Author Topic: Can these sell or should I just burn them?  (Read 4052 times)

familyandfarming

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Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« on: July 25, 2018, 09:31:52 PM »
This is my first time posting on this forum, so bear with me. My dad has a complete collection of National Geographic magazines dating from 1929 to 2015, from his birth year to his death. (He has since passed. He really loved reading them and learning about other cultures.)
I don't think the magazines are collectible as I've tried to donate them and no one seems to want them, but the ads might be collectible? I've seen old advertisements on Amazon, Ebay or Etsy. Do people actually buy them? Or should I just start a fire? (It would be a VERY large fire...)

In advance, thanks so much for any input!

Jesstache

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #1 on: July 25, 2018, 10:17:10 PM »
I know my SIL collects coca cola items and has specifically mentioned the ads on the back cover of some National Geographics as being desirable.  I don't know what the time and effort vs payoff would be like to sell them but she would likely have a good idea what a fair price would be for them and I could ask her if you'd like?  There may also be some iconic covers that would be worth a good amount but I honestly have no idea.

familyandfarming

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2018, 09:00:13 AM »
Thanks for your help! I started ripping out the extra copies he had and there are lots of the same ads over the years for watches, Coke, cars and the like. Very retro! What venue would be best for sales? Amazon, Ebay or Etsy?

sieben

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2018, 08:23:15 PM »
Yup, true story about the ads, people will buy anything ;)

My dad has spent the last 20 or so years selling on eBay, originally larger stuff, but now mostly smaller things like ads or postcards. He likes picking up National Geographics when he gets them cheap (preferably free).
He's tried selling the whole magazine, but has found that he'll usually get more for a single add ($7-$15 ish I think) then he would for the whole magazine. Plus this way, he still has the magazine to read.

Seems like automotive and radio ads from the 40's, 50's and 60's have been his best sellers over the last few years.

TheWifeHalf

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2018, 11:48:31 AM »
Ebay!

I have purchased ads from there. There aren't a lot from 1915, but I use them in decorating our home (built 1915)
Usually I have to buy a magazine cover, to see the date.

It's going to take a lot of organization to sell individual ads, but selling individual magazines, on Ebay, might sell.

TheWifeHalf

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2018, 11:55:22 AM »
If you decide to sell them, rather than burn, I would like to buy Oct  1937

haflander

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2018, 02:35:41 PM »
Hmm...this has me thinking, because I recently inherited ~200 old Playboys and have no idea wtf to do with them. Years are 66-71 and 80-90. I looked up the most valuable highest selling editions, and of those the only one I have is a 1980 Bo Derek issue. Admission...I thought that was a guy, ha! I guess most of the older Mustachians around here remember her well. I would have never thought of selling the individual ads, that's very interesting.

Anyway, I have zero experience selling or shipping things on Ebay or CL. They take up way too much space in my small apt and are heavy af. I don't even want to imagine how much space the National Geographics take up in the OP!?! I'm struggling between trying to get every dollar I can (Idk if that's worth the time) or just getting rid of them one way or another (donating them somewhere? Idk). Both options have tenets of Mustachianism...

nick663

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2018, 04:30:53 PM »
Quick glance at ebay says they bring between $1 and $1.50/each in lots for modern ones.  Examples:

Lot of 8 for $11.35 with 98 lots sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-8-National-Geographic-Magazine-Random-Pick-1970s-2010s-No-duplicate/282822675531?hash=item41d98b8c4b%3Ag%3AemoAAOSwY4pZaCpz&_sacat=0&_nkw=national+geographic+magazine&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

Lot of 12 for $14 with 11 lots sold:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Lot-12-National-Geographic-Magazine-Decade-1960s-1970s-No-Dups/183343251356?hash=item2ab01bff9c%3Ag%3AcJYAAOSwedxalydk&_sacat=0&_nkw=national+geographic+magazine&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

Taking the $14 example, after paypal/ebay fees you would have $11.89.  You then have to ship it and magazines do not qualify for media mail.  I'd expect that to be close to the $11 you received based on location and possibly more.

I found a few examples of lots of older ones selling for more.  Here is a full year of 1940 that sold for $26.60:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1940-Full-Entire-Year-Lot-of-12-NATIONAL-GEOGRAPHIC-Magazine-1940-40s/263855163892?hash=item3d6efe49f4%3Ag%3A1OAAAOSwAopbWP2y&_sacat=0&_nkw=national+geographic+lot+1940&LH_Complete=1&_from=R40&rt=nc

So... maybe sell the older ones and burn the newer ones for warmth?

Missy B

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #8 on: August 10, 2018, 04:27:57 PM »
I've seen the older ones for sale for $15-25 dollars 10+ years ago. They are collectible, and I'm sorry I don't have the physical space to make you an offer for the whole collection.
Breaks my heart to think of them being ripped apart for the ads. Recommend that you at least leave the WW II ones (and just after) intact. They will probably bring some of the best prices.

The Beacon

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #9 on: September 28, 2018, 07:33:23 PM »
I like old school stuff. Have you even tried to sell them on Ebay?  Any similar items for sale on Ebay? I'd give it a try on Ebay.

ChpBstrd

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Re: Can these sell or should I just burn them?
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2018, 08:25:22 PM »
Sell the collection as a complete volume on eBay. Figure out shipping ahead of time. If you can't sell them for a few hundred dollars, donate the collection to your local library or university.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!