discussion What to do with completed models?

[radish]

Ebay is only good for models that you are going to wreck for spare parts, as the postman will have started that job for you anyway.
Unless you want to spend stupid amounts of money on packaging the model,-------------- then the postman will always win out.

 

[stillp]

I always included in the description a statement that I would pack carefully but can't be responsible for damage during shipping. I never had a complaint although did get some feedback that minor damage had occurred (aerials, pitots, and similar).
Pete

 

[grumpa]

I always included in the description a statement that I would pack carefully but can't be responsible for damage during shipping. I never had a complaint although did get some feedback that minor damage had occurred (aerials, pitots, and similar).
Pete

I guess a disclaimer seems ok as long as the buyer has a minimum of modeling skill to make minor repairs.
I am an armor modeler and know right off the bat that externally mounted machine guns, aerials and such
wont survive the trip. Maybe they can be included unmounted with instructions for completion.
Elaborate dioramas though are a whole different kettle of fish.

Jim.

 

[Andy T]

I've never made much money, but if got the price of the kit back plus a little towards paint etc
Ebay isn't too much hassle, and if you've posted a 'Finished' thread you already have the photos. The main problem with packing is stopping the model moving around inside the box.
Pete

Damage in transit is the main thing that puts me off from trying to sell my models. I could do collection only but that would severely limit my market.

My son does sell quite a few of his Warhammer models on ebay though, with me doing the packaging for him. Luckily we've had no complaints yet, but they are more robust than you're average scale model, and certainly more so than a diorama.

 

[Bugatti Fan]

What to do with disposal of old models depends on a number of factors.
Subject matter, what they are made from, how good are they?
The more fragile a model is does not bode well for shipping. We have all seen the lengths that aircraft modellers take to protect a model when taking it to a show as a prime example. So imagine how one would need to be packed for carriage as problem number 1.
The market for made up models is quite fickle and buyers expect a well made item. And there is the paradox. I put a value on my time, but realistically buyers grossly under estimate the amount of time and skill that goes into a well made model and gasp if asked for a realistic price, but expect to pay the going hourly rate for a plumber of electrician !
Auction houses are just not interested in selling built up plastic models generally. Whereas some model maker's work becomes collectable through their reputation in their specific field.
In most cases my models get cannibalised for parts after a while when they get old and fall into disrepair.