Last updated: Sept 26, 2021
Understandably, I do get a lot of requests from sellers asking me what the value of a certain item is. Certainly it makes sense to research what price you should be asking.
I'm glad to help identify items if I can, or to share whatever I know about a specific item, however it isn't my goal with this blog to keep track of what Muppet collectables are worth. The reason being, I'm simply not an expert in that area and I'd rather not steer someone in the wrong direction, so I generally like to avoid suggesting values whenever possible. Rather, the idea behind my blog is to share my enthusiasm with like minded Muppet fans, and to give people an idea of the vast amount of awesome Muppet collectables that have been made.
What is it Worth?
Determining the value or a selling price is tricky as it depends a lot on the condition of the item, how much in demand there is for that specific item among collectors, and who the actual buyer is. So it's quite difficult to come up with a value that will be set in stone to say "it's worth this much" because to different people the particular item may be worth more or considerably less depending on if they are trying to fill a hole in their collection, or if the item is of sentimental value, or if they are trying to find it for someone else, etc. Quite frankly, the notion of having a price guide for collectables is quite silly to me as the market fluctuates so much, even over short periods of time, that you can't really depend on them. As soon as they're printed the prices change, at least that's been my experience.
How can you figure out a price?
What I'd recommend in terms of pricing and values is to do some research on the item to find several sources, say three or four, that have listed a value or selling price on the item you want to sell, then take an average. For example, if you go to e-bay and find several listings for the items you have, bookmark them and then wait for them all to sell and make note of the selling price.
However, the item has to sell before the price can be accepted as a realistic one, until them it's just a guideline or suggestion. Maybe the item sits online for months and the seller doesn't reduce the price. Well, now you know that the item is not worth what that seller is asking (based on the specific condition of the items being offered). Obviously, if the item didn't sell at the price being asked you know the price is too high so it needs to be lowered. Another clue to a price that is too high is if there are more than 15 of the same item listed online at about the same price and none of them are actually selling. That situation gives you an idea of the maximum value of the item.
I wouldn't do this type of research just on one website though, go to a few online sources (e-bay, Amazon, Kijiji, etc.), as well as actual nostalgia shows and flea markets to make note of the value of things as you see them.
Be Cautious of Online Listings
As I'm a nostalgia show vendor, I can attest to the fact that online prices for collectables tend to be quite inflated as compared with the reality of what people are willing to pay for the same items in person at a show. One of the reasons for this is because with online selling you have shipping fees that need to be covered, plus there is also a higher likelihood that the buyer will make a spontaneous purchase and click "buy it" before they realize what they are doing and change their minds, so some sellers try to take advantage of that. When several online vendors price the same item higher than it's worth, it may seem as though the item is worth a lot, but in fact it's just a false and misleading online scam. If 15 vendors have the exact same item priced at $30 and none of them sell, that's your clue to price your item lower.
Keep Track of the Market
If you're at a flea market or nostalgia show and see something that you think you might someday end up selling yourself, make note of the price as this is likely to be a more realistic price than an online price. If you will be at the event for an hour or more, you can go back to the same vendor booth later in the day to see if the item sold. If it did, then you know that was a good price for the item. If it didn't it may just mean that the right buyer hasn't come along, but it also may be that the asking price is to high. Keep a log or diary of what others are pricing things at to get an average. It's really an ongoing thing to research the values of collectables, and as I mentioned, the market keeps changing so you have to keep in tune with it in order to adjust your prices accordingly.
Price Items to Sell, Not to Collect Dust
If you are new to selling or being a vendor, be sure to always price items to sell so that you can keep your inventory moving. There's no point to having inventory sitting on a shelf for months, or hauling the same stock to event after event. Get rid of it and free up your invested capital so that you can buy more stuff to sell and make even more money. Collectors who are buying for their own collection are not looking to pay full price for things, they are looking for a good deal, so give them one and you'll make more sales.
Pricing something to sell means pricing items lower than the market so that a collector will not want to pass up such a good deal, plus this will keep collectors going back to you to spend their money rather than going somewhere else. For example, if most vendors have an item priced at $20, price it at $15 to sell it sell faster. Or, if you price it at $20, you can offer a deal such as... buy two $20 items and get the third $20 item at $10.
Price Your Items as a Buyer, Not as a Muppet Fan
Another reason why I'm not the best person to ask about pricing Muppet collectables is because as a Muppet fan I'm completely biased! I think all of it is awesome, so my prices would likely be too high anyways and wouldn't reflect what people would actually be willing to pay! LOL :) There is quite a contrast between what a collector thinks his/her collection is worth vs what a buyer thinks it is worth. That goes for any type of collection, be it Muppets or Star Wars or whatever.
In terms of pricing and values, this is really the best info that I'm able to offer. I hope that it is at least somewhat helpful!
All the best! -Mikey :)
Hi Mikey, my cousin was a Jim Henson Muppet fanatic. He & his parents collected 2 of nearly everything. one to play with one to leave in the box. He has letters from Jim & signed items also. When my cousin passed my aunt & uncle borrowed some of the items to be put on display at 2 different museums one in New York & one in Missouri. They still have numerous boxes & totes filled with muppet memorabilia. Do you have any advice as to where or who we could contact to sell so many items? It is just a shame to have them boxed up & not being enjoyed & displayed. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteThe Center for Puppetry Arts has a huge Muppet collection and might be interested. I'm suspect any personal letters from Jim Henson would be of specific interest. You can also try the Smithsonian, the National Museum of American History, the Ballard Museum of Puppetry, and The Jim Henson Museum. Best of luck!