well, I can't call her a friend since I've never met the woman -- she's more like an acquaintance of a friend (ok, she's a patron of the library where a friend of mine works!).

I take your point, though -- something to think about!

-Susan