Price your toy

[Big Al]

I know we have the "Authenticate your toy" page on the forum, and of course all the guides, pricing and otherwise, on Nick's home site. But what about a "Price your toy" page? In other words, one could post some photos and descriptions of an item or collection, and get the opinions of members here as to a likely value. I have a number of items that really aren't covered in any pricing guides I know of, so I think this would be hugely beneficial and interesting for all.

Alan

[RacingFreak]

+1 for that, can be very useful!

[ChFalkensteiner]

That would not be relevant for me, as the models in my collection do not have values.

Since I do not need to purchase them anymore (as I already have them), and since I will not sell them until the end of my life, I do not need to place values on them.

[Big Al]

Christian,

Unlike you, I won't be able to sell my toys after my life ends. I will be selling some before then, as I imagine many others will do, thus the request.

Alan

[Tinman]

Such threads tend to turn into a mess with every person who finds a toy(s) in an attic or estate sale coming in and asking the value on tons of nearly worthless things. I would not be in favor of such a thread or forum.

[Ewan]

I tend to use a combination of Nick's guide, completed ebay listings and a 2009 copy of Model Price Guide for pricing stuff. The later although out of date is handy as it contains a rough guide on how to value models which are not 'Mint Boxed', however it is wildly inaccurate in places and has far less detail than Nick's site on the multiple variations of each model. Due to my relative lack of knowledge and experience if another forum member expresses an interest in anything I have then I will acknowledge their superior knowledge and place the ball in their court when it comes to value, whether selling or swapping. I have yet to be disappointed - good people on here

[motorman]

I am with Christian on this one!

I place no value on my collection, I collect for the pleasure of collecting and finding that rarity that puts a smile on my face. I don't consider monetary value.

I have no intention of selling my collection while i am alive.

When i am gone i will leave that to my children to decide what they want to do with it.

Should they decide to sell my entire collection as a BIN on e bay, so be it!!

[Big Al]

Such threads tend to turn into a mess with every person who finds a toy(s) in an attic or estate sale coming in and asking the value on tons of nearly worthless things. I would not be in favor of such a thread or forum.

But if there's such a thread, what's the harm? No-one is compelled to participate if they don't want to; and there are so many kind, knowledgeable and helpful people here who would willingly help. I would, if I knew something that wasn't common knowledge (which is unlikely in my case!).

Just one difficult case for me, for instance: Try to find out what a Matchbox Switch-a-Track is worth. eBay usually returns nothing in completed listings or even regular search results. Internet search engines are not much better on the subject.

Remember, some of us are buyers too, and want to know the real value in order to acquire these great items that some of you already have. Not all of us are so fortunate. I've said it before: Sure, I need to do my due diligence and research to learn about these things. But part of that is asking those who know more, like on this forum, if they are willing to help.

Just one man's opinion.

Alan

[SMS88]

We are collectors here not valuation experts. This sort of idea can only clog the boards with folks wanting/arguing valuations and doesnt add anything to our knowledge of diecast. If folks cant figure it out for themselves with ebay completed listings or Nick´s guide prices they could pay for a professional valuation or just auction the item to find out what its really worth! Bad idea IMHO!
The value of track sets like Switch -a-track depends upon condition,box art and the cost of shipping it to potential buyers - they are often very cheap £5-20 at bootsales if not mint with boxed cars because so few want them

[Moyboy]

I agree - valuations are so flexible on a number of conditions. Mint, chipped, box or no box, rarity etc. etc. It is endless. You have to make up your own mind what you are willing to pay for a model that you want. Most I require are now are rare, therefore they fetch a premium price which will depend mainly on one thing - if I bid who else wants it and how deep are both pockets. I have seen items where I have dropped out due to the silly price going in but obviously someone wants it more than I'm prepared to pay - I'm not talking cheap here with an average of over $1000 per item. Now some here would balk at paying $10 for a model let alone $1000 + .
In this hobby you have to do a wee bit of research which isn't hard in this computer age with Ebay, Vectis, sites like Nicks etc so easy to get a reasonably balanced price in your own mind and what you are prepared to pay for the model given its condition. Even if you check Vectis back catalogues you will find huge differences in prices for the same item. as stated the site would turn into those joining who would supply an endless list of models asking for prices on them only to stick them on Ebay - that's not what we are here for, just purely the love of diecast models and what we, as individuals are prepared to pay for them.