Selling stuff on ebay

[Guest]

Hi all, there's been a few questions about what happens to models once they're built-display them, sell them or hide them away! Plus the question of selling built models has cropped up a few times too.

So I watched a built model on ebay to see what price it would go for. Not the most exhaustive or scientific way to get some information I know, but it's proved interesting! I've attached the link to show what I mean.

TAMIYA GERMAN TIGER TANK 1/35 SCALE BUILT on eBay (end time 07-Dec-09 20:58:15 GMT)

Now, I don't mean any disrespect to the guy who's sold this model. But I do think that if you're prepared to attempt to sell stuff of your own making, then you've got to be prepared to accept some comments.

I personally feel that although the Tiger is a clean build, it's not really that good-there are far better examples in our gallery! For instance:

The tracks look untouched & straight from the box.

There's no wash applied as far as I can see or much weathering at all.

The decals are silvery

The commander figure isn't bad but he shouldn't wear a forage cap.

Am I being too hard on the seller? And should a few of you chaps get your stuff on there & make a bob or two!

Patrick

[Guest]

Hi Patrick

Well the guys an entrepreneur so I take my hat off to him really, especially that he's made 300+ sales with 100% positive feedback. He must be doing something right with the models, even if the decals are silvering. Who would buy pre-built models? God only knows but obviously there is a small market for them (maybe budget film producers that like putting fireworks in their exhaust ports!).

I wouldn't even attempt this venture cos at the rate and quality I build models, my annual salary would be ten bob at most!

Talking of Entrepreneurs, have you seen Sir Richard Branson's SS2? Now that's got a few more fireworks pushed up it's tailpipe! (I wonder if Revell with bring out a 1:32 of that....?)

Chris

[Guest]

No I'm not knocking him for what he's doing-god knows if I could find someone to buy my stuff, I'd bite their arm off! Perhaps that's why they look like they do, he's truning them out quick & unlike me, he doesn't spend a week mulling over what colours to use on his tracks! Lots of people sell on there, with plenty of buyers-perhaps some get displayed?

That SS2 is a piece of work-more to the point, will there be a scratchcard with a seat as the prize? That would be worth a £ of my money!

Patrick

[spanner570]

Hi PatrickWell the guys an entrepreneur so I take my hat off to him really, especially that he's made 300+ sales with 100% positive feedback. He must be doing something right with the models, even if the decals are silvering. Who would buy pre-built models? God only knows but obviously there is a small market for them (maybe budget film producers that like putting fireworks in their exhaust ports!).

I wouldn't even attempt this venture cos at the rate and quality I build models, my annual salary would be ten bob at most!

Talking of Entrepreneurs, have you seen Sir Richard Branson's SS2? Now that's got a few more fireworks pushed up it's tailpipe! (I wonder if Revell with bring out a 1:32 of that....?)

OOPS!!! I have to hold my hands up here, Chris. I'm one who has bought a cheap built one...Reason being, I wanted one for my 'Typhoon Aftermath' diorama I posted on here recently.

As it was to be wrecked, I didn't want to spend big wonga, make and paint the thing only to have it hit by a rocket from a tiffy!

Can I be excused, sir?!

Ron

[Guest]

Alright lads.

I'd agree that the Tiger does look somewhat "dry" as if fresh off the factory floor. Yeah, little weathering has gone into it but hey, people seem willing to buy it. It's like in my job as a teacher here in Moscow; we have some non qualified teachers who are honestly useless but there's such a huge demand in the market for native English speakers that the Russians are willing to part top dollar for them. This modeller has obviously realised that he can charge over the odds for a kit but since he's recommended a demand, hat off to him.

Patrick, Chris and Ron, imagine with your sheer masterpieces what you could make if you could sell yours. I' sold my Kubelwagen dio recently to a Russian with more money than sense.

Paul

[Guest]

Well Ron Sir, you are excused my friend for I hadn't thought of that scenario. That seems a pretty good reason to purchase a cheap tank and have it wrecked. I'de be crying if I put hours of effort in, only to melt it with a lighter...

Your right Paul, it's all about supply, demand, being in the right place at the right time. I hope your doing well in Moscow mate.

Heh, I think we should all start trawling the bay of fleas to see what's the competition, if fact we should all go into business, what do you reckon guys?

Chris

[Guest]

Alright Chris, all is well here in Moscow although it's -10 and slowly getting up to our knees in snow... and dirt Just missing the festive spirit in build up to X-mas - the Russians' is in January - Orthodox Christmas and it means nothing for them. Oh well, my parents are sending out crackers and mince pies .. and hopefully some Bisto if they haven't forgotten

I think the business idea is a lucrative one. For example, not many people model here in Moscow but there are plenty of well-off Russians willing to pay over the odds for a already-built model. I think i mentioned something like this in my earlier days as a member. I'm in the process of setting up a website in Russian to advertise my services. I'll get you guys on board too when i'm up and running. You'd get twice as much from the Russians as from anyone back home. But i'd be so worried about shipping a model over here as they'd get manhandled in the post - plus Russian boarder control basically open up most parcels and prod around. I'll keep you posted about this.

Paul

[Guest]

So what are your Russian oligarchs into Paul-German stuff or Soviet stuff? I can hear Ron rummaging around in his loft for kits that he's made from years ago! -10 below? Jesus but that's cold! And the winter hasn't really started yet, so well done you for putting up with it!Patrick

[jspitza]

I've read that the single biggest issue with commercial building is the shipping. Its very risky and can damage a very good reputation. There are lots of really cheap kits nowadays so if your FAST enough, I think you could do it. But companies like the former 21st Century toys ect only charge around $25.00-$35.00for a really nice 1/32 warbird. If your really good, commission builds are the way to go!

[Guest]

Alright Patrick, the Russkie Oligarchs are pterry much into anything however many do like their Soviet stuff. And yeah, -10 is still a walk in the sun here. They reckon in January we'll hit -30. That's when it's better to stay indoors

Yeah, i think commission builds are fefinately the way to go. I spoke to a guy from promodeller on a blog about shipping overseas. The modeller packs the model into several finished parts, has it sent to a fellow modeller abroad, he then puts it together then takes it by special courrier to the customer. That way there's less rick of carnage. But posting and packaging this way would cost the earth. But if people are willing to pay, then so much better for us

[Guest]

Well I work for a shipping company, so although that doesn't guarentee the item gets there undamaged (only God is that powerful!), it does mean I have access to more shipping routes than most. I sometimes take models to show friends around the country & I've found that (with tanks at least) removing the turret & using old bubblewrap works really well. Of course, I'm not a guy working in a warehouse, slinging the parcels around!

Patrick