How best to sell this:

[Tiny]

I want to  sell 8 place settings of Noritake casual china that I have never used - and since I haven't used it in the 8 or so years I've owned it - I doubt I will ever use it.   I have 6 of the original boxes for the place settings.  The remaining two settings  are well packed into boxes that approximate the original.   I was using 2 of the settings decoratively in my China Cabinet. 

I think asking $30 per place setting (and then coming down no lower than $25) would be a fair price - it's way cheaper per place setting than Bed Bath and Beyond (with their silly coupon, sale, and whatever other discount they want to give) and there's no sales tax (which is nearly 10% here abouts).

I don't want to go the eBay or craigs list route.   Craig's list sucks in my area - it's great if you are looking for a 'massage' or maybe some fake sporting event tickets or a non-working fridge that really does work - if you jiggle the cord.    

My office has a bulletin board that does brisk business in second hand high end stuff and this china fits with that.

Should I offer it for sale now or wait for next Fall - like say a week or two before Thanksgiving?  

Should I attempt to sell it at the City Garage Sale in the spring?   not sure the clientele there would have the $200-$240 in cash on them and I don't want to part with all the settings for $50.00 or less.

Or should I just be done with it all and donate it to my favorite charity - the local 'animal shelter' re-sale store?

What say you?  When's the best time to sell nice place settings? 

Any other ideas for ways to off load this stuff on someone who wants it?

[Jaguar]

Put it on your office bulletin board, especially for next Thanksgiving. Post in in September/October. I love BBB.

Garage sales are so damn iffy it ain't even funny.

[mollyanna58]

Even if you don't want to sell the china on Ebay, you could watch some Ebay sales to see what people are actually paying for that pattern.

[zibazinski]

Crap, I'd like to buy it        Why doesn't this ever happen close to me?

[Jaguar]

Dec 29, 2014 21:34:38 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Crap, I'd like to buy it        Why doesn't this ever happen close to me?

I was thinking that as well.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Too bad we can't see the design/pattern. If you can take a pic, you might even be able to sell them right here.

Also since they're eight years old (even though never used), don't ask full price that you paid for them. Though $200-240 sounds reasonable.

Do you have a Bargain Finder Classifieds weekly ad magazine there that you could advertise in? Even a local newspaper Misc Items For Sale ad - under housewares.

[Jaguar]

Maybe we need a Buy/Swap board ?

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Dec 29, 2014 21:52:25 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Maybe we need a Buy/Swap board ?

That's something "The Boss" would have to approve or not. She may or may not welcome it, as it could lead to issues, but it's certainly something to present to her for her consideration.

[Deleted]

A friend of mine told me she got a great offer for some of her china from Replacements Ltd. Maybe you can try them.

[Tiny]

Dec 29, 2014 21:34:38 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Crap, I'd like to buy it        Why doesn't this ever happen close to me?

LOL! 

The pattern is Noritake Ambience Java Graphite Swirl.   It's easy to find with a search engine of your choice.  eBay has the place setting in the original greenish box pictured.    I don't think this pattern is in production anymore - so I doubt BBB would have it - even though it probably did carry the 'overstock' from it.         Amazon shows the 4 piece place settings as being offered between $40 and $50 (I rounded up) --but then it's showing the price it would sell this item to ME... so you may see it offered for more or less.   I'm beginning to hate Amazon as much as I hate Kohl's and BBB with their stupid pricing strategies and "coupons".

Zib, I have relatives driving back to Florida from Illinois in a few days... if you are on the route (not sure where you are located)  they are alittle scary though... in a nice way.   

I don't think it's all a good candidate for shipping as it's HEAVY and bulky (hence the no eBay sale).   Probably cost more to ship than it's worth.

 

[Jaguar]

Dec 29, 2014 22:18:54 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Dec 29, 2014 21:34:38 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Crap, I'd like to buy it        Why doesn't this ever happen close to me?

LOL! 

The pattern is Noritake Ambience Java Graphite Swirl.   It's easy to find with a search engine of your choice.  eBay has the place setting in the original greenish box pictured.    I don't think this pattern is in production anymore - so I doubt BBB would have it - even though it probably did carry the 'overstock' from it.         Amazon shows the 4 piece place settings as being offered between $40 and $50 (I rounded up) --but then it's showing the price it would sell this item to ME... so you may see it offered for more or less. 

Zib, I have relatives driving back to Florida from Illinois in a few days... 

I don't think it's all a good candidate for shipping as it's HEAVY and bulky (hence the no eBay sale).   Probably cost more to ship than it's worth.

 

[Jaguar]

Dec 29, 2014 22:18:54 GMT -5 Tiny said:

Dec 29, 2014 21:34:38 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Crap, I'd like to buy it        Why doesn't this ever happen close to me?

LOL! 

The pattern is Noritake Ambience Java Graphite Swirl.   It's easy to find with a search engine of your choice.  eBay has the place setting in the original greenish box pictured.    I don't think this pattern is in production anymore - so I doubt BBB would have it - even though it probably did carry the 'overstock' from it.         Amazon shows the 4 piece place settings as being offered between $40 and $50 (I rounded up) --but then it's showing the price it would sell this item to ME... so you may see it offered for more or less. 

Zib, I have relatives driving back to Florida from Illinois in a few days... 

I don't think it's all a good candidate for shipping as it's HEAVY and bulky (hence the no eBay sale).   Probably cost more to ship than it's worth.

 

Tiny I think selling it at your work would be better, or donate it. I donated a porcelain Christmas Angel last Christmas for a sale for poor family's for Christmas.

[Tiny]

That's the color but it's the 4 piece round place settings...

Lets try this:
173.247.81.135/Catalog/product.aspx?productId=44950&did=10006&cid=10427&scid=10429

[Tiny]

Dec 29, 2014 22:22:42 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Dec 29, 2014 22:18:54 GMT -5 Tiny said:

LOL! 

The pattern is Noritake Ambience Java Graphite Swirl.   It's easy to find with a search engine of your choice.  eBay has the place setting in the original greenish box pictured.    I don't think this pattern is in production anymore - so I doubt BBB would have it - even though it probably did carry the 'overstock' from it.         Amazon shows the 4 piece place settings as being offered between $40 and $50 (I rounded up) --but then it's showing the price it would sell this item to ME... so you may see it offered for more or less. 

Zib, I have relatives driving back to Florida from Illinois in a few days... 

I don't think it's all a good candidate for shipping as it's HEAVY and bulky (hence the no eBay sale).   Probably cost more to ship than it's worth.

 

Tiny I think selling it at your work would be better, or donate it. I donated a porcelain Christmas Angel last Christmas for a sale for poor family's for Christmas.

Yeah,  I like all you guys.  I wouldn't inflict my relatives on anyone.   I was mostly joking... as I had images of the Adams Family or the Munster's showing up at a coffee shop near Zib  with a bunch of china boxes waiting for that nice Internet Person to come and claim it.  

[Deleted]

Currently going for 44.99 a place setting new at Amazon.

[Deleted]

If it is not an active pattern, you will be selling to first-timers (think college kids) or a unique buyer.  I found a unique buyer for 6 Christmas glasses at $35, but I ended up shipping them.  

I wouldn't ship a set of China, but you can do local pick-up on EBay.  I sold a set of Noritake that way.  

[toomuchreality]

Something to think about...
I was given china as a young girl, before I married, by my mother. When my oldest daughter married, I still hadn't used it, so gave it to her. She loved it! In fact she liked the idea so much that when her younger sister married, not long ago, she gave her a set of china.

Is your china something you'd want to pass down?

[Blonde Granny]

Dec 29, 2014 21:52:25 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

Maybe we need a Buy/Swap board ?

Forwarded onto Moonbeam and other Admin to discuss this idea.

[Spellbound454]

I have a glass cabinet with a valuable service of doulton bone china...crystal glasses and silverware.

No-one uses it because I'm scared it might get chipped

but like many people....I like to have nice things in my home...

People will pay hundreds for a complete set... in a design they like.

You just have to find the right buyer.

[Tiny]

Dec 29, 2014 23:49:47 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Something to think about...
I was given china as a young girl, before I married, by my mother. When my oldest daughter married, I still hadn't used it, so gave it to her. She loved it! In fact she liked the idea so much that when her younger sister married, not long ago, she gave her a set of china.

Is your china something you'd want to pass down?

It's modern 'casual' china - meaning it's dishwasher/microwave safe and is intended for everyday use.   I did ask around the family and no one wants it.  There's already plenty of vintage sets of china floating about - or in storage as the adult kids are in 'flux' - not yet settled.  No one wants to cart the stuff around with them. 

As was suggested/mentioned in another post - I will look into the eBay option for local pick up.  That is an intriguing idea. 

[Deleted]

Are you on Facebook?  There might be a Facebook garage sale group for your area.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 10:52:16 GMT -5 CCL said:

Dec 29, 2014 22:40:33 GMT -5 @southernsusana said:

If it is not an active pattern, you will be selling to first-timers (think college kids) or a unique buyer.  I found a unique buyer for 6 Christmas glasses at $35, but I ended up shipping them.  

I wouldn't ship a set of China, but you can do local pick-up on EBay.  I sold a set of Noritake that way.  

I have purchased sets of Lenox on EBay and had them shipped. There were no problems.

Absolutely. I have shipped plenty of china on Ebay. But the price for shipping has gone up so drastically that I quit selling. Few people want to pay what it costs, and if they find a reason to return, you have to eat the shipping both way. It's not worth it.

Is your Lenox an active pattern? I bought several place settings of Federal platinum to complete my daughter's wedding china. It is just harder to sell an inactive pattern at what it is worth. You have to find what I call a "unique" buyer, someone who already has some of that pattern and needs more.  Even then, you often find someone who just wants serving pieces, etc. because they already have enough plates.

Someone starting out really doesn't usually buy $300 worth of casual china that is no longer an active pattern. They can't replace pieces if they break, and the pattern usually goes inactive because tastes have changed. Often that has to do with colors. 

Can you tell that I have a china fetish? 

[kittensaver]

I've successfully used these folks, both to buy and to sell:

www.replacements.com/misc/selltous.htm

However - small warning: you will not dictate the price to them, they will dictate it to you. You send them your info and they tell you what price they're willing to pay. Then you pack it up and ship it to them (at your cost). BUT it IS a good place to get rid of patterns that are no longer active or in production. It is also a good place to buy pieces of a pattern you have that is no longer made.

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

I "third" the suggestion of using Replacements.com!!!!

My own china is discontinued and I have been so very happy to find various pieces there.  No doubt there is someone out there who is desperately searching for your Noritake.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 14:06:31 GMT -5 kittensaver said:

I've successfully used these folks, both to buy and to sell:

www.replacements.com/misc/selltous.htm

However - small warning: you will not dictate the price to them, they will dictate it to you. You send them your info and they tell you what price they're willing to pay. Then you pack it up and ship it to them (at your cost). BUT it IS a good place to get rid of patterns that are no longer active or in production. It is also a good place to buy pieces of a pattern you have that is no longer made.

When I contacted them years ago about selling some, they offered me about 25% of what they sell for, and then I had to pay shipping. It wasn't worth it to me.

Buying is different since you are usually looking for a few pieces, not a set.

[t-dog]

Well thanks all. I put in a request for a price to sell my china to Replacements. DH picked it out and I have NEVER used it. Figure I can justify selling it since I never really loved it and DH died 5 years ago next week.  I think I have 12 place settings of Lenox Classic Modern pattern and a whole lot of Waterford crystal (again never used, I don't drink). If the price to sell it to Replacements isn't worth it I think I will just hold onto it and give it to DS when he marries so he can have something that his dad really liked.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 17:17:36 GMT -5 t-dog said:

Well thanks all. I put in a request for a price to sell my china to Replacements. DH picked it out and I have NEVER used it. Figure I can justify selling it since I never really loved it and DH died 5 years ago next week.  I think I have 12 place settings of Lenox Classic Modern pattern and a whole lot of Waterford crystal (again never used, I don't drink). If the price to sell it to Replacements isn't worth it I think I will just hold onto it and give it to DS when he marries so he can have something that his dad really liked.

Is the Waterford something like Lismore? That really sells around here.

[t-dog]

don't recall the Waterford pattern off the top of my head. I know my mother's Waterford is Lismore.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 17:17:36 GMT -5 t-dog said:

Well thanks all. I put in a request for a price to sell my china to Replacements. DH picked it out and I have NEVER used it. Figure I can justify selling it since I never really loved it and DH died 5 years ago next week.  I think I have 12 place settings of Lenox Classic Modern pattern and a whole lot of Waterford crystal (again never used, I don't drink). If the price to sell it to Replacements isn't worth it I think I will just hold onto it and give it to DS when he marries so he can have something that his dad really liked.

Let me know how it works out pricewise. I have some china left in the basement from my Ebay days that I need to get rid of.

[kittensaver]

Dec 30, 2014 18:29:03 GMT -5 @southernsusana said:

Dec 30, 2014 17:17:36 GMT -5 t-dog said:

Well thanks all. I put in a request for a price to sell my china to Replacements. DH picked it out and I have NEVER used it. Figure I can justify selling it since I never really loved it and DH died 5 years ago next week.  I think I have 12 place settings of Lenox Classic Modern pattern and a whole lot of Waterford crystal (again never used, I don't drink). If the price to sell it to Replacements isn't worth it I think I will just hold onto it and give it to DS when he marries so he can have something that his dad really liked.

Let me know how it works out pricewise. I have some china left in the basement from my Ebay days that I need to get rid of.

@southernsusana: I actually agree with what you said earlier about Replacement, Ltd - - they will not give you a premium price. But they are super convenient if you just want to off-load your tableware with minimal hassle.