A friend has asked me to help his mom sell her Depression Glass collection. We have a book that identifies and gives values for them. We've tried auctioning a few pieces but no luck. They want to set the minimum price as the one listed in the books. I think they should try for lower and hope for better.

Can anyone tell me what percentage of the suggested value would be a good starting place? I don't want to let them down but what they are expecting is a bit much.

I suggest E-bay and star the price at 50-75% of the listed price. It will go higher.

Some pieces of Depression glass are worth more than others depending on pattern, condition and color.

Price guides are purely that - guides - and should not be used to determine the true value of an item. Prices fluctuate depending on the part of the country and supply and demand.

I have sold antiques for many years and my goal is to SELL - not to sit on something because a price guide has it listed at an outrageous price. I use guides to give me a general idea what something is worth and usually price it at half.

Remember, the goal is to sell the items, not pack them away.

Hope this helps.