I could use a 'Blue Book of Used Tool Prices'

[lago]

They have them for vehicles, firearms, and some collectible tools. What I ‘may’ need is a guideline for pricing power and hand tools.

My ex-SIL called me and she has a close friend whose husband passed away. He apparently was a woodworker and she has to dispose of his tools. She has asked for my advice on how to dispose of his tools. At this time, I have no idea of what he had. She tried to describe some to me and it was apparent she had no idea what she was talking about. She lives in a small town in south Texas and I don’t think she would get my buyers if she has an estate sale.

When my dad passed away several years ago, we had someone come in and gave us approximate selling prices on the dishes and furniture. She charged $100 and it was definitely worth it. We probably would have given the stuff away at a lot lower price.

Does anyone have any suggestions that I can pass on to her?

Ken

[crokett]

She should find some of his woodworking buddies if possible to come in and give her the advice. Hard to price tools if you don't know the condition of them.

She could also go online to CL, Ebay, etc and see what similar tools in similar condition are selling for.

[cabinetman]

You might suggest to her to take pictures if possible and email them to you. You may be able to help her, or post them for further help.
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[ironhat]

<snip>When my dad passed away several years ago, we had someone come in and gave us approximate selling prices on the dishes and furniture. She charged $100 and it was definitely worth it. We probably would have given the stuff away at a lot lower price.
Ken

How did you locate this person? What would you look under? Auctioners? Antique specialists?

[natausch]

I second the idea of having her take pictures of the items.

Condition and accessories play a huge part in the value of a tool.

If it's a substantial collection, then an auction is probably the best way to go, even if it involves moving them offsite and paying a fee.

The worst idea, at least in my opinion, is listing them on Craigslist. How fun does dealing with a mob of rude idiots sound while trying to grieve?

Also, having someone else (auction company) handle the details makes it more impersonnal. Having someone tell you that a tool your late husband loved is a pile of crap is also not a good thing to deal with.

Take it from me, I've been in the process of trying to buy a fairly small amount of items out of a larger estate shop, for about two months, and buying tools from grieving family members is something best described as less than fun.

[master53yoda]

My aunt had a similar situation when here husband died. I had her go to two cabinet shops in town and pay each one for a couple hours of their time to help here price everything and it worked well for her.

Just a thought

[cabinetman]

My aunt had a similar situation when here husband died. I had her go to two cabinet shops in town and pay each one for a couple hours of their time to help here price everything and it worked well for her.

Just a thought

That's a good thought as long as the opinions come from those that can identify valuable tools. Like hand planes for instance. Some can be very cheap, while others could be collectors items and very valuable.
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[lago]

How did you locate this person? What would you look under? Auctioners? Antique specialists?

The person was someone that my brother knew about from helping others do an Estate sale. He also has a friend that has a cabinet shop and knowing how many people my brother knows, he probably has some more contacts.

I have already requested pictures but not sure when I will get them.

Ken