Don't say Ebay...
I have a relative, we'll call him an uncle to make it simple, who has spent his life "investing" in old toys. Nothing he bought was based on anything more than "Oooh - that looks cool, I should get it." I only met this uncle recently, and don't know him especially well, but since he has no kids, and since he lives 5 minutes away from me, I'm trying to nurture a relationship with him. He is an unusual character. No internet, doesn't know how to run a computer, disabled and without income, but proud of who he is, and interesting to sit and talk to. He recently asked me how to go about liquidating his toy collection in order to free up some cash. I went over for a visit expecting there to be a shelf of toys in his house. I was wrong.
Their house is a tiny bungalow. Probably 1000sf max - but the whole house including the attic, basement, and garage is full to the gills with old stuff. Mostly toys, but some other stuff as well. Its like a scene from hoarders, except that it is all old toys.
Some of the stuff he thought would be worth hundreds is worthless (Star Wars Episode 1 Podracer alarm clock??? - $25 on Ebay) and some of the stuff I though would be worth a lot is worthless (Hollowcast lead Mountie - $4.50 on Ebay, Occupied Japan teaset - +/- $15.00 on Ebay, Zippo Lighters - $10.00 on Ebay) but I am sure there are some nuggets in his collection somewhere, I just have no idea how to value this stuff.
He won't open a stall at a flea market or in an antique shop since he fears breakage. He won't bring in an auctioneer since he is concerned that he'll get ripped off at auction (An auctioneer offered him $2,000 for everything in the house - flat price take it or leave when invited in to evaluate the collection). He will let me take on list his stuff on Ebay, answering questions, fulfilling orders, etc. But I have zero interest in running an online business for him. Zero interest. Unless maybe I take a cut - but his expectations of what this stuff is worth are so unrealistic, I can't see that happening.
Anyways, two questions - 1. How would you go about valuating this collection, and 2. How would you sell it off?
I'm guessing the advice is going to be run away, run very far away, which I suppose is a third option. On the upside, we got a tag-along bike trailer for our kids out of him for $50.00, which is pretty good.