Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Shop Talk Petroliana Forums General Petroliana Discussion Auction or individual sales?

Hi everyone. I am just thinking to the future. Dad and my hobby was gutting and then restoring (making them look nice). Our collection ranges from visibles, a few clockfaces, tall and shorter calculating pumps. We are wondering what some of you think or have experienced is the best way, (when the time comes) to go about selling pumps. Auction the whole lot all at once together, or put them in groups, try to advertise them individually? We hate to but we are going to have to downsize sometime. We would appreciate any input on what you believe is the best way to sell pumps. Thanks.

IMO - possibly sell the higher end "rarer pumps" privately

with the more "common pumps" going to auction .. ...

I have known Old Dog and his dad for many, many, years. Two of the nicest people you will ever want to meet. I have seen the collection. it is impressive.

I agree wholeheartedly with Randy. I recently had to sell my sign collection (similar but different than pumps). My only additional advice would be to start early. If you start early with the individual sales you will not feel so pressed and stressed and enjoy the process more.
Steve

A formal auction company will charge you of course, and you will have to pay taxes it is my understanding. Keep all the money and start doing it yourself! Good luck!

Thanks for the input and advise. We hate to think of having too eventually sell them, but it is going to happen someday. Thanks again guys.

I also think one thing that is rewarding is to sell some of the items to your friends. The items that they’ve always loved or wanted from your collection. It is a nice thing to do and they will remember you for it. You can’t take the pumps or money with you, do you might as well sell a few items to friends that were close to you in the hobby. I know I have a few items that will be going to friends.