What's the model market like for selling at the moment?

[FunBusMk2]

I've posted on here before about my late Father's collection of 205 model buses which I inherited. They continue to be sat in boxes, in the loft. About 95% of them are boxed, unopened and in some cases still cellophane wrapped. They range from 1950's to early 2000's.

About a year ago, I considered selling them but was advised to hold off as the model market wasn't up to much - is it any better now? I'll be approaching model auctioneers but always appreciate the advise I get on here.

Thanks in advance.

[NismoGT]

Are they 1:76 scale buses?

[FunBusMk2]

Yes, pretty much all of them. Manufacturers are mostly EFE and Corgi - there is no doubt others I can't recall.

[NismoGT]

FunBusMk2 said:

Yes, pretty much all of them. Manufacturers are mostly EFE and Corgi - there is no doubt others I can't recall.

Creative Master Northcord and Britbus are the two big others in 1:76 scale.

All 4 are very good. Market is not good for them at the moment. I visited a toy fair today and bought a few for 1/2 of the RRP.

I'd say there is no harm in getting a valuation for them all.

Try these guys if you wish. They will buy anything 1:76/OO Gauge related. Fair prices too.

https://railsofsheffield.com/default.aspx

[Chrisw666]

The general market for collectable toys has never really died, rare stuff will fly at auction and bog standard stuff will struggle to sell for a few £ at a car boot sale.

Buses are something I've never really liked and know little about, but the best place to get anywhere near their true value would be through a specialist toy auctioneer or a toy sale at a big auction house.

[LamboFan]

Unfortunately, since eBay and the Internet, the market has fallen through the floor. Of course you are going to get the odd one or two that someone somewhere will pay silly money for, but the chances of making any significant money on 'general' models just isn't going to happen.

I've got 100+ Matchbox models that I've been trying to get rid of on eBay and haven't sold any of them and they always get posted with a starting bid of 1p and free delivery - yes I know, can't even give them away!!!!

If you can't beat them, join them... I buy all my models from eBay now, apart from the odd one direct from Corgi. So apart from the latter, I never pay over the RRP for any of my models now. As a buyer, just be patient and don't always go for the first one you see on eBay, 'watch' several and see which one is not being bid on and if your lucky in the last few seconds you can get some fantastic bargains. I recently bought a model that I have been waiting to get now for over 2 years, my patience paid off in the end as I got a BNIB (Brand new in box for those who don'y use eBay) model at less than half price Result!

Of course as a seller the climate is not good for you

[FunBusMk2]

LamboFan said:

but the chances of making any significant money on 'general' models just isn't going to happen.

Don't worry, I know I'll not be retiring on the proceeds. Hopefully I'll get a tenner or so.

[FunBusMk2]

Just thought I'd share that I'm very, very close to agreeing the sale of the whole collection - Rails of Sheffield have made a good offer which I'm re-negotiating when I choose 3 models I'm keeping. I feel it would be a shame not to keep at least something.

[NismoGT]

FunBusMk2 said:

Just thought I'd share that I'm very, very close to agreeing the sale of the whole collection - Rails of Sheffield have made a good offer which I'm re-negotiating when I choose 3 models I'm keeping. I feel it would be a shame not to keep at least something.

That's good news. ROS always offer a fair price. I will be keeping an eye on their ebay listings for these buses.

I'm sure your late father would be happy you are keeping a few for sentimental value.

[falkster]

Looking at how much, everything I want, on eBay goes for I would suggest the market is good.
I look at the modelling market as I do the classic car market. The people that tend to buy either wont be affected by the recession.