Appraising Very Large Production Quality Pots

[mrcasey]

A local club member's poor health has forced him to give up bonsai, and we've been asked to try to sell his pots. Almost all are production grade. Examples of the smaller ones can be found on Ebay and elsewhere on the web. However, he has some really big ones that I'm having trouble pricing. Here are some of the pots and dimensions:

Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed shallow oval 28"
Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed rectangle 32"
Unmarked cream glazed shallow oval with crack running from rim to foot 30"

If the pots are used, does this detract from value?
How much do severe structural cracks detract from value?

 

[River's Edge]

A local club member's poor health has forced him to give up bonsai, and we've been asked to try to sell his pots. Almost all are production grade. Examples of the smaller ones can be found on Ebay and elsewhere on the web. However, he has some really big ones that I'm having trouble pricing. Here are some of the pots and dimensions:

Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed shallow oval 28"
Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed rectangle 32"
Unmarked cream glazed shallow oval with crack running from rim to foot 30"

If the pots are used, does this detract from value?
How much do severe structural cracks detract from value?

Some aspects that will determine local market value. I would check with more experienced individuals in your state/ region.
Are those particular sizes easily obtained or are they no longer being production made in those sizes. If they are hard to obtain or no longer in production, larger sizes can retain fair value. Depends on your market and how often they become available. The shallow oval may not be as desirable because few hobbyists have tree that will fit in very shallow containers. Those that do, the trees are usually higher quality and production pots are not the best choice for them.
What condition are the pots in? water stains, chips, uneven base etc.
They do not gain in value if they are late generation in terms of older is better at this point. ie: not antique, no patina to consider.
Structural cracks would significantly decrease the value. Some may feel they can use/repair and be prepared to pay if very reasonably priced. say 1/4 or less of original price.

 

[rockm]

A local club member's poor health has forced him to give up bonsai, and we've been asked to try to sell his pots. Almost all are production grade. Examples of the smaller ones can be found on Ebay and elsewhere on the web. However, he has some really big ones that I'm having trouble pricing. Here are some of the pots and dimensions:

Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed shallow oval 28"
Late generation mass produced Yaamaki unglazed rectangle 32"
Unmarked cream glazed shallow oval with crack running from rim to foot 30"

If the pots are used, does this detract from value?
How much do severe structural cracks detract from value?

Severe structural cracks are a deal breaker. Those cracks will get worse or end in disaster since the bigger the pot the more stress it’s under.

I have purchased pots in the 28” to 30” range. They’re hard to come by and price would depend on how hard such a container has been used. Some minor chips on edges/feet Aren’t a big deal. Once had a very large Tokoname pot (30” if I remember right). Had a substantial chunk of a chip out of one corner. Bought the pot from Chase Rosade for $300 but that was 25 years ago

Large Japanese pots are more valuable in general than large Chinese pots because they’ve become rarer these days while large Chinese pots are more common

Wigerts has probably the largest selection of big to enormous bonsai pots in the U.S. they range in price from $300 to well over $2000. They’re new pots and Wigerts ships all over the country. Worth looking to compare

XL Ceramic Pots – Wigert’s Bonsai

 

[rockm]

Pics help

 

[BrightsideB]

I agree looking at wigerts as well as EBay to figure your price. If you want to sell quickly then you’ll have to drop the price most likely around 20-30% from the competition. It’ll sell quicker. Maybe within days from my experience.

Depending on what you have. It may be wise to sell them as a group for a discount locally. Or do a consignment at a bonsai nursery (takes longer to sell).

It really depends on your goals. Sell quickly will lower profit, selling slowly maximizing profit.

Also online can be a pain without the proper infrastructure. I’ve sold and shipped over 900 pots. Pictures, proper measurements, having to pack, and then shipping. Any discrepancy or a pot cracking in transit could create an unhappy customer and a refund. Maybe also a loss from just selling in bulk locally.

But if you have the time then it could be worth it. And maybe a fun experience. Not trying to deter you but it’s a lot of work and time online.

 

[rockm]

Shipping is an issue. Wigerts was the only place I could find that shipped BIG pots. Found a few other places 500 miles out with smaller selections who wouldn’t ship.