Maritime items are hot sellers on eBay with many listings attracting bidding wars. From diving suits to shark teeth these items are selling like hot cakes.

If you decide to specialise in these lucrative items here are a few tips to help you on your way.

Before you list your item think about possible buyers. Many pubs and hotels use items like these as part of their interior design. A quick search through their website photos will let you know if they are potential buyers. If you have high value items to list you could send a letter or email to the business address letting them know what you are selling. Send these out as soon as soon as your listing is live including links to the items.

Try to find out as much as possible about the provenance of the items. Include this in your description. Buyers are more likely to bid if they know where the item came from especially if the item has some important historical connection.

If your item has relevance to a particular area make sure that you list the item in this region. Check the cost of delivering the item and whether any duty will be payable if bought in another country. Include these details in your listing so that your buyers will not get any unpleasant surprises.

If you are selling items from shipwrecks make sure you have permission to sell these. Some countries prohibit the sale of historical artefacts so check before you list.

For high value items you should consider insuring the goods while in transit. At the very least you should send the goods by registered post or courier so that the buyer will have to sign for them on receipt.

If you visit car boot sales or local auctions near coastal villages you may be able to buy items at bargain prices. Glass fishing floats sell well as do ships bells or paintings with a nautical flavour.

Ships’ lanterns are another good seller as they have wide appeal. If they are in good working order state this as this will add to their value as functional items and increase their potential to sell to private as well as commercial buyers.

Many people are fascinated by the sea and most people have some sea related items in their homes - paintings of seascapes or nautical ornaments like shells, miniature ships wheels, replica ships’ clocks etc. Maritime items are well worth a look.


For further reading on buying and selling collectibles I recommend the following book which is available to buy now from Amazon.