Search
Close
  1. Home
  2. Forum
  3. Postcards
  4. Where to find more cards?
Forum list Post list

Where to find more cards?

  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • sapper863
    Closed account
    free

    36 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:51
    • #269113
    Hiya Lilolady,

    I got most of my postcards from friends and family. Also whenever I went on holiday I bought postcards along the way. Shops and the post office in small (!!!!!!) towns give the best prices. Sometimes you can find them at garage sales ( car boot sales ) or in 2nd hand shops. I've only been lucky once in an antique shop.
    As for the prices;
    when you buy them in shops or the post office look at the deals like 4 for $(£)1.00.

    At a garage sale I would only pay $(£)0.10 maximum a piece, dont forget to haggle! :wink2: For a shoebox full I'd only pay $(£)5.00-10.00 depending on the amount, condition,etc... Never ever tell the seller you will sell them on!!!!! I've come up with excuses like "its for my little niece " or "thats we my parents had their honeymoon" to get a better deal :oops:

    hope this helps you

    Lily
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:51
    • #269113
    I don't know if you have car boot sales in the US - that is a possibility.
    Also local auction houses sometimes have lose collection or albums of postcards. How much to offer for a box/album of cards is a question of "doing your homework" I am afraid. It all depends what is in the box/album, for how much or how little you can sell them on and how much profit you'd want to make.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:51
    • #269113
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 10:56
    • #269227
    "Buy only what you want to sell, don't buy what you collect or you wil pay to much".

    I think that statement depends on personal views/needs. I collect in several narrow fields; the type of cards I collect are a sort of "mid of the range" price.
    If I spot joblots which contain cards in my field of collecting, I will go for them; set a realistic price for the cards I want for myself and then add x amount for the rest, depending on what the rest is. It's always worked for me.
    I must say, I am not out to make a huge amount of profit, but merely want my selling to cover the cost of my hobby of collecting.
    The first ever and only lot I have purchased purely for resale purposes was the aviation cards and they have been a tremendous success; prior to that any purchases have been to add something to my personal collection and sell the "unwanteds" online. And that's how I will continue.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    "Buy only what you want to sell, don't buy what you collect or you wil pay to much".

    I think that statement depends on personal views/needs. I collect in several narrow fields; the type of cards I collect are a sort of "mid of the range" price.
    If I spot joblots which contain cards in my field of collecting, I will go for them; set a realistic price for the cards I want for myself and then add x amount for the rest, depending on what the rest is. It's always worked for me.
    I must say, I am not out to make a huge amount of profit, but merely want my selling to cover the cost of my hobby of collecting.
    The first ever and only lot I have purchased purely for resale purposes was the aviation cards and they have been a tremendous success; prior to that any purchases have been to add something to my personal collection and sell the "unwanteds" online. And that's how I will continue.
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 17:01
    • #269253
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 21:37
    • #269257
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 22:21
    • #269258
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 21:37
    • #269257
    Stefano,
    I was not trying to dispute what you were saying.
    Your advise was/is very sound.

    My situation and the way I got involved in postcards is probably slightly unusual.

    I inherited amongst other things 3 postcard albums. 2 of them left me completely cold, but the 3rd one had some beautiful cards. Because of the "other things" I got involved with local auction houses to sell off stuff. While there I noticed postcard lots, which included cards which would complement this 3rd album.

    Since then, I've kept a close eye on all the local auction houses for postcard lots. I will only place bids if there are cards I want for my own collection (which has extended to more then just the cards I found in that initial album). Basically, I bid up to the value I would pay for if purchased individually, for cards I want for my own collection. Therefore any surplus is a bonus and I list online. I don't consider my selling as a business (although I am registered as such for tax purposes), rather then a means of "paying for my hobby as a postcard collector".

    What I was trying to say was that it entirely depends on the seller's circumstances how he/she wants to obtain stock and how much to pay for it.

    Your advice is very sound for anyone who's starting off/selling pc's as a hobby, i.e. bid for bulk lots online or at local auction houses without going "ott". If you get it fine, if not move on.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    Stefano,
    I was not trying to dispute what you were saying.
    Your advise was/is very sound.

    My situation and the way I got involved in postcards is probably slightly unusual.

    I inherited amongst other things 3 postcard albums. 2 of them left me completely cold, but the 3rd one had some beautiful cards. Because of the "other things" I got involved with local auction houses to sell off stuff. While there I noticed postcard lots, which included cards which would complement this 3rd album.

    Since then, I've kept a close eye on all the local auction houses for postcard lots. I will only place bids if there are cards I want for my own collection (which has extended to more then just the cards I found in that initial album). Basically, I bid up to the value I would pay for if purchased individually, for cards I want for my own collection. Therefore any surplus is a bonus and I list online. I don't consider my selling as a business (although I am registered as such for tax purposes), rather then a means of "paying for my hobby as a postcard collector".

    What I was trying to say was that it entirely depends on the seller's circumstances how he/she wants to obtain stock and how much to pay for it.

    Your advice is very sound for anyone who's starting off/selling pc's as a hobby, i.e. bid for bulk lots online or at local auction houses without going "ott". If you get it fine, if not move on.
    • Created on 31 Jan 2010 at 14:57
    • #269386
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 1 Feb 2010 at 03:49
    • #269415
    As far as your last sentence is concerned: Yes, it is a shame that the forums aren't more used. It seems that only the French speaking forum is busy. The Sapnish, Dutch, German and Italian forums seem to be even quieter then the English one.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United States

    Hiya Lilolady,

    I got most of my postcards from friends and family. Also whenever I went on holiday I bought postcards along the way. Shops and the post office in small (!!!!!!) towns give the best prices. Sometimes you can find them at garage sales ( car boot sales ) or in 2nd hand shops. I've only been lucky once in an antique shop.
    As for the prices;
    when you buy them in shops or the post office look at the deals like 4 for $(£)1.00.

    At a garage sale I would only pay $(£)0.10 maximum a piece, dont forget to haggle! :wink2: For a shoebox full I'd only pay $(£)5.00-10.00 depending on the amount, condition,etc... Never ever tell the seller you will sell them on!!!!! I've come up with excuses like "its for my little niece " or "thats we my parents had their honeymoon" to get a better deal :oops:

    hope this helps you

    Lily
    • Created on 30 Jan 2010 at 07:55
    • #269190
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 1 Feb 2010 at 07:51
    • #269451
    Even after a number of years I still get surprises as to what does and does not sell quicly and/or for how much. I am ex-Ebay (not sure if that applies to you), but I have also noticed that certain cards seem to be less popular here than they were over there and others do much better here then over there.
    You are spot on: the more you list the more you sell.
    One of many of scview's pieces of advice is: "if you sell an item, straight away list another number of items in that same category" I know that's difficult to do with very limited stock, but I have found that it also works the other way round: If I haven't listed for a while in a particular category and then offer some new items, I very often get bids/sales on older cards in that same category.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:51
    • #269113
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 3 Feb 2010 at 17:45
    • #269817
    Hi Somer,
    Good to see you. Do pop in a bit more often.
  • reynardmf
    reynardmf --% (4274x)
    free

    139 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 3 Feb 2010 at 17:45
    • #269817
    And as I am finding (As another latecomer to this thread and to Delcampe!) because you do not pay a listing fee on here it "liberates" you to list any and everything if you have the time/resources. Rather than as I do/did on ebay agonise over whether it is worth listing or not.
    I am now using my ebay site/shop for listing one or two themes and mainly auctions as (correct me if I am wrong) to my perception Delcampe seems less profitable as a seller to sell by auction (less buyers?)?

    Mike
  • mdes145
    mdes145 --% (730x)
    free

    40 messages

    United States

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 29 Jan 2010 at 12:51
    • #269113
    Hello Lilolady

    Another latecomer here. I agree with all of the other posters in particular the following:

    As Mainlypostcards said, I am often surprised (sometimes stunned) at which postcards sell and for what prices. So list as many as you can. You never know who will be interested in what, but keep in mind that condition is very important.

    As Somersethedge said, common cards often sell, I don't know why. So don't be too afraid of common cards. I spend a lot of time researching cards online and if there are a goodly number of a certain card available I let that influence my price but not my decision to list. Especially if the card is in excellent condition.

    And again as Mainly postcards said, different cards sell well on different websites. So if you enjoy doing this, try a few different websites. Ebay is good for auctions (you can have some very pleasant surprises) but it is pricey to list and sell there so research your cards before you list them there. I personally think Delcampes is the best for a variety of reasons.

    As for finding more cards. I don't know what kind of area you live in but my area has tons of auction houses and that is where I find box lots and album collections. I highly recommend auction houses but be careful you don't get 'auction fever' and overpay.

    I personally don't buy lots online for resale because I want to see the condition first hand. Putting out an ad to buy cards sounds like a great idea! I'm going to try it myself using Scviews pricing structure.

    The best part is going through an old box or album and coming up with a treasure. What fun!

    Best of luck and enjoy yourself.
    Monica

    PS always treat the buyer well and you won't be sorry.

  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    And as I am finding (As another latecomer to this thread and to Delcampe!) because you do not pay a listing fee on here it "liberates" you to list any and everything if you have the time/resources. Rather than as I do/did on ebay agonise over whether it is worth listing or not.
    I am now using my ebay site/shop for listing one or two themes and mainly auctions as (correct me if I am wrong) to my perception Delcampe seems less profitable as a seller to sell by auction (less buyers?)?

    Mike
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 12:50
    • #270121
    I list everything as auction, but with a starting price I feel happy about.
    Given I've had 75p and £1.25 starting price items go into double figures, I am quite happy to use the auction format.
    And Somer also uses almost exclusively auction format.

    If you have a look at the aviation cards, completed listings, you'll see that there are plenty of bidding wars. I have also had them in other categories, but not as regularly.

    I left Ebay about 2 years ago and haven't looked back.
  • reynardmf
    reynardmf --% (4274x)
    free

    139 messages

    United Kingdom

    I list everything as auction, but with a starting price I feel happy about.
    Given I've had 75p and £1.25 starting price items go into double figures, I am quite happy to use the auction format.
    And Somer also uses almost exclusively auction format.

    If you have a look at the aviation cards, completed listings, you'll see that there are plenty of bidding wars. I have also had them in other categories, but not as regularly.

    I left Ebay about 2 years ago and haven't looked back.
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 13:49
    • #270127
    I guess it is just about getting used to the new site, on ebay I alway had a problem listing at 0.99p, because often you just get lost in the jungle of items and it could go for that when really it was worth £2-3. This then meant I only listed cards I thought were worth this (basically have given up selling anything under £3) or more.
    Dilemma is do you list at higher and sell less and more slowly but for higher price or shift them quickly at a lower price?!
    THe other thing you have been able to achieve with starting low (and often ending low) is getting multiple sales to one purchaser which always helps?

    Mike
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United Kingdom

    I guess it is just about getting used to the new site, on ebay I alway had a problem listing at 0.99p, because often you just get lost in the jungle of items and it could go for that when really it was worth £2-3. This then meant I only listed cards I thought were worth this (basically have given up selling anything under £3) or more.
    Dilemma is do you list at higher and sell less and more slowly but for higher price or shift them quickly at a lower price?!
    THe other thing you have been able to achieve with starting low (and often ending low) is getting multiple sales to one purchaser which always helps?

    Mike
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 14:11
    • #270132
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 14:38
    • #270136
    You - boasting?? :veryhappy:

    You'll be overtaking me on the top sellers list this week. Now that my aviation cards have finished, my sales have dropped dramatically. Just got "run of the mill" stuff.
    Am actually quite happy to take things a bit more slowly for a little while (but only a little while) and catch up with a number of jobs round the house that seem to have been on hold since last summer.
    Been to 2 different auction previews today and yesterday. Both auctions are tomorrow. In one place I left a bid on some royalty cards and in the other place I left bids on 2 mixed lots, but both had a lot of military in them.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United Kingdom

    You - boasting?? :veryhappy:

    You'll be overtaking me on the top sellers list this week. Now that my aviation cards have finished, my sales have dropped dramatically. Just got "run of the mill" stuff.
    Am actually quite happy to take things a bit more slowly for a little while (but only a little while) and catch up with a number of jobs round the house that seem to have been on hold since last summer.
    Been to 2 different auction previews today and yesterday. Both auctions are tomorrow. In one place I left a bid on some royalty cards and in the other place I left bids on 2 mixed lots, but both had a lot of military in them.
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 15:20
    • #270147
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 15:24
    • #270148
    Moi?:oops:
    Totally inocent!
    I think I got the bug with the lot of RPPC's of Bucks, Essex and Suffolk cards I bought last March. Most of the Bucks cards have ended up in my own collection - the rest more then paid for the money I spent getting the cards I wanted for myself.

    I feel guilty going after more stock at the moment though, given I've got about a years worth (at my rate of listing) of unlisted cards. And if I am successfull with any of those lots that quantity will only become larger.
  • Account deleted
    Account deleted

    0 messages

    United Kingdom

    Moi?:oops:
    Totally inocent!
    I think I got the bug with the lot of RPPC's of Bucks, Essex and Suffolk cards I bought last March. Most of the Bucks cards have ended up in my own collection - the rest more then paid for the money I spent getting the cards I wanted for myself.

    I feel guilty going after more stock at the moment though, given I've got about a years worth (at my rate of listing) of unlisted cards. And if I am successfull with any of those lots that quantity will only become larger.
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 15:41
    • #270151
    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
  • mainlypostcards
    Closed account
    free

    3540 messages

    United Kingdom

    This information is no longer available because the user’s account has been deleted (GDPR)
    • Created on 5 Feb 2010 at 15:50
    • #270152
    Mmmm,
    Sort of "Off topic".
    I did say I'd been to auction previews and left bids on several lots.


    Lilolady,
    This is how I obtain my stock. From local auction houses.

Join the collectors community

Register Login