Determine the Value of Comic Books when Collecting
Edited by Nerissa Avisado, Eng, Lynn, Rebecca M. and 1 other
Comic books sell and even fly off the shelves. Why are they so popular? Readers most often identify with the character, a hero, akin to them, forever in quest of a better life, a better world. There is also the pleasure and enjoyment of looking at pictured stories in vivid colors compared with reading a novel. With your mounting piles of comic books in your room, have you realized how much money you have invested already?
You may consider selling them and be overwhelmed about realizing that there is a promising return of investment in store for you, and suddenly you're in business. But where do you start? It is not just quoting a price for each item. There are ways to sell them, but you have to find and set the value first of your comic books from the collection that you have amassed. Here are ways to do that.
Why are comic books popular?
People of all ages read and enjoy comics. Find out why.
- Young kids find it simple and easy to read.
- Readers see the actions in print that are depicted sequentially as if alive.
- Teens, aside from kids, "live" the story they read.
- Serves as adults' favorite pastime.
- Comics give rise to characters most influential, even more than TV characters. That is why many stories from comics are being produced as TV show.
- Strong artwork of the artists enhance a vivid imagination of the readers.
Steps to Determine the Value of Your Comic Book
There are steps to be done to figure out how much worth are your comic books in your collection.
Grading your Comic
Two types of grading are available. Grade the comic book yourself using the criteria below:
- 1A comic book, no matter how torn it is, with a very old appearance, but that is rare is highly sought after and can fetch a great deal of money.Cover - not crumpled, not faded out, as if newly bought, hasn't bee rolled and has no curves.
- 2The staples are still there and no rust.Spine - straight, without rolling.
- 3Autographs are okay.Inside pages - no tears or rips, not faded or yellowing, no stains or marks.
- 4Coupons - if already detached decrease its value.
- 5But this can be very subjective.Overall, the comic looks new as if just came from the store.
The second type can be commissioned, like the CGC or Comics Guaranty Company, but for a fee. Send it to them or take it if there is a convention they are hosting. They tell you the grade, put a protective sleeve and seal your comic book. Both the potential buyers and collectors are assured of the true opinion on it. With a CGC graded comic books, you can set a price more than the cover price much more if it get high grades.
Checking the Price Guide
Once the grade is established, do a price guide check.
- 1Others you can get every month, others have quarterly issues. There is also an annual guide with detailed changes in comics' resale value over a period of time.Price guides are publications available for purchase.
- 2Preferred or popular and respected price guides are:
- Wizard Magazine
- Official Overstreet Price Guide
- Human Computing's ComicBase (a software program)
- 3Online price guides are also available:
- comicbookrealm.com is free
- ComicsPriceGuide.com is free and paid
- nostomania.com is free
- RarityGuide is free and paid
- GPAnalysis.com is specifically for CGC comics that they certified, paid
- 4How to Use the Price Guide
- Know the grade of your comic.
- Find out what issue you have. This is important because some comics are re-launches. Take note for older comics: writer, artist and editor. At the bottom of the page, in fine print, additional information can be seen: "Title of Comics" Volume Number_, Series No._, Month, Year.
- Get a Price Guide. Either buy or go online.
- Look for your title.
- Understand the information.
- Protect or store your comic in a safe place. Use a Mylar sleeve with comic board. It is your investment now.
Comparing Prices of Comics that are Up for Sale as Collector Items
This is your way to know how much people can go all the way to buy a rare issue to add to his collection. Visit leading auction websites and discover what people are buying and selling. You'll be amazed that there are a lot of comic fanatics getting involved in the comic area. Here are the auction sites for comparing prices:
- eBay
- ComicConnect
- Heritage Auctions
- Amazon.com
- bidStart
- Comic Link
- Hakes
- Pacific Comic Exchange Inc.
- Foo Comics
Setting Realistic Goal
You think your comic books are worth $1,000, but do you think someone will pay that amount? Consider the following in determining the value of your collection:
- 1Supply or number of copies printed, sold and not yet sold.
- 2If popular or rare, the demand will be higher.Demand.
- 3If they get it a high price, they cannot earn a reasonable profit.The buyer is also thinking of selling it.
- 4Consider to lower your price a little if you want to sell fast.
- 5You have a lot of competitors.Be at par with prices prevailing online.
- 6Be honest with the condition of your comic when selling it.
Where and How to Sell Your Comic Book Collection
- 1Test the buyer to know how much he is offering.
Tips, Tricks, Warnings
- Check Price Guides regularly. The price of old comics also fluctuate as a result of demand in the market, availability and the swooning or fading popularity to the characters, titles, the writers and even the artists.
- Record your collection to keep track of them before selling.
- Beware of so-called "lowballers" (persuasive) or "shysters" (unscrupulous) who offer low prices for what your comic is really worth.
- Negotiate face to face, and payment is available in exchange of the comic.
- Don't carry your comics casually when at conventions. If someone is interested in it, get it from your car or hotel room and have a third party around when you show it.
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
