Do you have depression glass to sell? Here are 7 tips for how to sell your glass.
- Know what you have.
- Is it depression glass? Can you identify the pattern and piece? If not, are you reasonably sure it is depression ware?
- Glass marked Arcoroc or France or Indonesia are not depression glass.
- I recommend several books to help you, Collectors’ Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence (later editions have helpful piece guides), Elegant Glass by Coe and Coe and Collectible Glassware from the 40s, 50s and 60s by Gene Florence.
- Check condition.
- Glass with chips or cracks has little value and is likely unsalable.
- Wear – scratches or discoloration – reduces value and may make your pieces worthless.
- Decide whether you want to sell it all at once, which is fast but likely lower return, or are willing to piece it out.
- Usually dealers are interested in lots and collectors buy one or two pieces.
- Price accordingly. Dealers may pay 20-50% of what a collector would.
- Decide where to sell.
- Locally try Craigslist or similar websites.
- Contact dealers if you have particularly nice pieces.
- Try a garage sale or take it to a flea market if you have one.
- Look for a consignment auction house.
- If you sell online via eBay be sure to photograph, describe then ship carefully. From experience I can tell you that selling glass online is a bit of a pain. I find Etsy easier and more rewarding than eBay.
- Advertise locally or list online.
- Please see my posts here, here and here on tips to photograph your glass.
- Describe what you have, the pattern, color and pieces, include any flaws. Be very careful to check for damage as even tiny nicks decrease value.
- Price appropriately.
- Glass sells but prices are lower than in the late 1990s or early 2000s, especially if you are a casual seller.
- I suggest you look at eBay and Replacements for pricing ideas
- See post on pricing.
- Complete the sale.
- If selling locally arrange to meet in a public place like a well-lit parking lot.
- Wrap your glass carefully to transport.
- If shipping glass to a buyer check out my tips here to pack safely.
Good luck!