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Help:how to sell old books

My dad has been collecting books from an author published 1880-1950 (G A Henty). We know that others collect them too. He is sadly unwell and wants to see if he can sell them before he dies but we don’t know where to start. I really want to help him so grateful for any advice. 

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  • Emmia
    Emmia Forumite Posts: 2,263
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    edited 19 September at 10:21PM
    I'd look for a website (specialist dealer) that sells the books and approach them with a view to sell.

    E.g. https://stellabooks.com/books/ga-henty

    If you approach a few, you'll get an idea of how much you'll get.
  • thara1996
    thara1996 Forumite Posts: 35
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    Heya.  
    Perhaps see if you can even sell them at a local charity store in order to start off with. Also try your luck on the internet in addition. Another good place at which to sell on books is at a garage sale as well. 
  • Emmia
    Emmia Forumite Posts: 2,263
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    thara1996 said:
    Heya.  
    Perhaps see if you can even sell them at a local charity store in order to start off with. Also try your luck on the internet in addition. Another good place at which to sell on books is at a garage sale as well. 
    Having done a quick google, these are potentially valuable and of interest to specialist collectors. So a charity shop, garage sale etc. isn't likely to achive the best price.
  • thara1996
    thara1996 Forumite Posts: 35
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    Perhaps see if you can contact specialist collectors online. Good luck. 
  • DullGreyGuy
    DullGreyGuy Forumite Posts: 6,207
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    A lot will depend on how much effort you want to put into it or if you're happy accepting a lower figure and minimal effort?

    A book isnt valued just on its author but what edition it is, condition, dust jacket present or not etc etc. Without knowing a lot more it's difficult to know if you are sitting on a reasonable sum of money or stuff that goes for pennies at a car boot sale. 

    The easiest approach is contacting old/rare book dealers and see what they'll offer for it as a collection. Clearly wont bet the best price as they have to make a margin (which isnt 10%-20%), pay their staff etc. I know with jewellery you get some that buy it off you money up front and there are others that instead offer it for sale and take a commission if it sells. 

    Personally, for rare but not expensive books I've had good experiences with eBay but it's a fair bit of work and you always risk a problem buyer etc. 
  • soolin
    soolin Forumite, Ambassador Posts: 71,257
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    The author doesn’t appear to sell well, there’s a few around at the £5 -£10 mark and many go unsold. Have a quick look at completed listings on eBay .

    it might be better for your father to keep them while he can rather than be disappointed by the sale value. 
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the eBay, Auctions, Car Boot & Jumble Sales, Boost Your Income, Praise, Vents & Warnings, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning , UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know.. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing [email protected] views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Forumite Posts: 16,992
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    In early 2022 a collection of 12 G A Henty novels published in 19th and early 20th Century sold at auction for £81, so they don't seem to be particularly collectable.
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • Vectis
    Vectis Forumite Posts: 554
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    You could try contacting a physical auction house. They might at least be able to tell you how much they're worth and you might get an idea if they will sell or not.
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