Leica literature

[Peter Branch]

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I am seeking advice from anyone who has found themselves in similar circumstances. I should say immediately that I am not attempting to sell anything using the Leica Forum web site. It is advice on how to sell that I am looking for.

 

The executors of a close friend have asked me to help with the disposal of his extensive collection of Leica related books, magazines and leaflets. The entire estate has been left to three major UK charities who, for obvious reasons, would like to maximise the cash value of the items.

 

I’ve done quite a lot of research on web-sites, like AbeBooks, and some of the books seem to have significant value, i.e. £35 GBP upwards to over £100 GBP. Almost all are in, or very close to, “as new” condition with dust jackets. The “Leica Fotography” magazines occupy about 1.5 metres of shelf space and the leaflets half fill a legal document box.

 

Lots of people have said this is an obvious case for using eBay but the effort involved in listing and detailing the hundreds of items and then managing the sale and distribution seems likely to be at best daunting and at worst overwhelming.

[doubice]

Peter,

 

If you wish to "maximise the cash value of the items", "the effort involved in listing and detailing the hundreds of items and then managing the sale and distribution will be at best daunting and at worst overwhelming".

 

So - yes, eBay is the way to go to realize the best return. Otherwise, check with your local book or photographica re-sellers and see if any would be interested in the whole collection.

 

Cheers,

 

Jan

[luigi bertolotti]

If you have a comprehensive list of the books and other printed items, you could also try to send it to Leicashop of Wien (easy to find their mail adress) : it's probably the top seller in Europe, and they list also many "Leica Literature" items.

[SideB]

Selling on ebay is not difficult but to save time and effort I would suggest using Buy It Now and listing the items at realistic prices - ie towards the bottom end of the range you'll find on Abe.com. To minimise effort just a brief description and a decent photograph will suffice and you can cut and paste the small print. Collectors interested in buying them will know what they are and what they are prepared to pay. You will do much better than selling to the trade and even if you only ask £3 each anything you lose on the roundabouts you will make up on the swings. Don't waste your time with the Leica Photography magazines, either offer them as one lot, buyer collects, or give them to a charity shop.

[Peter Branch]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I will consult the executors and see what they would like me to do.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Unlikely that anyone will wish to buy the whole lot unless they are a dealer. Many charities sell via Ebay but the time and effort involved in cataloging / listing individual items could be considerable - and neither time or cost effective for them - and a load of work for you.

 

They could consider calling in a specialist secondhand photo book dealer e.g. Photo Books International in Bloomsbury:

 

Photo Books International, 99 Judd Street, London - Booksellers near Russell Square Tube Station

 

... they probably have the biggest inventory of secondhand photography books in the UK.

 

dunk

[Torquinian]

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I have found selling through Amazon to be easy. You find the book on their websie, & then click on "sell one like this" No need then for photos or descriptions.