Kim Kubsch
Do your research!
Be realistic—the appraised value or your perception of value is not the amount you should expect to receive. Appraisals, buyers, and values change based on various factors. With research, you may find this is not the ideal time to sell.
Watch for these important distinctions: sterling silver vs. plated silver, ceramic vs. porcelain vs. stoneware, original oil paintings vs. prints vs. watercolor vs. lithograph, and different eras of jewelry.
Research tools:
eBay.com. Click the small tab titled “Advanced Search,” then click “Sold Items.” Whatever someone has committed to pay for the items is its actual value. Be mindful of the “sold” date.
Google.com. Click the “Shopping” tab for the search results to only show e-commerce store results, which includes eBay.
AntiquesRoadShow.com is a searchable database that shares information for sold items!
Auction websites in your area: EJsAuction.com or BradfordsAuction.com in the Phoenix area
Replacements.com focuses on new and vintage China with a very useful free identification service.
Low-demand items to consider donating rather than selling: China cabinets, China, crystal, decorative glass, stemware, upright pianos and organs, “brown” furniture, collectible figurines like Hummels, Precious Moments, or Lladro.
Where to sell in the Phoenix area (always verify store hours and excluded items on vendor website before taking to vendor):
Chandler:
Asylum Records (northeast corner of Alma School and Elliott) buys CDs, albums, vinyl.
Bricks and Minifigs (northwest corner of Germann and Alma School) buys, sells, and trades Legos.
E.D. Marshall Jewelers (Fry’s center at Riggs and McQueen) pays cash for gold, silver, and coins.
Precious Elements Jewelers (northwest corner of Alma School and Chandler Heights) pays cash for gold, silver, coins, and Native American Indian jewelry.
Samurai Comics (southwest corner of Alma School and Warner) buys comics and comic book collections. Stores also in Mesa, Glendale, and Phoenix.
Turn Style Consignment, 480-705-9620 (northeast corner of Ray and 101) buys clothing, shoes, accessories, and home furnishings. Maximum 30 items per visit. Allow an hour for their review. Other locations in Tempe and Mesa.
Zia Record Exchange (corner of Alma School and Elliott) buys CDs, albums, and vinyl.
Gilbert:
Reed Firearms: (northeast corner of McQueen and Warner) buys, sells, and trades firearms.
Mesa:
Book Gallery (50 W. Main Street) buys antique books in good condition.
History by George, 480-898-3878 (129 W. Main Street) buys military memorabilia.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange (northwest corner of Country Club and Southern and others in Arizona) buys, sells, and trades used books, music, movies, video games, instruments, and collectibles. Open seven days a week!
Tempe:
Changing Hands Bookstore (southwest corner of McClintock and Guadalupe and in Central Phoenix) is a selective buyer of books in good condition, without underlining or highlighting. Visit their Trade Counter.
Phoenix North:
Jerry’s Golf Balls (northeast corner of 29th Street and Bell Road) is a buyer of over four million golf balls a year for over 20 years. No appointment is needed. Check their website for ball buying hours. Look for signs behind the store.
Online:
Gazelle.com—sell tablets, pads, cellphones, Poshmark.com, ThredUp.com, Etsy.com, eBay.com, Craigslist.com, Nextdoor.com, OfferUp.com,
Selling your stuff takes time, miles, and patience. Keep price expectations very low to avoid disappointment.
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, making transitions, and clearing of estates.
Call me at 480-720-8566 to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group, or reach me by email at [email protected]. My website is www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.