Longaberger baskets are the most collected baskets in the baskets collectibles industry. Every basket collector immediately recognizes a Longaberger basket. These baskets have become the ubiquitous basket representing the entire basket market. Millions of basket collectors from around the world collect them and decorate their houses with them. Collectors hold basket parties where collectors gather to socialize and share their love for baskets. This love for baskets has created a very lucrative second hand market for these collectibles.

These handcrafted baskets are made out of beautiful maple hardwood. The Longaberger Company is known for their quality of workmanship. Each basket is hand woven and is a piece of art. To basket collectors the beauty of the design and materials of these baskets stands out above the rest. While each basket is recognizable as a basket handmade by The Longaberger Company, each also has a unique design setting it apart from the others. These baskets have different colors and different shapes. The secondary market for baskets is a thriving business. Thousands of baskets are auctioned online at stores like ebay. Thousands more are sold over Craigslist and USFreeads. Don’t forget the brick and mortar world. You can find great deals on used Longaberger baskets at flee markets and yard sales. You never know when you will find a valuable discontinued basket. Therefore, the value of these baskets is determined by many of the same factors as any other collectible. Look for scarce baskets. If there aren’t many models of that basket being sold today, these baskets will be of higher value. Look for quality. People want to buy baskets that are in good shape. The better the shape the more valuable. Look for autographs. Many baskets are signed by members of the Longaberger family. These signed baskets are very popular with collectors.

An antique auction is an auction where the things sold are very old. Usually, antique auctions sell things that other collectors have offered or they sell antiques that people have left behind after they died. Whatever the reason, there are many great deals to be had at an antique auction. The best thing about an antique auction is that you can get great deals on items that have endured many, many years for sometimes pennies on the dollar. Depending on how many people are participating in the auction, you could get an antique item that’s much more expensive than what you paid for it. That’s why going to every antique auction around you can really pay off.

If you, too, have items that you’d like to get rid of to make room for something else, you can even offer your items to the antique auction. If you offer it to an antique house, they will likely receive a commission for allowing your item to go up for bids. If, however, you choose to auction the item off yourself, say on an auction site, you may have to pay a small fee to include it in the listing but all profits will be yours. Depending on the item, there’s no limit to what someone will pay. Sometimes, something you see as worthless can mean thousands or more to someone else. Whether you’re a collector, a dealer or just a hobbyist, looking for that certain piece to add to your collection, try an antique auction near you. You’ll be surprised at the deals you can find and you’ll complete your set in no time. Or, if it’s you who is holding the auction, think of all the money you can make to help someone fill up their antique collection.