I thought it would be fun to share with you how we approach glass buying. A bit of background to orient my world.
- I sell elegant and depression glass on eBay, Etsy and (eventually) here.
- We avoid later glass, especially heavy pattern like Early American Prescut, and also limit my purchases to glass I recognize. That means avoiding carnival glass, Early American Pattern Glass, art glass.
- I am downsizing my glass inventory but decided to purchase a little each year to keep it interesting. I’m pretty selective!
- Glass sells OK at very low prices on eBay, typically for a third to a half of book value, but it might take months or even years to sell.
Frequently people ask me to buy their glass and although I’d love to buy every single piece of pretty glass out there, this is a business and limited space and budget keep me more or less in line. I’ve developed a few guidelines:
- Only buy glass that’s perfect
- Pay under 35% of what I think it will sell for.
- Focus on the best patterns. Despite my urge to indulge in every “gosh that’s pretty” piece and every obscure pattern…I can’t.
Recently a lady asked me about her Cambridge Rose Point, a personal favorite that is definitely on the Good To Buy list! I don’t have permission to share her photos, so let me describe the pieces and link into Replacements.
First up is this cornucopia vase. Wow.
She says vase is in perfect condition, no chips, didn’t mention water spots.
Replacements has these for $240, and several are on eBay for $240 to $400-something. The only one that sold the seller accepted an offer for under $130. Would you buy this – for resale, not to stick in the cupboard much as I want to! – and if yes, how much would you pay?
Four nut cups. These are tiny bowls with four feet, smaller than bon bons, definitely specialty items. Replacements lists for $80. eBay auction closed yesterday for two nut cups and a creamer for $57.
Would you get the nut cups?
Last is a round decanter or oil jug with stopper. These are little ball shaped jugs and there are a couple different styles and sizes. Hers is 7 inches tall. This one is the oil size, different stopper, about 5 inches tall. Replacements lists for $120.
There aren’t any with stoppers on eBay; pitchers are selling for $80-90; a tall cordial decanter sold for $210. I had to guess at a selling price since the book values are so wildly off from actual selling values. My best guess was $150 but that could be way off.
Why don’t you drop a comment with what you would do with this lovely, attractive offer to purchase glass. Remember, it’s sight unseen, no opportunity to inspect it and I’m buying for resale thus price is important. If I were buying for us I would be willing to pay more.