Selling Your Royal Doulton Collection in Canada - Expert Guide | William Cross
Selling Your Royal Doulton Collection: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you've inherited a Royal Doulton collection or are ready to part with figurines you've collected over the years, selling your pieces can seem overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process and maximize the value of your Royal Doulton figurines.
Step 1: Inventory and Identify Your Figurines
Start with a complete inventory of your collection. For each piece, record:
- HN Number: Found on the base of most figurines (e.g., HN2309)
- Title: The official name of the figurine
- Size: Measure height and note if it's a miniature version
- Condition: Any chips, cracks, repairs, or restoration
- Backstamp: The marking on the bottom indicating production period
- Original packaging: Boxes and certificates add significant value
Pro Tip: Use our Dating Your Doulton guide to help identify production periods and relative rarity.
Step 2: Research Current Market Values
Understanding market value is crucial before selling. Royal Doulton figurine values vary significantly based on:
- Rarity and production numbers
- Condition and completeness
- Current collector demand
- Regional market differences
Canadian Market Considerations: Prices in Canada can differ from UK or US markets due to import costs, currency fluctuations, and regional collecting preferences.
Where to Research Values:
- Completed eBay sales (not current listings)
- Collector price guides (updated within 2-3 years)
- Auction house results
- Professional appraisal services
Step 3: Assess Condition Honestly
Condition dramatically affects value. Royal Doulton collectors use specific terminology:
- Mint: Perfect condition, no flaws
- Near Mint: Tiny imperfections only visible under close inspection
- Excellent: Minor flaws that don't detract from display
- Very Good: Noticeable but not distracting flaws
- Good: Obvious damage but structurally sound
- Poor: Significant damage affecting integrity or appearance
Common Issues to Check For:
- Hairline cracks (often at the neck or arms)
- Chips on fingers, flowers, or delicate details
- Color fading or staining
- Previous repairs (often visible under UV light)
- Missing accessories or parts
Step 4: Choose Your Selling Method
Option 1: Sell to a Specialist Dealer (Recommended for Most Collectors)
Advantages:
- Quick, hassle-free process
- Expert evaluation and authentication
- Immediate payment
- No dealing with individual buyers
- Professional handling and insurance
What to Expect:
- Dealers typically pay 40-60% of retail value
- Higher percentages for rare or desirable pieces
- Lower percentages for common figurines
- Honest assessment of condition and marketability
Option 2: Auction Houses
Best for: High-value pieces (typically $500+ each) or significant collections
Advantages:
- Potential for highest prices on rare pieces
- Professional marketing and cataloging
- Established collector audience
Considerations:
- Commission fees (typically 25-50%)
- Reserve prices and buy-in risks
- 3-6 month process from consignment to payment
Option 3: Online Platforms (eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace)
Best for: Collectors with time and experience
Advantages:
- Direct access to end collectors
- Control over pricing and timing
- Higher profit margins possible
Challenges:
- Time-intensive process
- Risk of damage during shipping
- Dealing with returns and disputes
- Photography and listing requirements
- Platform fees and payment processing are extremely high (over 20%)
Option 4: Local Antique Shows and Collectors' Events
Best for: Networking and selling common to mid-range pieces
Considerations:
- Table rental costs
- Time commitment
- Variable foot traffic
- Cash transactions
Step 5: Prepare Your Figurines for Sale
Professional Presentation Matters:
- Clean figurines gently with soft, dry brush
- Never use water or cleaning products
- Take high-quality photographs from multiple angles
- Document any flaws clearly and honestly
- Gather any original documentation or certificates
Photography Tips:
- Use natural lighting when possible
- Show the backstamp clearly
- Include size reference (ruler or coin)
- Photograph any damage or repairs
- Take detail shots of face and costume
Step 6: Working with William Cross
Our Process:
- Initial Consultation: Contact us with photos or bring pieces for evaluation
- Professional Assessment: We examine each piece for authenticity, condition, and current market value
- Fair Offer: Receive a competitive offer based on current Canadian market conditions
- Quick Payment: Accept our offer and receive payment immediately
- Professional Handling: We handle all aspects of the transaction with care
What We Look For:
- Authentic Royal Doulton pieces (we can spot reproductions)
- Honest condition assessment
- Complete documentation when available
- Fair expectations based on current market values
We Specialize In:
- Individual figurines and complete collections
- Rare and discontinued pieces
- Character series (Dickens, Shakespeare, etc.)
- Limited editions and special colorways
- Damaged pieces (for restoration or parts)
Step 7: Maximizing Your Collection's Value
Before Selling:
- Keep pieces in original boxes when possible
- Maintain certificates of authenticity
- Store in stable, dry conditions
- Handle minimally and carefully
Timing Considerations:
- Holiday seasons often see increased demand
- New collector interest can affect specific figurine values
- Market trends can favor certain series or periods
Documentation Adds Value:
- Original purchase receipts
- Certificates of authenticity
- Royal Doulton Club membership information
- Provenance or collection history
Regional Considerations for Canadian Sellers
Canadian Market Factors:
- Import duties affect pricing for pieces coming from overseas
- Shipping costs within Canada can be significant
- Provincial sales tax implications
- Currency exchange considerations for international sales
Why Choose a Canadian Dealer:
- Understanding of local market conditions
- No international shipping complications
- Familiar with Canadian tax implications
- Support for local collecting community
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't:
- Clean figurines with water or chemicals
- Accept the first offer without research
- Sell valuable pieces individually on general marketplaces without expertise
- Ignore small chips or cracks in your assessment
- Rush the process if you have valuable pieces
Do:
- Get multiple opinions on high-value collections
- Keep detailed records of your collection
- Consider the time value of money vs. maximum price
- Work with established, reputable dealers
- Maintain realistic expectations based on current market conditions
Getting Started
Ready to sell your Royal Doulton collection? Contact William Cross for a professional, no-obligation assessment. With over 50 years of experience in the Canadian Royal Doulton market, we provide fair valuations, competitive offers, and immediate payment for collections large and small.
Contact Us:
- Phone: 647-917-1169
- Email: wmcross44@gmail.com
- In-person consultations available
- Free initial assessment
Remember: Every collection is unique, and we treat each piece with the respect and expertise it deserves. Whether you have a single inherited figurine or a lifetime collection, we're here to help you navigate the selling process with confidence.
William Cross has been serving Royal Doulton collectors across Canada for 50 years, specializing in fair valuations and honest dealings. I maintain the highest standards of authenticity and customer service.