Hummel figurines are a highly collectible series of ceramic figures based on the illustrations of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. These figures normally depict children and saints. Production briefly ceased in 2008 but resumed again in 2009. Buying, selling and trading Hummels are all popular activities online, through antique and collectible stores and at collectible shows. Here's how to get started on selling your Hummel collection.
Organize your Hummels. To know what you've got to sell, it's best to start by making a list. Use one of the various websites or the Hummel website to find out information on each piece. There are also a variety of buying guides available online and in bookstores. Try to find the name and date of each piece so you can look up the price later.
Clean your Hummels. Cleaning your figurines will make them present better in person and in photos (particularly important when selling online). According to the Hummel website, you can best clean your figurine by placing it on a flat surface and covering the air hole. Take a clean shaving or makeup brush and dip it in a mixture of warm water and mild soap such as baby shampoo or dish detergent. Gently brush over the body of the figurine. Rinse the figurine carefully by taking a soft cloth dipped in tepid water to remove the soap. Allow the figurine to air dry.
Photograph each Hummel. It's best to photograph each Hummel separately, that way if you are selling online, there's no confusion as to which Hummel is for sale or whether more than one is included in the price. Try to avoid glare from the flash by shooting in natural light or by using a desk lamp as a spotlight.
Find the prices of each Hummel. Prices can vary based on age, condition and popularity of each piece. You can find links to popular Hummel pricing guides in the resource section below. You can also get a good idea of what they are selling for by visiting an auction site like eBay or an online collectibles store.
List your Hummels. If you are planning on selling online, there are many websites where you can list your Hummels for sale. These include auction websites, collector's websites and commercial buyers who will purchase them for resale. You can also find phone numbers and addresses of Hummel buyers on the various websites dedicated to buying and selling Hummels. You might even have someone local who would like to purchase them from you. Other places you can sell your Hummels include antique and collectible shows or at your local auction house.