discussion Buying a completed model?

[Alan 45]

The other day si (eddisolo) told us of some who can't understands why he doesn't sell his completed builds and this got me thinking

Would anyone on here buy a completed build from someone or go out and get the same kit to have a crack at it themselves ?

I'd rather have a go at building the model myself than buy one already completed

 

[eddiesolo]

Good question, I have bought part builds and even a complete model, then turned it into something I wanted, rusty, damaged etc...but only due to them being cheap.

I have sold two models on Ebay, a JU-88 (the crashed and found dio) sold it for £10 and have also the plank on frame (Clarrisa-Mae dio) again for £10-made a loss on each one as it cost more in materials never mind my time-they have gone to clear space and fund other stuff. I think if you're a modeller then having a go yourself is half the fun...says he getting stressed But there are advantages to buying toys etc and then creating scenes etc.

Si

 

[peterairfix]

I agree as a modeller it defeats the object plus i get the enjoyment in making it.

Peter t

 

[Guest]

I have bought and sold, they both have advantages selling obviously but I bought a model of dozer (well a toy really ) for one of my dios as it was cheaper than buying the kit,but also if you can't find one you want for a project (I don't know maybe it's no longer made or rare as rocking horse s@@@ ) you don't really have a choice but to buy a completed one.

 

[Guest]

Why indeed Alan. But is there some one on this forum who does ?

Suppose if a collector would want a model he would frequent model making forums to try his luck.

Would take a lot, if somebody actually wanted one of my models, for me to agree to part with it. Although I suppose every one has his price especially if it bought you another one to build exactly the same plus a chunk left over.

Do not think that I would want to build models with the express idea of selling them or building them to order.

I was mad keen on filming and producing films for my satisfaction. Then took it up professionally (after 65 and retirement) and then lost all the interest that I had when producing for my satisfaction rather than producing for money. Fear the same goes with model making and the like.

Laurie

 

[Guest]

I never bought a completed kit. And I can't know if someday I will never do it...

The other part is sold them. In my chase I do, but never directly! Some times I went to the shop model and ask if the seller wants to change the completed model just for some bottles of paint. I always lose a little fortune with this business... but I'm not worried about it for me, the important is fun during the build time.

Have to say as well, I only sale some kits that don't especially like me

Anyway, no much time ago I was thinking to sold my "Secret Trip" diorama, but for the moment still at home

 

[eddiesolo]

Another point to add is that disability may come into it, it does for me. A part built model with 40% done, even badly can help me with my fingers, hands and arms and I still get enjoyment out of it.

Si

 

[Alan 45]

So apart from toys to add to a dio no one would buy someone else's work I've bought the odd toy to stick in a dio but I would much rather build one I had seen than go out and buy it

I don't sell mine as there not good enough mind you si might buy them then turn them into something special

 

[Guest]

Quote. I don't sell mine as there not good enough. You are joking right! Not good enough my a@se.

 

[Alan 45]

Quote. I don't sell mine as there not good enough. You are joking right! Not good enough my a@se.

Cheers ken I'm glad you think so I would say they are ok not brilliant but not pigs

 

[Guest]

Well some time ago i needed some space to put some new builds, i sold three of my dio's on elbay most at loss owing to the time it takes to build them, but i got the space i needed & put the money to good use ie a new kit.

John

 

[Guest]

I wouldn't buy someone else's model to have on display, mainly because other people would think it's mine & that leads to complicated explanations!

I'd buy one to use as a practice piece maybe...

Anyway, many I see on eBay are.... not great is the diplomatic opinion!

 

[spanner570]

I have no problem buying ready made kits.......providing I want to do something odd with them, similar to Si's idea of wrecking them in some way, so why buy a new kit for say £20, when the same ready made one can be had for around £5? I've done this a couple of times with 1/35 Tiger Tanks, it is totally logical to me.

If I thought I could, I would probably flog my stuff tomorrow, 'cos I just enjoy the build. I don't display them, I don't mention them to friends - tried it just once and just got a blank stare. I knew full well what he was thinking.......most of my aquaintances would think the same!

Also, as the family couldn't give a t*** for my stuff, my models would only become, and are becoming ( If not cannibalized) spider's homes!

Cheer,

Ron

 

[Guest]

Unlucky Ron or is it luck.

My two sons and son in law pick the things up and look them over as if their eyes were equipped with magnifying glasses.

Which I may say appears to be the case as I hear odd hmmmm, yes, wow, emm. What this all means I am not sure.

What I do get is ruptured rigging. So what they looked and found them interested enough to study them. Plus my 4 grandsons crowd in on their visits to see what granddad is doing. Can not beat it !

But do not think they would buy. Although one grandson always enquires if there is a possibility of me bequeathing one of my "spare" models. Can I resist ?

Laurie

 

[papa 695]

I wouldn't buy one myself but I can see why other people would. I know its hard to believe but some people don't build models, but would like a kit that means something to them like the ship they worked on or a plane they worked on or Father/grand dad flew in during the war.

 

[Guest]

It depends what you're selling, and where you try to sell it - and of course, how much you want for it.

The vast majority of kits are just 'fodder' - no matter how well built, and there's an extremely small market for any of it, if you want 'sensible' money.

I don't build models to sell - as such - but I've been offered an extremely large sum for my C Type Jaguar from a Jaguar collector. (The REAL variety).

My model isn't for sale. Even at a large amount, there's too much time and 'fun' invested to part with it.

He's now trying to twist my arm into making another for him.

If you want to sell a model, forget E Bay etc. Look at the target audience, and offer it there.

Real collectors don't even look at Ebay.

Roy.

 

[Guest]

I have to agree with Roy when it comes to selling. I got £850.00 for the Waverley on ebay and talking to a few people on another forum devoted to just model ships I could have got a lot more for her from a specialist auction, as the people there are only looking for model ships. Lesson learned and When/if I finish the sternwheeler that's where she will be going, think of the models I could buy then.