Help:how to sell old books

jennymc99

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. 

Emmia

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

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

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

Perhaps see if you can contact specialist collectors online. Good luck. 

DullGreyGuy

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

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. 

lincroft1710

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.

Vectis

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.