Some rules I use:
- I keep an evolving set of terms in MatchMaker and capture my initial matches there. I currently, after more than two years, have 43 terms and phrases and receive about 80 matches a day.
- I check my MatchMaker matches every morning and quickly dispose of 97% of them. The rest I save in my eBay bidding account.
- Each morning I look at my eBay account and note what items are ending as well as what time they end. I then look on listing sites such as AddAll and ABE to see if the material is available there and if so, at what prices. I eliminate items that are common. Once I'm focused on the item I may decide to buy it but will buy the best copy for the money. In many cases a better copy is available on a listing site. I always buy the signed copy or one with a provenance if the price is within reason. I prefer copies that have a history. In building a collection, who owned a book may be a clue to where related material will be found. Collecting is cumulative so experience makes you more effective. The old guys in the book business may not be able to find their glasses but they often know where to find great material. By following the trail of related material you sometimes find great items.
An advantage of MatchMaker over a self-organized eBay account for dealers and collectors is that we answer questions and we answer them seven days a week. The eBay process is initially unfamiliar. Questions need to be asked and answered. We answer the questions and 80% of those who give MatchMaker a serious evaluation find it to be what I learned two years ago: an amazing tool.
eBay is an essential part of the collectibles market. It is also a deeply unfamiliar process. Many participants learn on their own but most big game hunters hire a guide. It saves time and brings this market quickly into focus. To try it on your own go to: www.eBay.com . To enter the world of eBay through MatchMaker [with database access and everyday support] click here to sign up or email me directly at bmckinney@americanaexchange.com and we'll get you started.
