A look at what is currently available on eBay
Sterling silver platter by Tiffany & Co, 55oz....what should I start my auction at??
The platter is 18" lengthwise.....it weighs 55oz (3lb, 7oz). It is in EXCELLENT condition. I have kept it in a dustbag, have never used it. It is perfect. Got it in 98 or 99 as a present.
Please let me know!! THANKS!!
Also, what should I expect the auction to end at??
As an experienced eBay Seller for over 10 years, I have found that with items that are guaranteed to sell, such as your platter, there is no reason to spend stupid money paying eBay's listing fees on outrageous opening bids. If you start the bidding at $9.99, you are not only saving yourself some money, you are also enticing bidders by having them think they are getting a "bargain". Hence, more people will bid on your item, and the price can only go up.
That being said, have a look at the recently completed items for Tiffany platters (they aren't as big as yours, so you can bet yours wil go for a lot more money)
http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=32&from=R40&satitle=tiffany+sterling+silver+platter&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&a31571=-24&a14=-24&a23718=-24&a44=-24&alist=a31571%2Ca14%2Ca23718%2Ca44%2Ca3801&pfmode=1&reqtype=1&gcs=1576&pfid=1960&pf_query=tiffany+sterling+silver+platter&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=75160&sabfmts=1&fis=2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=32%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
Also, you need to realize that auctions that have a "Reserve" only scare bidders away. People don't like them, and most won't bother bidding.
You can always look at it like this; it was a present, you have no money invested it the platter, and whatever it sells for is pure profit for you.
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