Orchids of Hawaii R-7 Bamboo Mug - Collecting Tiki

T TikiTacky Member Joined: Nov 23, 2010 Posts: 1319	T TikiTacky Posted posted on Wed, Jul 9, 2014 8:27 AM There are three factors that contribute to the value of a mug: Condition Desirability Rarity Desirability beats out the others, and I think in a lot of cases the desirability of a mug is a result of a feedback loop based on the "Average price" listed on Ooga-Mooga. The higher the price the more people are willing to pay for it—sometimes well above average—and the price goes higher. Tiki Bob mugs are always on eBay, as are Suffering Bastards, but they'll bring $100—$200 each. The desirability is higher because of the association with a restaurant, but it doesn't explain the prices. I've found quite a few mugs that aren't listed on Ooga-Mooga, or only have one or two other listings. But their rarity has actually helped to diminish their "value" because there aren't any prices listed on OM. The good news is, it means you can sometimes make a great find for a good deal. And that's what I think you've got—a great find that no one else values because there aren't prices listed for it. The desirability on it is going to be lowered somewhat because of the imagery and the lack of association with a restaurant, but I believe from a collector standpoint that mug is a winner. OOH was the biggest mug manufacturer, and had an important place in tiki culture. Nice! "You can't eat real Polynesian food. It's the most horrible junk I've ever tasted." —Trader Vic Bergeron [ Edited by: TikiTacky 2014-07-09 08:28 ]

There are three factors that contribute to the value of a mug:

Condition
Desirability
Rarity

Desirability beats out the others, and I think in a lot of cases the desirability of a mug is a result of a feedback loop based on the "Average price" listed on Ooga-Mooga. The higher the price the more people are willing to pay for it—sometimes well above average—and the price goes higher. Tiki Bob mugs are always on eBay, as are Suffering Bastards, but they'll bring $100—$200 each. The desirability is higher because of the association with a restaurant, but it doesn't explain the prices.

I've found quite a few mugs that aren't listed on Ooga-Mooga, or only have one or two other listings. But their rarity has actually helped to diminish their "value" because there aren't any prices listed on OM. The good news is, it means you can sometimes make a great find for a good deal. And that's what I think you've got—a great find that no one else values because there aren't prices listed for it. The desirability on it is going to be lowered somewhat because of the imagery and the lack of association with a restaurant, but I believe from a collector standpoint that mug is a winner. OOH was the biggest mug manufacturer, and had an important place in tiki culture.

Nice!

"You can't eat real Polynesian food. It's the most horrible junk I've ever tasted." —Trader Vic Bergeron

[ Edited by: TikiTacky 2014-07-09 08:28 ]

Post #722034 by TikiTacky on Wed, Jul 9, 2014 8:27 AM