Yes, it’s true. I read comics. I even used to work in the industry (which was fun until the Big Collapse). But my collection has begun to seriously cramp space in my office that I’d like to use for…oh, for any number of things, really. And that doesn’t even count the boxes still stored at my dad’s place. There is some real equity sunk into this stuff and I think it’s time to start cashing in.
So anyway: I’ve got all these long boxes full of 'em. I’ve tagged about half the pile as ‘books I can live without reading again and/or have in a convenient collected edition.’ The best options I see are:
[ul][li]Take 'em to a shop. There are a few stores in NYC who will buy collections. But then they get to pick out the good stuff, leave me with the less interesting material, and one generally gets less than top dollar for it to boot.[/li][li]Ebay. I can sell them in a lump, or in a few demilumps, rather than letting somebody mine out the real gems. However, I have to deal with shipping, and people are likely to be less willing to buy them sight-unseen, given that ‘resale value’ is based in part upon condition.[/li][/ul]
Anybody have any experience with this? Have I missed something blindingly obvious? Any thoughts on the best way to proceed?
I used to work in a comic book store and I can tell you that you will not get anything close to full value for your collection. If you brought us a generic box of comics we’d go through it and if they were in good condition we’d give you about 10 cents on the dollar. If you went through your comics and seperated the ones that matched our want list we’d give you a little more. Check out Lone Star Comics web site and you’ll find the list.
On another note we were always willing to negotiate for any comic that predated the 70’s. But even then you would not get what your comic is worth. I have Fantastic Four Annual #1 in Good-VG condition and my manager said he’d only give me 40 dollars in store credit for it.
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I’ve bought a few comics online but they all had photos included with the descriptions. I don’t think I’d buy any older comics sight unseen. I’d be willing to take a chance on comics less then 6 years old especially if the seller described them as being stored in boxes tucked away in their little bags and boards.
Well if you just have a ton of comics to get rid of you could always rent a table at a comic convention and attempt to sell your wares. I think a table might cost you 50 bucks a day depending on the convention though. It all depends on whether or not anyone wants the comics you have. I don’t think we ever got anyone in the store asking for a Roy Rogers #4 from 1953.
Another thing to remember is that the comics price guide is just a guide. They may say that comic is worth $100 in mint condition but good luck finding someone who’s actually willing to pay that much. Also most people are over optimistic when it comes to grading their own comics so be careful. There can be a world of difference between vg and fine condition.
What do you have? Some of the ones I collect are Preacher, older Superman, Nightwing, and Spider-Man, and a few others from time to time. Email me some of what you have and I might be interested in buying some of your collection.
My hubby may want some too (bear with me if I get the names wrong):
Wolverine, Amazing Spiderman (McFarlane Art), Batman, Nightwing, Punisher War Journals…and that’s all i can think of. If you’d like to email me a list, I can see if he’s interested?
I’ll email you both with this individually, but just so all subsequent posters know: I don’t have my list in order yet. I’ll be happy to provide it to anybody interested as soon as it is, though.
The secondary market for comics has all but vanished. Even on eBay they just don’t sell that well.
If you have some non-mature titles, I suggest taking them to your local children’s hospital or shelter. Kids there would really go for them. You’ll get nothing for them but a good feeling, though.
I have been known to buy collections from people. If you have a listing of your collection, email it to me at robgruver@hotmail.com and I will make you an offer.