Many people want more modern designs and it does exist in old glassware. The 1940's and 1950's saw the surge in more plain lines and modern looks opposed to lace like, floral, overly decorated and more. I personally love Manhattan glassware. The circular pattern is no fuss and cool. It was produced by Anchor Hocking for a short 5 years.
Collecting old pieces is possible for modern taste and it's more affordable than new and it will likely hold up better anyways!
Westmoreland Glass still has followers but, they are willing to pay for more rare colored novelty pieces like cat plates. The collectors are sparse and the prices are 75% less than 15+ years ago. Compotes and candlesticks are a dime a dozen.
Floral china trays, gold edged sugar bowls, faded gold or floral teapots and bowls are all mostly worth nothing. Ten years ago Bavarian and Limoge marks fetched $50 and up. In mint condition at an antique shop you would be lucky to get $20.00. Prosperous antique dealers won't even buy this stuff anymore. They can't move it.
Random pieces like a sugar bowl without a creamer is worth nothing. Take the best offer you get as again collectors are so sparse. There are not many people searching for a missing piece like 20 years ago.
I remember about 15-20 years ago Fiesta Ware had a cult following. People would buy up random pieces at top dollar. These people are gone. I was recently at two shops and their Fiesta prices were less than $10.00. Maybe young people see it as Bon Ton sells it new so why buy old?
When you have a sale you must realize from the start that even if some glass is worth more it will be resold by a dealer shopping your sale. If you want to clean out and make some money then price to sell. I hate to tell you this but, most average households will not have pieces worth more than $100.00. If your parent was a serious antique collector, an executive with prized sterling or crystal pieces, antique pottery collector, purchased and was handed down crystal like Waterford, Baccarat or fine bone china then get a reputable appraiser or auctioneer. Notice I say reputable. Interview these people. Their specialty might be auctioning old cars! Or they are a hobby antique collector who thinks they collect antiques but, really does not understand the principles of true antiques. A pyrex bowl from the 1950's is not an antique. Well known reputable auctioneers have collectors and dealers watching their pages. They will get the crowd you need to make money.
Keep in mind your garage sale is not Ebay. You don't have buyers from around the world. If you think that is how it should play out then set up an Ebay account. It is a lot of work, fees and nonsense with shipping and buyers. You likely will not sell many pieces first round and it will be a slow pace. Taking pictures, uploading and answering questions becomes a full time job real fast.
I have talked about pontil marks on bottles or glass in previous posts. This could be another clue your glassware might be older and or more valuable than you think. Pontil marks are from glass blowing. They were seen up until the 1850's. Here is a link to learn more. https://sha.org/bottle/index.htm
Unfortunately sherbet/dessert cups which you see a lot are likely going to get a $1 or $2 tag. You are going to need a lot of these low price tags for Grandma's glassware.
Basic clear glass dessert plates, water glasses, egg plates, luncheon sets and more can be bought at the $1 Store. Shoppers are not going to give you more.
Practical cooking pieces will still get $5 or more. In fact a garage sale I attended this weekend told me the early birds wanted Pyrex. People still love the mixing bowls and casserole dishes. We of course could go further into cooking. I will give one brief tip. Early All Clad and copper pans still hold excellent value. Do your research. These are examples of high end products and not mass produced stuff like Pyrex sold at the Five and Dime. However you will have to advertise to get chefs and gourmets at your door.
Many people collected Hummell's, Cherished Teddys and Precious Moments. These are worth nothing. I know a person who closed her parents gift shop and could not get $5.00 for Hummell's that once sold for $50.00 or more. I just checked Ebay and of course there are people listing "rare" pieces for over $100.00 but most won't sell or go for $10.00.
If you have glass ware, China from around the 1950's or earlier that is wildlife or sporting related then research it. This genre is still hot in many places. Christmas patterns not commonly seen can also fetch a decent price and also patterns still collected and newly purchased like Lenox, Spode and more.
I hope you have a successful sale and get the most money for yourself or parents needs. Do a little research to help yourself out. Most things will be nominal prices but, if priced right the volume will make the most money for you. Advertise using name brands and good descriptions. Get collectors and dealers fired up!
Also it's worth filling up the laundry sink with mild soap and giving some better pieces a quick bath. Dirt, must and mold turns a lot of average lookers off.
