Guest Author - Kim O´Shea
Many people are fascinated by medical matters. The proof of this is the number of popular television shows with a medical theme. Online auctions are no exception.
All things medical are very hot on eBay. Check out the completed listings and take note of the number of items sold and the number of bids each received. A lot of these items are very high value and they attract a great deal of attention.
Antique medicine bottles seem to be the most popular items with or without the cork. Other interesting things include antique poison warning labels, apothecary scales and surgical instruments.
The better the condition, the higher the bids and the more interest attracted. Descriptions should be to the point and any provenance included. Very clear, close up photographs are also important so that potential bidders can get a good idea of the condition of the item.
Medical and surgical paraphernalia sells better if the original cases or holders are included but impressive sales can still be achieved without these.
Bidding frenzies are common as the collectors fight over the rarest items. To facilitate this, the ten day auction listing format is the best way to go although the buy it now items do sell they do not seem to do as well as their auction counterparts. The auctions are also far more exciting to watch as the bids mount.
A little knowledge is necessary but you do not have to be an expert to make a nice bit of cash. Take the time to read through item descriptions. This will give you quite a bit of information and show you where to start. If you see an item you think might sell well at auction there are thousands of websites packed with the knowledge to help you make that decision.
EBay completed listings should be your first stop for information as you will find almost everything you need here. Libraries, specialist antique fairs and even your local antiques dealer are all important sources of help and education.
The more you learn the better chance you have of finding a way to make a decent return on your items by knowing what will sell well and what will not. The secret of success is a quick turnaround of your items as these means your capital will not be tied up in stock.
Medical items can be a very lucrative niche market so get out there and start looking for anything old from the world of medicine. The profit you make will be an excellent tonic.
Just what the doctor ordered!
