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Sell Children's Annuals on eBay

Children’s annuals are perennial Christmas best-sellers - of thousands of each title issued each year, most are read, and few remain in collectible condition (perfect corners, no bent pages, all pages intact). Time wreaks havoc on condition of most books especially children's titles so snap up any you find in decent condition at boot sales, auction or jumble sales.

This means those that do remain intact often fetch record breaking prices on eBay. But, surprisingly, that doesn’t make it difficult to find quality vintage children’s annuals priced in pennies at boot sales and jumble sales which are highly valued collectibles on eBay.

Some amazing second-hand bargains are possible especially in the run up to Christmas when families are clearing bookshelves to make way for next year's annuals. Innocently many will also deplete their shelves of valuable vintage items. For example, avid Rupert Bear fan, Peter Blackburn told Collectibles magazine about a 1937 Rupert annual he found at a boot sale for ‘a few pence’ which is worth $4000-6,000!

On eBay you’ll find Rupert annuals high up in the final price listings but there are others which, featuring characters who are now icons in their own right, can fetch much higher prices. Examples are Bonzo Dog, Mickey Mouse, Felix the Cat.

Even somewhat damaged copies of high demand annuals are still worth buying to resell, if they’re going cheap.

When you find them, take are of them, don’t risk reducing their value before listing them on eBay.

TIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE BIG PROFITS SELLING CHILDREN’S ANNUALS ON EBAY

* Store annuals somewhere safe away from damp and out of strong sunlight which cause foxing and fading.

* Writing and scribbling in books reduces value considerably. A notation, usually in the front of books, such as indicating the book was given as a present or, with the original owner's name, is usually acceptable.

* Look for and exploit reasons a book normally worth about $10 might be worth $1,000 plus - autographs, limited editions, notable owner - a friend’s Beatles 1963 album (catalogue value $10) autographed by the group, has been valued at $2,000.

* Take a risk on annuals costing less than a dollar apiece and expect some miracle finds. Focus on pre-1950 kiddies’ annuals, such as Rupert Bear, Bonzo Dog, Desperate Dan, Mickey Mouse. There’s no saying how much these are worth in good condition, and bidding wars are frequent between just one or two collectors desperate to add another title to their collection.

* At bargain sales don’t look too enthusiastic when you find a bargain and be careful not to be spotted or you might give the game away and the seller could remove the book from sale.