Treasure Chest of Goodies on Ebay?

[Terry Soloman]

Here is my idea. I want to put a "Mystery Treasure Chest," filled with items I have detected. It will have a couple hundred coins dating back to the 1700s, including silver coins, Wheats, Indian heads, Large Cents, III cent coin, Mercury Dimes, Rosie's, Half and Silver Dollars, Gold Basin L5 Chondrite Meteorite, Gold Rings, Silver Rings, Gold & Silver Pendents, Civil War Bullets & More!

What should I ask as a starting bid, as shipping with insurance will be very close to $45.00. As you all know, after Ebay and Paypal take their cut, I'm down 15%. Looking forward to your thoughts!!!

 

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[Holt0222]

Essentially what you are going to want to do is calculate the total value of the items that you have times it by 15% add the shipping on and that will be your break even point.

It does sound like a lot of fun though for a bidder.

 

[Indian Steve]

Great Idea! Please post a link to your auction when you do it.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello Terry,

Will the contents be a true mystery with no inside item photos?

Treasure chest value + $ 45 S/H + 15 % Feebay = your break even point

I guess there is two ways of looking at the starting price...low start and let the market play out or safe as described above.

Sounds like a fun auction, Good Luck!

Doc

 

[Terry Soloman]

Yes, total mystery, with only a few items highlighted as guaranteed items inside. I was thinking of basing the starting price on just these items.

 

[nathan104]

I think without the contents pictured, you will not do well as everyone will assume that you will just add items to the chest equal to or less than the value of the final bid so you dont lose.

 

[Terry Soloman]

OK, it's up! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Treasure-Chest-Gold-Sterling-Silver-Meteorite-Silver-Rare-Coins-Jewelry/113240358687?hash=item1a5da6bf1f:g:8bAAAOSwmaVblX5-

 

[diggummup]

$45 seems awfully high for shipping unless it is extremely heavy. Large flat rate box too small? FedEx is usually much cheaper than USPS when it comes to anything over 5 pounds that won't fit in a flat rate box.
Just some food for thought, though I know you're pretty well versed already.

 

[diggummup]

Nevermind I see you lowered it.[emoji106]

 

[Terry Soloman]

Nevermind I see you lowered it.[emoji106]

It's heavy, and it will have to be insured for at least $1400.00, so shipping will be a bit more expensive.

 

[Peyton Manning]

it's presented very nicely

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Terry you have a wonderful display of the item, sure hope you find a buyer! Doc

 

[Terry Soloman]

Thanks Jeff and Professor! I'm a bit nervous, as my better half wanted me to start it at $699.00, but I reminded her I found everything in the chest (and the chest itself when someone threw it away!), so why not make it interesting and see what happens. I AM worried though, because she is ALWAYS right!

 

[flinthunter]

Great auction, but if it were mine, I would feel better with a reserve.

 

[smokeythecat]

Ebay is odd for sure. Prices on some stuff is down. The same 8 reale milled coin I saw 15 years ago sold for $200 or more. Now they are $99. Time will tell.

 

[diggummup]

About the only thing I would do is add more photos. People like photos.

 

[Terry Soloman]

About the only thing I would do is add more photos. People like photos.

I gave thought to that Diggummup, but I don't want to give away too much. I like the "mystery" part!

 

[trdhrdr007]

There isn't anything about the auction that would convince me to bid. I can't tell from the pictures if the coins shown are worth anywhere near the starting price. I'm not in the habit of laying out what I consider a large chunk of change on a "pig in a poke". IMO the best outcome you can hope for is that no one bids because it won't get anywhere near the $699 your better half wanted you to start at much less the $1400 you think it should be insured at.

 

[jerseyben]

There are so many issues with this, I don't even know where to begin. Good luck...

 

[b3y0nd3r]

IMO, Terry is a stand-up guy so I feel his starting bid is fair, But I would of started lower. it will be hard for anyone to bid on a mystery box, as you can't tell what the real value is. What you should of done was made 10 smaller ones.