What to Do Before Calling a Memorabilia Dealer

The five-step pre-call checklist:

1. Inventory before contact

Use the Collection Inventory Template. Photograph every item. Don't describe the collection to a dealer until you can describe it accurately.

2. Research completed sales for standouts

Pull each item that looks rare, signed, vintage, or unfamiliar. Search Heritage, Lelands, Goldin, and eBay sold listings. Don't use asking prices.

3. Pull standouts out of the "lot"

Dealers will offer to buy the whole collection. Decline. The standouts deserve individual evaluation. Bulk items can be lot-sold later.

4. Get at least two dealer offers

A 20–40% spread between dealer offers on the same item is normal. Don't accept the first offer.

5. Decide on minimums before talking

Write down — on paper, before any call — the minimum you'd accept for each major item. Don't share the number; use it to decide whether to sell or walk.

What dealers will say

• “I'll take everything off your hands today” — usually undervalues standouts.
• “I'll do you a favor on this batch” — usually means below-market on standouts.
• “Most of this is worth almost nothing” — sometimes true, sometimes a negotiating position.

A reputable dealer will be transparent about which items are standouts and which are bulk. A less-reputable dealer will discourage individual evaluation.