How to sell your vintage fairground collection securely – and off-site

“Most collectors collect for collecting’s sake, and this will only make sense to a collector!”

This quote from a keen vintage fairground collector just about sums it up!  But sometimes one also considers that your collection might not be with you forever. Reasons vary as to why collectors sell, but there’s plenty one can do in preparation for an eventual sale.

Selling Up?

If you’re a serious collector of sought-after vintage fairground artefacts, rides, and memorabilia, and you are looking to sell – how best to go about this?

Some collectors are understandably concerned about prospective buyers coming to view their valuable collections on site. It could be that there are other items of high worth being housed at the same location. Or the value of the fairground collection itself.

And let’s remind ourselves that collectors don’t always stop at one type of collection!

One of the questions being asked by collectors is whether having prospective buyers come to their location could lead to attracting burglars instead of buyers.

Social Selling and ‘Window Shopping’

One security company talks about the potential dangers of sharing too much on social media, such as when you are away on holiday, or showing a new piece in your collection. This can also apply to collectors if their location is mentioned. Even if a collector advertises via public online selling sites, there is still the matter of arranging a prospective buyer to come and view the item. This does not mean to say that most transactions happen in good faith and trust.

Vintage Collector vulnerabilities

Due to the nature of vintage fairground coveted collections often being larger in size, many of these are kept in farm barns or industrial units.

Collectors often tend to be in the elder age bracket, with reasonable general wealth for some. They can be left feeling exposed when it comes to arranging viewings with potential buyers. And in a recent example, a widow was left to manage the sale of her late collector husband’s collection on her own. Management decisions for this ended up with acquiring trusted expertise and the ability for prospective buyers to view off site by moving items to a central showroom point.

Not only does this remove the matter of added security, but also – importantly – the hassle-factor.

There are other channels and ways to sell your valuable vintage fairground collection

Collectors and purveyors of authentic vintage fairground items, Littleboy’s Limited, has a great solution to secure selling. They have a safe showroom, with 24/7 security, and full insurance for the seller and collection-owner’s peace of mind. And they also have a popular website that is specifically targeted for this considerable niche market. Sellers can seek Littleboy’s curatorship and assistance, as well as professional and knowledgeable appraisals and valuations.

A central selling point and a network of buyers and sellers

The Littleboy’s showroom attracts serious buyers from all around the world. Some travel long distances to come and view prospective purchases. This means that a seller’s collection has an opportunity to be seen by ‘insider’ buyers with ready interest, as it were. It is an attentive audience, already tuned in to the worth of vintage fairground items, keen to buy the next collectible. So make the most of the enthusiast’s hub! There’s a whole vibrant community to tap into.

Transportation

Littleboy’s are in the most fortunate position in that its vast showroom is just a stone’s throw from a reputable moving company! This is just one of the specialist transporters used. They have been transporting vintage fairground items and vintage collectibles for a long time, and know just how to handle your prized items – big and small. This means that it is easy to arrange the moving of your collection to this safe and secure showroom space, no matter where your collection is currently housed. Once at the Littleboy’s Showroom, it will be given the caring display and space it deserves to show it at its best!

Collection Visibility

Besides catching the eye of passing prospective buyers who visit the showroom by appointment, or an event, Littleboy’s also gives considerable time and effort to their website, marketing, social media, and overall press and public awareness. They are recognised for their specialism, and receive good coverage in the media. This means that, as a seller, your collection will receive the attention it deserves through their efforts.

A current one-of-its-kind carousel ride, the only one ever to be made by Rolls-Royce, has received good exposure. This all adds to the benefit of having your collection in a showroom like Littleboy’s.

So, why do collectors stop collecting, and start selling?

According to a keen collector and blogger:  “There are five main reasons why folks stop collecting and then want to liquidate and recoup the value of their collection:

• Lose interest in the subject (this is often followed by a segue into collecting something else)
• Need money (and if so, they usually need it fast – which makes being prepared to sell even more important)
• Downsizing
• Other-half is strongly opposed to collecting and wins the battle
• The ultimate show-stopper – death

Realising full value for a collection requires both expertise, motivation and time. The reason for selling can have a major influence on how a collection can be sold. For example death often takes the necessary expertise with it”.

Consignment selling

Contracting a specialist company to sell a collection for you, especially when it comes to matters of location security, is a favourable option.

This helps with high value items that are difficult to handle, and to reach a wider market. It is also a good compromise if you want to receive more of the actual value of your collection.

It may take a little longer than receiving a time-limited auction bid. But you may be more successful on attaining the money value. Which is also why it is always so important to use a trusted company who knows the vintage fairground trade, knows the worth of your collection, and has the right buyers in their sights.

Do you have a vintage fairground collection or specific items that you would like valued? Or would you like Littleboy’s to arrange for your collection to be showcased in their showroom?

Arrange an appointment with Littleboy’s Limited experts by emailing sales@littleboys.co.uk