Collections are groupings of like objects that have been brought together to represent a kind of triumphant trophy to oneself; acknowledging you as a victoriously great hunter gatherer. It is an ancient need humans have to gather the bones of their conquered and view them as a whole representation of their life's work. Hundreds of years ago it may have been the scalps of your enemies but in modern times your great hunter skills may have to be showcased by your awe inspiring cookie jar collection. Whatever your inherent obsession for collecting was routed into there most likely will come a time to part from it. Life changes. Interests ebb and flow. Space runs out. Cash runs out. You marry someone who finds your beer bottles from around the world clashing with her Hummel collection. Whatever the reason, time has come to lose the collection and gain the cash. Up until now you have only been the consumer so how then do you learn to get behind the counter and become the vendor?
Determining your market is first. Where will you get the most money for your valuables? Today the availability of avenues to sell your collectibles is vast. From the old fashioned ads in your local paper to yard sales to online auctions the world is your storefront. So, where will you have greatest access to the people who collect what you do? If you have in your collection any rare items the world wide web can pay off best. Bidding wars caused by auction frenzy and world wide monetary value differences can only benefit you the seller. A seller can only win when the world is your bidding audience. A few years ago I purchased an ugly folk art looking plate by a company called Red Wing. The plate was $2.00 and caused a bidding war on e-Bay that would have went higher if I had posted it longer. $150.00 was a steal according to the buyer who told me they had only heard this plate existed but no-one in their collector's club had actually seen one. The top bidders had only found the auction the last day or the bids would have went higher. Remember when determining if auction is the best way to consider the fees involved.
Most collector clubs is also a very specific audience to buy and sell to members who obsess over what you have collected. Collector clubs can be reached through member specific publications or online sites and boards. If you have those sought after goodies there will be those who covet what you sell whether as a collection or by the piece. A true collector will come up with the cash if you have what they need to complete their harem of trinkets.
Now consider whether you should offer the collection in bulk or one rarity at a time. Will selling as a whole or selling individually bring the greatest yield? If you are in a hurry, sell as a whole. Remember that almost always, selling separately or in smaller groupings brings the highest amount. The negative to selling separately is the time and effort that it can take. While most hunter gatherers surprisingly do not want an instant collection dropped at their feet, selling as a whole collection and being done with it, has its draws.
Showcase your collection in its best light whether with pictures and description in print or online, or by insuring that it is in its best condition. Taking the time to research your audience, pick the best marketing venue and displaying to your advantage can only serve to expedite your sale and increase your profits. Remember the more cash you get from this the more you have to "invest" in your next ashtray collection, so sell, sell, sell!