Current Market Value-Experts assess yours, or other's collectible King item

[DoctorZaius]

Thanks for the replies. I am inclined to leave it on. From time to time I try to move the wrap around a bit to make sure there it is not sticking. Thus far that has seemed to keep it fresh. Make sense?

[needfulthings]

Depends on the buyer. To me, shrinkwrap on a recently released book would be okay. I'd remove it as soon as I bought it, though. I don't think you could get me to pay market value for a old shrinkwrapped book unless I could arrange to open it in front of the seller and guarantee I could back out of the deal once I saw whatever damage there there was caused by the wrap. I actually bought a group of Arkham books about 10 years ago and about a third of them were shrinkwrapped. From the 1970s early 80s. Most were okay, but 2 were ruined as the wrap had fused to the DJ on both.

Plus, it's easy to shrinkwrap an item. Back in the day I worked at a video store in the mall and we had a shrinkwrapping gizmo to re-wrap returned tapes. Folks would bring stuff in and we'd just shrinkwrap all sorts of stuff for free. No big deal for us. The way eBay is I would not be surprised at all to see a "new shrinkwrapped" book actually be a flawed book wrapped after-the-fact.

So to sum up...a book one person would pay a premium of $350 on, I would much rather have a well-kept open copy with no premium.

I had a shrink wrapped copy of the stand "IN MINT CONDITION" according to the seller 1st edition 1st printing. the only problem was I unwrapped the shrink wrap and someone wrote their name in the book looked like a child. it was too late to return. I bought a really good copy from Betts with no cover and now I have a perfect copy of the stand and another with someones name in it. I remove shrink wrap now.

1st CLUE THE STAND was never shrink wrapped NEW.

[Patrick]

Shrinkwrap on an old book is a liability, or it is a sham. If the general market value is over about $35, I will wait to buy an open copy instead.

Only exception is my Desp/Regu. Book set with nightlight. I like that they are still all packaged together.

[Br!an]

Shrinkwrap on an old book is a liability, or it is a sham. If the general market value is over about $35, I will wait to buy an open copy instead.

Only exception is my Desp/Regu. Book set with nightlight. I like that they are still all packaged together.

With a little effort anyone can shrinkwrap a book.

If a person is in the book scamming business it seems a necessary tool of the trade.

[TwistedNadine]

1st CLUE THE STAND was never shrink wrapped NEW.

LOL good point

Depends on the buyer. To me, shrinkwrap on a recently released book would be okay. I'd remove it as soon as I bought it, though. I don't think you could get me to pay market value for a old shrinkwrapped book unless I could arrange to open it in front of the seller and guarantee I could back out of the deal once I saw whatever damage there there was caused by the wrap. I actually bought a group of Arkham books about 10 years ago and about a third of them were shrinkwrapped. From the 1970s early 80s. Most were okay, but 2 were ruined as the wrap had fused to the DJ on both.

Plus, it's easy to shrinkwrap an item. Back in the day I worked at a video store in the mall and we had a shrinkwrapping gizmo to re-wrap returned tapes. Folks would bring stuff in and we'd just shrinkwrap all sorts of stuff for free. No big deal for us. The way eBay is I would not be surprised at all to see a "new shrinkwrapped" book actually be a flawed book wrapped after-the-fact.

Good info - thanks. I have heard there could be damage if the shrinkwrap was left on too long but this is the first time Ive heard of someone actually seeing it with their own eyes.

[dnemec]

Depends on the buyer. To me, shrinkwrap on a recently released book would be okay. I'd remove it as soon as I bought it, though. I don't think you could get me to pay market value for a old shrinkwrapped book unless I could arrange to open it in front of the seller and guarantee I could back out of the deal once I saw whatever damage there there was caused by the wrap. I actually bought a group of Arkham books about 10 years ago and about a third of them were shrinkwrapped. From the 1970s early 80s. Most were okay, but 2 were ruined as the wrap had fused to the DJ on both.

Plus, it's easy to shrinkwrap an item. Back in the day I worked at a video store in the mall and we had a shrinkwrapping gizmo to re-wrap returned tapes. Folks would bring stuff in and we'd just shrinkwrap all sorts of stuff for free. No big deal for us. The way eBay is I would not be surprised at all to see a "new shrinkwrapped" book actually be a flawed book wrapped after-the-fact.

Good info - thanks. I have heard there could be damage if the shrinkwrap was left on too long but this is the first time Ive heard of someone actually seeing it with their own eyes.

I bought my copy of The Wastelands still in the shrinkwrap. After reading this forum and The Collector's forum, I decided to remove it from all my books (that was a fun day!). While the DJ wasn't stuck to it, the shrinkwrap left the dustjacket looking dingy. I guess the best way to describe it is that it's no longer shiny, if that makes sense. I had regretted taking My Pretty Pony out of the shrinkwrap for a long time, but no more!

[WeDealInLead]

If people are keeping books in shrinkwrap to protect the books (as opposed to increasing the value), you're better off getting Brodart put on and then sealing the book in an archival comic book bag.

[subie09lega]

I bought my copy of The Wastelands still in the shrinkwrap. After reading this forum and The Collector's forum, I decided to remove it from all my books (that was a fun day!). While the DJ wasn't stuck to it, the shrinkwrap left the dustjacket looking dingy. I guess the best way to describe it is that it's no longer shiny, if that makes sense. I had regretted taking My Pretty Pony out of the shrinkwrap for a long time, but no more!

It is enjoyable to take off the shrinkwrap and look through a book. I remember when I took all mine off, I was hesitant at first but now I'm glad I did. It makes the book more interesting to see more than just the outside, there's a lot more inside the book than outside.

[Patrick]

If people are keeping books in shrinkwrap to protect the books (as opposed to increasing the value), you're better off getting Brodart put on and then sealing the book in an archival comic book bag.

Absolutely.

[Bad Penny]

To add my 2 cents worth, I recall a similar debate on another forum a year or so ago, whereby anti-shrinkwrap advocates had concerns (and physical proof, from memory) that there exists the potential for damage to occur to the book, over time, should any degree of moisture be present during the shrinkwrap process (and it only takes, apparently, a drop or two to kick start condensation)

[Jimimck]

For the proof/ARC collectors out there, any thoughts as to the value of the Blue covered The Dark Man ARC from CD?
Thanks

[jhanic]

Given that about 50 copies were produced, I'd price it at between $200-300. It isn't one of the King favorites (like The Stand or Shining) so that may affect the price.

John

[Jimimck]

Thanks John.

[Dan]

Did I do alright? I couldn't see the price, but it states first edition. I literally had moments to think about it before auction ended.

LINK

[jhanic]

Dan, I think you done good! It's hard to tell condition from the photos, but for $36 you can't go wrong.

John

[namelessnpoor]

I would have bought that for that price, if cleaned up and properly advertised you could probably get more than that for it. I sold one in pretty bad shape with no dustjacket on ebay and i think i got around $130 for it a few years ago.

[Tito_Villa]

I would love to have that copy!

[Dan]

Thanks! I feel much better. I'm never sure if I did good or wasted money. At this price, I wasn't afraid to gamble.

[Bad Penny]

Thanks! I feel much better. I'm never sure if I did good or wasted money. At this price, I wasn't afraid to gamble.

Way to go Dan - $36 makes it a fantastic deal in anyones language (even Australian)

[thegunslinger41]

Awww...come on! Ya gotta know that Gunsligners DO NOT HESITATE! You "1-click-bid" !!!....and always remember the face of your father!

Ok Dan...look at it this way. If item has NO bids...then maybe it's ok to hesitate and there is actually a good reason.

If the item has a few bids on it then it is definitely ok to bid a few extra bucks to win the auction.

It's a win win situation and here is why.

IF item has bids (bids = market interest)...then even if you are not satisfied with your purchase or later regret it...you can generally relist the item on ebay and be out maybe a few bucks.

NOW...if item has no bids ( NO BIDS = likely very very very low interest)....and you place a bid to win the item..then later try to resell on ebay you could be out ALOT of money. Of course this depends on market interest.

Hope this helps.

G

[carlosdetweiller]

Did I do alright? I couldn't see the price, but it states first edition. I literally had moments to think about it before auction ended.

LINK

You did just fine. I can't see the entire dust jacket but it looks to be really well preserved. The dust jacket alone could be worth over $100 or more if there are no library markings on it. If it were me I would start looking for a nicer copy (not ex-lib) that is lacking a dust jacket and combine the two.

[Dan]

Way to go Dan - $36 makes it a fantastic deal in anyones language (even Australian)

Thanks, Grant!

Awww...come on! Ya gotta know that Gunsligners DO NOT HESITATE! You "1-click-bid" !!!....and always remember the face of your father!

Ok Dan...look at it this way. If item has NO bids...then maybe it's ok to hesitate and there is actually a good reason.

If the item has a few bids on it then it is definitely ok to bid a few extra bucks to win the auction.

It's a win win situation and here is why.

IF item has bids (bids = market interest)...then even if you are not satisfied with your purchase or later regret it...you can generally relist the item on ebay and be out maybe a few bucks.

NOW...if item has no bids ( NO BIDS = likely very very very low interest)....and you place a bid to win the item..then later try to resell on ebay you could be out ALOT of money. Of course this depends on market interest.

Hope this helps.

G

Great strategy! I never considered it, but makes sense.

[Tito_Villa]

How much should i look to be paying for a nice copy of 'The Stand' 1st edition.
I'm considering selling my signed copy and using some of the proceeds to fund a 1st edition
Thanks in advance

[Ari_Racing]

How much does a TWTTK US proof usually go for?

[Dan]

I'm looking for opinions on value. I am placing under spoiler since their are lot of photos.

Spoiler:

So, my first edition Carrie, for which I paid roughly $40 shipped, has arrived. I still think I got a great deal, but want some opinions on value. Also looking for suggestions to enhance it's value. I have several photos highlighting the flaws.

The binding is very tight. Other than the library markings, there are no other markings.



Some tape stains and library marking


Another tape and stamp


Tape marking inside

First edition, also has gutter code

Library stamps

Has some lean

Looks like torn when tape was removed

Leftover tape residue

Should I try to remove this?

Another small tear

Overall dust jacket