01- Estimate

The first point: estimate the value of your collection.

Carrying out an initial estimate of your collection yourself is essential. Whatever option you choose for the sale, this estimate will allow you to have a precise idea of ​​the value of your lot and to launch yourself with confidence.

If you are a collector, you probably have a keen eye for the value of the models in your collection. However, be careful: the market today is very changeable and volatile. Current prices are not those of five, ten or twenty years ago!


If you are a newbie , it is normal to feel a little lost. Don't panic, here are some tips to guide you.

The easiest way to best estimate your collection is to find out what prices are currently being charged online. You can check sites like eBay or
Leboncoin, but be careful: the ads still online do not always reflect a realistic price, because they have not yet found a buyer.


At Auto Jaune, we provide you with three online sales sites which publish nearly 60 models every day, or around 300 models per week and more than 1000 per
months. On these sites, you will find catalogs of several thousand models, with sales prices in line with market realities. So take advantage of this resource to
estimate the value of your collection!

Misconceptions:

No, Dinky Toys are not rare! These models were produced in
several hundred thousand copies. The rarity of a model depends primarily on its variant and condition. For example, a new model in a box can be worth more than ten times the price of the same model damaged and without a box.

Additionally, many people who inherit a collection focus
only on Dinky Toys, forgetting that other models, like
plastic ones (for example Norev or Mina), can have a
much higher value, especially if they are in good condition!

So think about listing all the models you have in your possession. The rare gem may be hiding where you don't expect it!
In conclusion, know that everything has a value. Whatever the state, the
toy manufacturer, the material…the most important thing is to estimate each
piece.

At the right price, every item will find a buyer!

02- How to sell?

Now that you are starting to get an idea of ​​the value of your collection, you will need to decide who to sell this collection to.

There are three main solutions available to you, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

1-Sell by the piece

If you choose to sell your models individually, you can potentially get the best price for them based on the market. However, keep in mind that this will take a lot of time and effort. For each model, you will need to:

  1. Take several quality photos, showing the model from all angles.
  2. Write a detailed description that meets the expectations of collectors who
    will be your potential buyers.
  3. Take care in preparing packages by packing them carefully and precisely, to ensure their arrival in perfect condition.


Selling by the piece can be lucrative, but it requires a considerable investment of time and energy.

The advantage of this sales system is that it allows you to hope to obtain a price close to the real value of your models. However, the major disadvantage is the time it will take you. For the rarest pieces, you will need to be able to justify their authenticity. On the other hand, for more common models, you may have to offer them at a price below the market value to sell them quickly.

The trap to avoid:

We would like to draw your attention to a recurring pitfall in many sales of collections made piece by piece. Whether you are selling small cars or any other type of collection, whether it is a lot of 10 models or several thousand, there is a rule
common: any lot is generally made up of three categories of pieces.

  • Between 5 and 15% of extremely rare or infrequent models.
  • Between 10 and 30% of uncommon parts.
  • The rest of the lot, often made up of more common and common models.

If you choose to sell your collection individually, you will be able to easily and likely sell the rarer or more sought-after models for a good price. However, once these rare pieces are sold, it will be much harder to sell the rest of your collection, as you will only be left with the more common models.


Therefore, if you opt for selling individually, we advise you to maximize the sale price of the rarest models.

On the other hand, be prepared to have to adjust the prices of more common pieces, which often represent nearly 80% of the collection.

2-The auctions

Many collectors are attracted to auction sales. As we often say, you have to be prepared to "play the casino"! Indeed, during these auctions, highly sought-after models can arouse the interest of several collectors who, in the heat of the moment, engage in a real battle to obtain the coveted piece. Result: sale prices that can reach peaks at these times.

Selling your collection at an auction house can be a great opportunity to hopefully get a much higher price than if you were to sell it piece by piece or to a professional. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

First of all, a hammer price is subject to commission fees, which generally vary between 20 and 30%. For example, a model sold for €100 will only bring in €70 to the seller, while it will cost the buyer €130.


In addition, the auction house does not guarantee the sale of all of your models. Unsold pieces will be returned to you. Although there are mandatory sales clauses, these
latter often result in high costs for the buyer. Finally, between the listing, the auction and the receipt of funds, several times may elapse
months. For a model valued at €50, anything is possible in the auction room: it may not sell at all, or, if the auction exceeds expectations, it may bring you the estimated price, or even more.

However, be aware that auction rooms are generally more advantageous for very rare models, where they can allow you to exceed classic estimates.

3-Sell to a professional

Although at first glance this option may seem less advantageous, it nevertheless has significant advantages.

For example, for a model valued at €50, a dealer will put it up for sale at that same price. However, taking into account the costs related to managing the photos, putting the ad online and its additional costs, he will only be able to offer you around €30 for this model.

That said, selling to a professional has several advantages. Indeed, the latter may be interested in buying your entire lot, including the 20% of rarest models...But also all the other pieces!

Another major advantage: he will pay you your entire lot at once, which means you won't have any surprises.

In addition, a professional presents a certain security. In general, he has an online store and his sales prices are clearly displayed. You will therefore not have to worry about the frequent scams of certain online sales sites or disputes that can arise during sales between individuals.

When you sell to a professional, they examine your lot in person and, if they agree to buy it, they do so with full knowledge of the facts. There is therefore no risk of a subsequent claim.

The trap to avoid:

We advise you to avoid consignment offers . These do not offer you any guarantee and you will only receive the money once the models have actually been sold. From experience, at Auto Jaune, we know that the sale of a collection can take several years, or even decades!

If you have estimated your collection, contact a professional and inform him of the amount you hope for your lot. He will then make you a firm offer. To accept or refuse!

However, if you accept his offer, you can be sure that you will receive the agreed amount in one go.

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