Steiff Bears

[Bears4u]

I am in the process of desparately trying to sell numerous steiff bears - both yellow and white labels in mint condition. I have not compiled a list yet but they all have their boxes and authentic certificates

Was wondering if you could advise as to how to go about selling them - other than ebay.

[Steffi]

Hi

I have been trying to think of a way of you being able to rehome your bears without it costing you too much. Which ever route I thought of there are some costs involved. You could try an auction house eg Vectis or Christies as they have dedicated teddy auctions from time to time, however there are commissions to be paid and no guarantee that the bears will reach their true potential (a bit like Ebay). There is, I guess, the possibility of setting yourself up a few web pages, there are still free hosting packages to be had, you could then direct potential buyers by advertising in the teddy bear mags for starters. That however may restrict your market somewhat. Some bear fair organisers are willing to have manufactured bears at their fairs, I was talking to someone yesterday who deals mostly in older bears, certainly not always new ones and he was telling me that he goes to toy fairs. I have tried that in the past but apathy certainly seems to rule at many of them. In addition a lot of toy fairs in our area seem to be geared towards diecast and trains so frequented by more men on the whole. Not sure whereabouts in the UK you are but if you choose to go down that route fairs are often listed in the Collectors' Gazette. Certainly tables at toy fairs tend to be less expensive than bear fairs.

If I think of any more ways I will let you know.

Good Luck, Steffi