Boopman's Book

[boop95]

Hi there, I have been collecting Betty Boop for several years and I am finally ready to sell my collection. I purchased your book because I wanted some idea on what to price my items at. I am wondering how you reached your prices, I have found nothing to back up your prices. In fact many are pretty high compared to the market out there and people can buy these items on ebay for much cheaper than what you have listed them to be worth. HELP. Thanks.

[boopman]

Hi,
Thanks for asking about pricing. Prices are, of course, always changing depending on the market. The more common or available an item becomes, the more volitile the price. As more collectors obtain the items they want, the less the demand, the lower the price.
Having said that, the prices I put in the book were derived from watching ads in toy magazines and periodicals, monitoring mail and online auctions, as well as dealers. It's funny you should say the prices seem high, as some collectors have said just the opposite - I guess it just depends on what you are looking for.
You also said you have been collecting for several years, so I am assuming many of your items are rather new. When new items are introduced onto the market, collectors pay retail price for many months, then as the demand goes down, so do the prices. There are only so many BOOP collectors out there and once they have what they want, there is little demand.
It is good that you do your own research for the things you are going to sell. You never know who will pay what for what you have. Good luck!
Hope this has helped somewhat.
-Leonard

[Bikerbettyboop]

Leonard, I have found your statements about pricing and value to be true. I've seen collectors pay a lot for an item one day and 2 weeks later another collector wants it for free... so go figure?! It's all about timing...

[boop95]

Actually, an item is only worth what one person is willing to pay for it. For example, I have two Carmen Miranda Cookie Jars and Mr. Ellis says that that is worth $1000 well, its only worth that if someone is willing to pay that. Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that the items in his book are a way of adding value to his own collection. Also, as Mr. Ellis said that he assumes that my collection is only new items, which is untrue. I have many of the items that you have in your book. The problem has become that you can get these items on ebay for so cheap because people do not realize what they have and so they list them for very low prices. Again its only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[mgchan]

What Leonard Ellis provides in pricing are only guidelines based on his research. The statement that it benefits his own collection makes no sense, because anyone having those same items will also benefit. If you can get an item on eBay below the value because people don't realize the value of the item, then it's not a problem to the winning bidder. It's like going to a garage sale or flea market and paying $1 for an item that's worth alot more on the market!

I agree, an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

[Bikerbettyboop]

Unfortunately, I am of the opinion that the items in his book are a way of adding value to his own collection.

I don't think this was a fair thing for you to say. I know that Mr. Ellis has done his research and as a collector, you should realize that values are always changing.

This is true whether it's a Betty Boop collectible or stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.

I would hope that your collection brings you joy just because you are a Betty Boop fan and not because you purchased these items with the hopes of selling them at a far higher price than what you originally acquired them for.

[boopman]

Thanks to all who contributed to the pricing discussion. Yes, indeed, any item is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. When I compiled the info for the book, I did not want to put prices at all, but the publisher/editor insisted it was necessary and that collectors would want the info, so we compromised with ranges. Prices are of no benefit to me, because, quite frankly, I really don't care what the items I have are worth! Guess what? I don't even have them insured.
I collect for the fun of collecting, and one of the reasons I like Betty Boop is because of the uniqueness and scarcity of the older items. I enjoy finding those rareties, not because of their value, but because of their history. Most important are the friendhips developed over the years with other collectors. The collectibles are just "things"....they can't warm your heart or share a story or a smile.
Enough said!

[boop95]

Well, I have done my research too! Enough SAID!

[mgchan]

boop95 > Take photos and share your collection with the rest of the members in the Member's Showcase forum. :)

[Bikerbettyboop]

Thanks to all who contributed to the pricing discussion. Yes, indeed, any item is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. When I compiled the info for the book, I did not want to put prices at all, but the publisher/editor insisted it was necessary and that collectors would want the info, so we compromised with ranges. Prices are of no benefit to me, because, quite frankly, I really don't care what the items I have are worth! Guess what? I don't even have them insured.
I collect for the fun of collecting, and one of the reasons I like Betty Boop is because of the uniqueness and scarcity of the older items. I enjoy finding those rareties, not because of their value, but because of their history. Most important are the friendhips developed over the years with other collectors. The collectibles are just "things"....they can't warm your heart or share a story or a smile.
Enough said!

Well I can sure see why you are an author!! You are right with what you said and I agree 100%. Like I've said before, I collect Betty Boop because I love her not because I plan on selling my collection for a profit someday. I hope to "hand down" all my collectibles to my "kids" someday anyway. SO I just enjoy it for what it's worth to me right now.

Give me a hug from a friend or family member anyday over giving me a huge profit from one of my Betty collectibles.

Thanks Boopman for sharing your thoughts and treasures with us!!

[Bikerbettyboop]

boop95 > Take photos and share your collection with the rest of the members in the Member's Showcase forum. :)

I'd like to see Boop95's collection too... so come on and share some photos with us!