question from a newbie interested in selling on Ebay

[Christine Lofgren]

Hi,

I've never sold anything on Ebay before and was wondering if anybody knew how well Nat Geos sell there, specifically 1940s - 1970s.

Is there just a glut of them listed and you'd be lucky to sell any? 

I realize there's probably no standard answer as some issues will be sought out more than others, but I was just trying to get a general idea.

Thanks for any advice or insight!
Christine

[Philip Riviere]

Christine,

I'm sorry to say that selling 50's and up on E-Bay is a very hard and slow process because there are over 25,000 Nat geo magazines selling on E-bay each day and there were 5+ million copies of Nat Geo published each month in the 50's and 60's. However, your 1940's issues, especially the war years, do demand more interest from collectors (over $7.00 each).

I hope this info helps you out.

Phil

[Christine Lofgren]

Yes, that info is a big help; thanks a lot, Phil!  You've confirmed the impression I got from looking on Ebay, but as I've never even tried to sell anything there before, I wasn't sure of the situation.  I knew there were a lot of them listed on Ebay, but never would have guessed 25,000 at a time!  Wow!
Do you have a general idea of how quickly a 1940s war issue in good condition would sell?  I won't hold you to anything, of course, but just if you have a general idea?

Thanks so much again,

Christine

[Philip Riviere]

Christine,

The 1940's are the borderline decade between some value and really no value. Demand for magazines is still in the teens (1915) and before. The 1940's would sell but probably very slowly. But you never know on E-Bay. Another thing is condition. The better the condition the easier it is to sell. Your  1940's should be at least very good condition. If they are, I would give it a try for a few weeks and see what happens.

Phil

[Christine Lofgren]

Thanks again, Phil.  I really appreciate your advice.