As it turned out, most items sold for less on eBay than at live auction, a few for about the same, and a few for a bit more on eBay. The list at the right shows the eBay sales. The bold face numbers are the averages for that pattern; the numbers in the parentheses represent the number averaged and the range of prices for which the items sold (note that as at live auctions, sometimes items will get little interest--other times competition runs prices up, thus the wide range for some items). You can check the live auction sales by clicking on the pattern name.

Should you sell your glass on eBay?
That depends on whether you're willing to accept what may be a modest profit and your tollerance for hard work. As this list shows, most items bring less than what you would get if sold at live auction. Still, when you consider that you would pay an auctioneer 20 to 30 percent, eBay sales may be a good alternative.

However, in talking with people who sell frequently on eBay, success depends on a number of things. You need multiple good photos, especially ones that show the iridescence well (that's why people buy Carnival Glass), and a clear complete description, including any damage. It also helps if you have a track record as buyers tend to trust sellers who have sold many pieces on eBay and have a high feedback rating.

The big mistake
The big mistake many eBay sellers make is to start their auctions at or above the assumed value of the piece. If you've even been to a live auction, you know the auctioneer's first call will be at the assumed value, then he immediately drops it to perhaps 20 or 30 percent of that. Why? To get bidders started. Bidders are very insecure and don't want to bid if no one else has. So, by starting low, it gets bidders involved--thinking they might get something cheap. Look at some of the successful eBay sales and you'll see where the prices started and where they ended.

I've checked the starting price of many eBay Carnival Glass items and discovered that 75 to 80 percent begin at $9.99 or less, even with pieces that eventually sell for more than $1,000.