I’ve sold and been asked to sell many high dollar collectibles on eBay over the years. These could be expensive glass collectibles like Lladro, or Hummels or Precious Moments or just about anything. Stuff I call dust collectors, breakable and expensive. I might not know anything about them – but I don’t have to. The principles for selling expensive collectibles on eBay are always the same.

A seller must have a powerful listing with great pictures for this type of auction, but it’s not necessary for every type of listing. High ticket collectibles offer a great opportunity for profit but also need special precautions.

1. Price: decide the lowest amount you will accept for each figurine and set that price as a reserve. Then make your opening bid absurdly low.

For example, if you want $1,000 – make your opening bid a dollar. If you’re doing a reserve then there is no risk, because you won’t have to sell unless the bidding reaches $1000, but the low price attracts buyers. Reserves can put some bidders off though

2. Devote space in your listing explaining how you will pack your item to ensure safe transit. This is important because in the back of every buyer’s mind is the dread of receiving a package that is broken. The buyer needs to know that the seller has carefully considered this issue and has a solution.

3. For the protection of both seller and buyer insist that the buyer pay for appropriate insurance. This is not an option. You do not want the liability of a broken collectible that costs hundreds of dollars. If a customer objects to paying for insurance, this might possibly be a red flag. A genuine collector is very eager to add to her collection and wants the item to be protected.

4. Every buyer has heard horror stories of fraud on eBay so anything you can do to prove the authenticity of your collectible is worth your time. Is there a maker’s mark on the bottom? Do you have the original box or other container? Labels?  Is there a certificate of authenticity or an appraisal? If so, then be certain to emphasize these traits with photos for proof.

5. With an expensive item, always offer the option of an escrow service. This is will be at the buyer’s expense. They may not want this service, but make certain they have the option. You know that your merchandise is legitimate, but the buyer may not be certain so this is a great way to instill confidence.

6. If you ship worldwide, you need to take special steps to protect yourself. In the US we have AVS (Address Verification System) which offers some protection. A huge portion of fraud suffered by buyers occurs outside the United States and you are justified in protecting yourself. Losing the purchase price on a $5 item isn’t such a big deal – but a $1,000 collectible absolutely matters.

Your bank can advise you on the time it will take to verify foreign funds. Be certain to let any prospective buyer know in your auction that there will be a delay if they are outside of your country. Do not let your merchandise out of your hands until you are sure.

Follow these rules when selling expensive collectibles and you will make more money and increase buyer confidence.