I was hoping to trouble you all for some advice.  In about 2012, I started working on rebuilding the collection of D and D items I lost from my youth.  I have accumulated some very nice VF+ stuff that I intend to keep.   I have also acquired a relatively small number of rule books and modules that are multiples of nicer items that I have or some items of a grade that I don't wish to keep as a collector. These amount to about 30-40 items.  I also am a bit of a Dragon Magazine fanatic.  I just love the cover art!  I purchased two huge lots, many of which I pulled straight from TSR distribution boxes that are in wonderful shape and have all been bagged and boarded.  From these two purchases, I have over 2,400 Dragon, Dungeon, Polyhedron, Pegasus, Judges Guild, etc. magazines.  I would like to start selling the 30-40 rulebooks/modules I don't want, and start selling some of the quality magazines I have in excess.  I am hopeful that I will be able to use the proceeds to buy additional modules, rule books, box sets, and fill in gaps in my magazine collection with collectible grade items.  That is a long winded way of getting to my questions:  1) What do you find are the best ways to list items on Ebay?  Make an offer, up for bid, individual, in lots?  2) what are the most cost effective ways to package and ship?  3) Based on all of your experience, do you have any lessons learned, things to do or not do, or other suggestions?  Any advice would certainly be appreciated.  Very respectfully, Arch

You are not the first to ask this sort of question.  Here are some relevant threads which have some good advice:

Re: A question from a new guy...

Re: Advice?  New Seller, Long Time Collector

Re: Selling Collection - questions

info on collection

Selling books...

Okay..asking for selling advice

eBay selling advice sought - best way to get started?

You can sell stuff through Classifieds here, or on Dragonsfoot, or on Facebook, or RPG.net or lots of other places.  I personally believe eBay is the way to go.  Yeah, you can save on fees by not selling on eBay, but that's assuming the offers you'll get from the other places are just as high as eBay.  The reason you often get higher sales on eBay is that you have a larger group of buyers interested.   Acaeum buyers are often more discriminating and are not really interested in common items or those in merely very good condition.  eBay is likely best for selling off cheaper and common items.

The more you are willing to be patient, the higher the prices your items will sell.  Auctions on eBay is the best way to sell things fast.  Selling with a fixed price is the best way to sell things, especially common things, for the maximum.  If you have the time, start with listing ten or so items on eBay, and see how it goes.  You will learn lessons which will change the way you sell/ship items in the future.  Start by just selling in the US before selling overseas.  Once you list some items, ask for feedback on the listings here, and you'll get more specific advice.  You might even get some offers!

There are whole threads about selling Dragon magazines worth investigating, but the bottom line is that Dragons above 50 are worth about $1.00 each, if that.  Below issue #50, I'd sell them individually(some would say below issue #40).  Above issue #50, sell them in lots of 10 or 20 or more.

There are whole threads about shipping practices, but collectors hate items damaged by postal carriers.  Books and magazine lots need to be shipped in boxes.  I use recycled boxes (Amazon boxes are usually good).  Modules can be shipped in envelopes, but need to be wrapped in a plastic bag (grocery bag will do) and taped between two pieces of cardboard that are slightly larger than the module.  Or you can wrap the module in bubble wrap.   Again, I use recycled envelopes (bubble envelopes are best).  So, start collecting cardboard and don't throw away foam peanuts or bubble wrap. A general rule of thumb is that when you finish packing, if the contents inside move, they will incur damage in transit.  Write "Handle with Care" in marker on the outside of packages.  Media Mail is the best way to ship modules, magazine and books.  Some postal workers tell you that you can't ship magazines by Media Mail.  Ignore them.

My personal experience is that items sell better as the weather gets colder.  You are entering prime selling season historically.  I think January and February are best.

There is lots of information I left off in this post, but maybe I've given you some things to think about that will prove helpful.

benjoshua wrote in Collector seeking advice...:
There are whole threads about selling Dragon magazines worth investigating, but the bottom line is that Dragons above 50 are worth about $1.00 each, if that.  Below issue #50, I'd sell them individually(some would say below issue #40).  Above issue #50, sell them in lots of 10 or 20 or more.

Can you elaborate on where/how to buy Dragon Magazines for $1 each?  If I look at the sold listings on eBay for example, the going rate seems considerably higher. I appreciate that there are lots of great deals to be had, but is that how one determines their value?

"dragon magazine" | eBay

(If someone can directly me to another thread that would be more appropriate, that would be appreciated too.)

DD.Collector wrote in Collector seeking advice...:  2) what are the most cost effective ways to package and ship?  

There is no set way to be cost effective. It'll depend on size and weight and where it's going to. Use First class and Media Mail when you can. Mailing bags are typically cheaper to use than Boxes.

If you are interested to know a decent way to protect the items you're mailing, this is decent especially if you end up using mailing bags.


To keep Modules and Magazines from getting trashed in the mail. I've liked this method but there are better ways.

Put each Magazine, Module, etc into a properly sized bag and board (like for comics), or if you want to be cheap about it put them all into a clean bag (like from a grocery store).

Cut out two pieces of cardboard that are an inch or two oversized for the stack of what you are shipping. If you are shipping a large pile of things - you'll want to do them in separate batches. Maybe an inch in height per stack.

Tape the books (with the plastic around them) to the center of one cardboard. Place the 2nd cardboard on top and tape the cardboards together around the edges. I'd us more than one cardboard a side, really depending on the value of what is being shipped. this will keep them flat and from getting dinged up. Whatever you're putting them in from there, pack them fairly tight. If a mailer keep adding cardboards until the mailer is full. Or if a box, pack with peanuts, bubble or whatever so that it doesn't move around much inside the box.

A picture, don't use Duct Tape. I used it just so it would photograph better.

Mister Yuk gives a nice dissertation here about Bag n Board Packaging. Is there a specific padded mailer that is sized to nicely fit modules and hardbooks? I would like rep as as one that packs well. I know how I feel when I open and item and it's either packed liked s**t (risking damage) or when someone took their time. Any material specifics (sizes, brands, Amazon links, etc) would be super helpful. Thanks

Tszii wrote in Collector seeking advice...:2c

You can sell in multiple formats, or just use ebay which charges for the easier transactions for more buyers. I dont begrudge the silly high cost. Some collectors markets wouldnt exist without ebay.

Set your buy it now price and walk away. Reduce the price if you see fit. Add a "Make Offer," set an auto decline amount, and accept any offer that comes in  if needed. Only auction if you must sell it in days.

Only use boxes. 12x9x1 boxes are for magazines and modules.

Good luck!

Thanks for the tips! I like the boxes, lessens the chance of bending, ect.