New member. Selling advice wanted

[Tubby]

Hello,

I've posted these on another forum and was also directed here. I inherited a small collection of diecast models a few years ago and I am now looking to sell them so wanted some general advice please. I had intended to put these on ebay individually with whatever reserve I can judge to be sensible. Would this be the best way to go? Any other hints and tips about selling model cars would be appreciated. I've uploaded a few photos of the collection, about 50 Matchbox and some other Corgi and LLedo models. Some of the Matchbox ones in the front of the photo also have boxes in varying condition. From what I've read so far, I can expect fairly modest prices for these but I wanted to share these photos just in case anyone spots a one that I can ask a higher price for.

Cheers

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=2

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=3

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=4

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=5

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=6

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=0

http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/Tubby ... sort=3&o=1

[SMS88]

The #21 Milk float is an unusual desirable shade of green which makes it worth much more than a normal one,and probably an item most people here would like to own...........

[Tubby]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to notify the forums when I'm ready to put these up for sale.

I have to admit finding it quite fascinating reading about the history of these little cars, I saw a yellow taxi that sold for about 2000 Aus dollars because it was a rare version with grey wheels as opposed to black ones - unfortunately I don't have one of them.

[GHOSTHUNTER]

The 'Yesteryear' Bentley #Y-5 in 'Applegreen' (the larger model of the Two you have shown), should do well, these used to go for Three figure amounts, if mint in box.

GHOSTHUNTER.

[Tinman]

The #21 Milk float is an unusual desirable shade of green

Or, sun faded (which is more common).

[johnboy]

Hello Tubby, I don't know if you're an ebayer but if you sell your models on ebay there are a few tips here and perhaps others can think of some more:

1) List your items in the correct categories (eg Matchbox Regular Wheels, Matchbox Yesteryear and so on) and make sure the lot titles are accurate eg make, model, number, etc. With Matchbox models, start the title with Matchbox Lesney.
2) In the UK, Sunday evening is a favourite time for listings to end, so if your start them on a Thursday evening to run for 10 days you will generally get more exposure.
3) You're allowed 12 free photos per lot in the UK, so make sure you cover the models from all angles and ideally take the photos in natural light to capture the model colours as best as possible. Make sure that the model fills the frame and the detail and focus is nice and clear. A bland light coloured background works well and you can crop the photos to cut out anything that distracts from the main image.
4) Give honest brief descriptions and make sure any faults are pointed out. (Boxes and models).
5) Keep your p&p charges as low as you can (high postage can put people off)
6) Reserves can be counter productive and put some people off in my opinion. Starting at 99p, providing an item is listed correctly, usually means an item will sell ok and sometimes it will entice a larger number of bidders who get attracted to the item by the low starting price.
7) Don't forget that you will need to account for your ebay charges, paypal charges, packaging, etc.
8) Ideally leave the packing until the auction has closed, that way it's easy to answer any questions or provide more photos during the auction. Lastly, post the items promptly.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[Tubby]

Yes, I had intended to put them on Ebay. That's good advice thanks.

I'm going to read the individual model information on this site and try to put a couple on each week. I have some other diecast models of aircraft and some other model cars - probably about 200 items I'm guessing and there may be another bag or two in the dark recesses under the stairs when I get round to tidying up in there. I think I have enough stuff to keep me busy for a year on ebay.

[nickjones]

Hi Tubby, Welcome to the forum.
You have at least two desirable models of yesteryear, The apple metallic green Y5 bentley (the larger of the two Y5's) and the Y7 rolls royce which has a smooth roof and it would be worth selling both of them individually.
The smaller 1-75 series all appear to be fairly standard models but the 5b bus with "Players Please" decals is quite hard to find in this condition.
All of the boxed 1-75 series should be sold individually, The chipped models I would sell as a job lot,
Moyboy or YYS4BOB can tell you more on the models of yesteryears and hopefully point out anything I have missed.

[Idris]

Hello Tubby, I don't know if you're an ebayer but if you sell your models on ebay there are a few tips here and perhaps others can think of some more:...

I think it's worth using Nick's catalogue pages to work out which variation code each model is and then reporting that in the Ebay listing.

[Idris]

The #21 Milk float is an unusual desirable shade of green

Or, sun faded (which is more common).

I agree. I think it's well on its way to becoming a pale blue example.