Question
Hi - long time lurker here. I am always amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this discussion forum. I wonder if someone could please help me? The climate for pricing on eBay has changed drastically since I started selling 5 years ago (and am returning after a long hiatus).
Springbok: I found four 100 piece Springbok puzzles today, all still sealed. Boxes in very good condition although plastic wrap is dusty!
Zebra Pals 300PZL 1069 copyright 1972
"Jumper" Children's Jigsaw Puzzle PZL 1060
Peter Pan and Wendy copyright 1973
Underwater Fantasy PZL1053
Should I list separately or together? In researching these particular items I cannot find any new/closed listings so does anyone have a recommendation of starting bid? Any idea if these are sleepers or not?
Mattel: I also found a complete set of the Mattel Sizzler Chopcycle with the original box. In it are two excellent condition cycles and all the track, instruction book, original rubber bands, etc. I only see chopcycles up for auction in completed or current -- is it better to separate out the cycles, or sell the complete set??
Thanks in advance for your help!
Answer
Hmmm....
Springbok puzzles eh? Let's see....
http://home.att.net/~mike_helland/more-resources.html
http://members.cox.net/springboks/price-guide.html
And treat these sites like the Wizard of Oz... follow the yellow brick road...
their links... and have fun.
In general, the only Springboks that sell are the older, round or hexagon puzzles, and the ones with 500 pieces. The square and rectangles are what you see most of and they are virtually worthless.
Springboks do not have 500 pieces or 1000 pieces, the box says 'about 1000 pieces'. Meaning you can not sell them just by saying that you counted the pieces and all 1000 are there. You need to either put them together or count and state this puzzle has 998 pieces.
Kind of nice to have someone point out the stepping stones, eh?
Dennis
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Dennis: I disagree ... some folks are still collectors and looking for older puzzles regardless of them being square/rectangular.
Still sealed is much better than open, lemme tell ya.
I'd give 'em a try separately and see how it goes.
Springbok puzzles are the cadillac of puzzles in my opinion.
Meehbee PuzzleGoddess will happen by and give her opinion.
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My DD just sold one (springbok) on ebay for $151.89 so someone is buying.
There was a bidding war at the end.
Answer
Originally Posted by Weehawken Auctions
Zebra Pals 300PZL 1069 copyright 1972
"Jumper" Children's Jigsaw Puzzle PZL 1060
Peter Pan and Wendy copyright 1973
Underwater Fantasy PZL1053
1069 PZL Zebra Pals * *
asterisks denote that I don't have the puzzle and don't even have a picture
Is it in an 8X11 or 6.75 x 9.5 box? I need a picture real bad!!!!
I do have at least the picture of Jumper, but not the puzzle. I think it is an 8x11 which means older and better.
Is your Peter Pan 1133 or 1080? I only have pictures of them, regardless. I think it's probably 1080, since you said Peter Pan AND WENDY, and the other one is the pirate ship. 1080 is an 8x11, I think?
Underwater Fantasy is a SQUARE childrens, and I am lucky to have that one. Very nice collectibles, those square childrens.
You must definitely list these puzzles, and please provide a link to the auction! In my opinion, they EACH qualify as rare.
Answer
Still sealed is much better than open, lemme tell ya.
Heavens! I'd never open a new, unopened and still sealed puzzle to count pieces! I was hurried getting out the door and missed the still sealed status. Definately don't open them.
And the comment about square is a general comment not drawn only to older puzzles. Obviously the older ones are more desired.
These should always be listed separately. Look the puzzles up prior to listing them. If they are rare as suggested, then don't let the present eBay buyer's market steal them. Set a price that protects value while allowing bidding to a fair price. I see too many folks loose items at $0.99 thinking the bidders will save them.
Springbok is definately a Cadillac maker of puzzles and desired.
Answer
I have listed the puzzles all separately (thanks for advice!). With values of collectibles on eBay tanking over the last few years -- I had no idea if I had winners or losers.... I looked through the Springbok links (muchly appreciated!) but mine were not listed anywhere that I could see.
Here are the links:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1 (puzzle is 16" x 16").
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1 (puzzle is 13.5 inches x 18 7/8 inches).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1 (puzzle is 13.5 inches x 18 7/8 inches).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1 (puzzle is 13.5 inches x 18 7/8 inches).
Late last night, I also decided to list the Mattel set all together rather than separate out the "chopcycles".
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MESE%3AIT&rd=1
As all items already have bidders/watchers - I guess I didn't do too badly.
Sure, we all want to make a killing on eBay finds, but in today's marketplace I am happy to make a small profit on these items over and above what I paid (and that has already happened). Everything else is gravy!
All of my knowledge must be updated to take into consideration today's prices/availability -- how I long for the old eBay days when all vintage items were top sellers! THANKS AGAIN ALL!
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I was talking about the box size.
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oops, sorry PG~
three of the boxes are same size. 2" deep, 11" long, just under 8.5 inches wide.
The underwater fantasy box is 8.25 x 8.25" and tad under 2" tall.