I read the following in one of my favorite collectibles forums:

"My in-laws have inherited tons of things that look to me to be collectors items or things of worth to others. She doesn't want these things and I want to try and help her get rid of some of them.  I don't want to give things that are worth money away for free ya know 'cause they don't have much money as is."

And then shortly after, I received this:

"After reading commentary re: eBay (Antique Trader 7/23/08), I wouldn't list as a beginner but I do have variable items such as pottery and furniture that I inherited and would like to sell.  Would your experienced readers have any suggestions as to where I can list items I'm interested in selling and not get 'taken'??"

I'm seeing a trend. I think in these difficult economic times, and with the Boomer and earlier generations beginning to pass on their lifetime collections, people are looking to sell some of the items they don't need or want.

So we turn to you, the Antique Trader readers for your input on safe and cost-effective places to sell, whether they are brick-and-mortar or based on the Internet.

What do you think: In your opinion, where can someone sell their pottery, furniture, collectibles — what-have-you — and not be cheated?

We would appreciate you dropping a line to robyn.austin@fwpubs.com and letting us know, or you can post a reply here on the Antique Trader blog.

Remember: We welcome your questions and commentary at any time.