Collectors may wish to sell posters, however, without regard to making a return, specifically, on an investment.

Posters may be sold by advertising them directly in any of the various publications that cater to this activity, such as Movie Collector's World, Collecting Hollywood, Baby Boomer's Collectibles, Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood Collectibles or any number of publications I may have inadvertently omitted. In this activity the seller owes the buyer all the courtesies that he has expected as a buyer: reasonably prompt delivery, a right of return etc.

Posters may be consigned to an auction, if the auction house wishes to accept them. This is somewhat more risky because the seller has less control over what the poster will actually sell for. A reserve will be set. That is the lowest price that the auctioneer will actually hammer the poster sold. If the poster does not receive a bid at least at the amount of the reserve, the poster will pass. In that case the seller must usually pay the auction house something, usually 5% of the reserve or some minimum amount, for the service the auction house has provided in offering the poster during their auction. Of course, the upside of this is that the poster may be sold for more than expected. Read the contracts provided to consignors by the auction house. A commission must be paid by the seller to the auction house. This is called the seller's commission and it varies. Some auction houses have charged consignor's other charges as well. Payment from the auction house comes after the auction on lots for which the auction house has itself been paid. Posters have occasionally been known to hammer for high prices at auction and never actually sell. That's tough luck for the consignor.

Posters may be consigned to a dealer. The dealer, of course, wants to make some money from this, as he should. Details of a consignment must be worked out between the seller and the dealer. Use a reputable dealer; find out for yourself that the dealer is reputable. Sign a contract if you feel it's necessary, but at least lay out the terms of the consignment so that both the dealer and the consignor understand them explicitly. Working with a good dealer can be a very good way to sell a poster that you have without having to deal with the day-to-day inquiries of potential buyers, expenses of advertising etc. The poster may or may not sell right away, but you should have a firm idea what you will get if it does sell. Or if the price is somewhat negotiable you have better control over the deal than an auction consignment. The key to a successful dealer consignment is working with a dealer you respect and who respects you.

Posters may be sold outright to a dealer. This is often faster, but remember the dealer is in business to make money. He has an agenda in this activity as well as you do. He may already have the poster you have to sell - even multiple copies. So he may not be interested in investing in another. Or he may want a certain amount of time before paying. Selling outright to a dealer generally brings in less money than consigning, but there are times when it is desirable. Perhaps you know of something else you want to acquire which is time-sensitive and you need money.