Think That Using an eBay Listing for Pricing Your Antiques Makes Sense? Think Again.
Article by Adam Zimmerman, Estate & Antique Expert
07.09.2025
If you’re using eBay to value your antiques — or just trying to navigate what inherited items are actually worth — this is the post you need to read. I’ll show you the real way to find what your treasures are worth and why most people get it painfully wrong.
Every week, I speak with people overwhelmed by the stuff they’ve inherited: family collections, porcelain figurines, art, silver, crystal, and more. They all ask the same thing:
“How do I even know what this is worth?”
For many, the first instinct is to hop on eBay and check prices there. And don’t get me wrong: eBay is incredibly helpful. But only if you know how to use it properly.
And that’s where so many people go wrong. To explain why, I’ll walk you through a true story. It will save you time, emotional energy, and maybe even a costly mistake.
Romeo, Juliet, and an Overabundance of Asking Prices
A client called me asking about a Lladro “Romeo and Juliet” porcelain sculpture — a beautiful, classic piece. She’d seen wildly different prices online. One seller was asking $250. Another had it up for $1,300. A third? Just $175.
Her head was spinning.
“Adam,” she said. “Which one is right?”
So I showed her the only method I trust when using eBay to research antique values. It’s what I use for clients every day … and you can use it, too.
But first, let’s discuss why eBay can be so misleading.
How Most People Get It Wrong on eBay
When you type in your item on eBay and hit “search,” you’ll see dozens of listings. Some have astronomical asking prices. Some seem like a bargain.
But here’s the blunt reality: what people are asking for doesn’t matter.
An asking price on eBay (or any similar auction site) is not the same as what an antique piece is worth. It’s just what someone hopes they’ll get. And in the world of antiques, hope rarely equals reality.
That’s where eBay’s “Advanced Search” comes in.
Most Common Silver Coins
Adam's Simple eBay Strategy for Real Antique Values
Here’s exactly what to do (I even walked through it in the video here):
- Go to eBay’s homepage and search for your item as usual.
- Look for the “Advanced” link next to the search bar and click it.
- Scroll down and check “Sold Listings.”
- Click “Search” again.
Now you’ll only see items that actually sold. That’s important information. But we’re not done yet.
Even in the sold listings, there are traps. If you see that someone accepted a “Best Offer” or if there was only one bid, don’t trust that number. That’s not a reflection of true demand.
Instead, look for items with multiple bids.
Why? Because when something has 12 bids, it means twelve people actively competed for it. That gives us a much more accurate picture of its true market value.
Back to our Lladro sculpture: most of the listings my client saw were full of inflated asking prices and suspicious, single-bid sales.
But then we found it: one listing that sold for $207.50, with 12 bids. That’s a number we could trust. That’s the number that mattered.
Don't Forget to Include Shipping
Another important tip: when calculating the final value of an item, don’t forget the shipping costs.
It might seem small, but for delicate or oversized antiques, it adds up quickly. If you’re planning to sell — or just want to estimate what your piece might yield — this number has to be considered.
You might be thinking, “This feels like a lot of work for one figurine.”
But when you’re responsible for an entire estate — or just trying to make smart decisions about your family heirlooms — understanding value is power.
It helps you:
- Avoid getting scammed or underpaid.
- Decide what’s worth selling vs. donating.
- Let go of sentimental items with confidence, because you know the facts.
Let’s be honest-this isn’t just about the objects. It’s about preserving the stories behind them, while protecting yourself from being overwhelmed.
You're Not Alone in This
If this still feels like a lot to take in, that’s okay. I’ve been doing this for over 25 years, and even professionals get tripped up by eBay listings.
That’s why I created the Antique Help® YouTube channel. I want you to feel empowered and informed, not frustrated or lost. Whether it’s a Lladro, a silver tea set, or that mystery item in your attic: there’s a right way to discover its true value. And I’m here to help.
Catch a Longer Video on This Topic Here:
Then:
Watch more helpful videos on the Antique Help® YouTube Channel here: Antique Help® YouTube Channel
Reach out directly if you’d like a second opinion or some expert guidance. I’m always happy to help you look up your items or do a professional consultation. Just go here
And if you want to learn even more about how to make sense of antiques-so you can make some cents-check out my book: check out my book
