Hi everyone, With hard days coming, I'm thinking of selling a pretty cool train to found my "last" needs. The question is : Is it worthy or not? My train is a BNSF grain train wit those nice 5161 cu. Hoppers. - FVM ES44DC (DCC) swoosh logo - KATO C44-9w (DCC + operating ditch lights) swoosh logo - 12-14 imrc trinity 5161cu. Hoppers swoosh logo (all different numbers from first run) - 3 exactrail trinity 5161cu. Hoppers swoosh logo Do you have any idea of the right price for this kind of train? Depending on the average price, I'd probably sell it first on TB. Thanks for your comments . Seb Envoyé de mon SM-G970F en utilisant Tapatalk
I would start by determining each item retail price then following retail practices I would discount each item by 10 or 15% for used. I would list the whole train for the price determined. But some folks may be just interested in the locos so I would have a price for them and a price for the lot of cars as separate items.
It's worth exactly what someone else is willing to pay...no more, no less. A close friend passed recently and I've been helping his wife get ready to sell his collection, but it's hard to determine what something is worth. Some are worth more, some less, depending on the original demand and current interest. In the end, price it with a price that you would be willing to pay if you were to replace it. You can always lower the price if it is too high, and if the buyer thinks they got a deal because the price was too low, then that's a bonus for him.
I don't know if this would sell better as a lot. I find myself leaning toward John's suggestion of breaking it into a couple, possibly three. The two engines each alone, the the cars as a group. Is it all (unused) "new"? Or has some use?
IMHO selling it as individual items would probably sell faster. Item 1> FVM ES44DC (DCC) swoosh logo Item 2> KATO C44-9w (DCC + operating ditch lights) swoosh logo Item 3> 12-14 imrc trinity 5161cu. Hoppers swoosh logo (all different numbers from first run) Item 4> 3 exactrail trinity 5161cu. Hoppers swoosh logo If a person whats the complete train they can buy all 4 items. .
If you hunt around on eBay to find similar items, be certain to scroll down to find the "Show only" filters and check "Sold Items". ("Completed Items" will automatically check when you click "Sold Items") By doing this, you'll eliminate the great many overpriced items that never sold and get a more accurate notion of what your stuff is worth.
I'd submit that the items you're looking to sell are in relatively high demand (unlike, say, certain items associated with "Reader's Digest" ) so prices closer to MSRP seem reasonable. Over on that "Internet Auction Community" the Trinity covered hoppers sell pretty well, for example.
I also agree that separate would sell better.....I would list them exactly the way you listed them here, as 4 lots. Nothing you have is "special" like a Kato Passenger set, so breaking them up makes sense. As noted, they are worth what someone is willing to pay.....I recently purchased a FVM 1935 Hiawatha set (loco and 6 cars, plus 2 additional coaches) for $350, which is about what they were retail, but I see now there are 2 sets on the auction site, one for $765 and one for $799........doesn't mean they'll get it, but I see them at those prices and higher and they normally sell. It's a box set and it's no longer made, so the price goes up.
In addition, you can, if you like, make a "Buy It All" price as a complete lot. Maybe some discount and/or you pay shipping as an incentive. Now people have a choice to buy by the Item or the entire Lot and save a little.
Guys, Thanks for your comments. So smaller lots sound easier to sell. I guess I should just have a try Envoyé de mon SM-G970F en utilisant Tapatalk
Don't forget that you can try here in "Swap Meet" first. eBay charges over 12 percent now, and that fee is on the final price AND the shipping AND the Sales Tax that they collect!
When you list them, you can always put a note in the comments that this is part of a complete train.........it gives the buyer a chance to get the whole train if they want. It's more about what people can afford......they may have $200 for an engine or a group of cars, they may not have $800-1000 for a "complete train".
Can't click "Like" on this one. Their fees are way too much. Twelve point nine percent, (12.9%), plus thirty cents. It is no wonder that people charge such prices on their offerings, trying to cover being whacked by onerous fees.
Then there're the new income tax consequences too, where eBay is now required to issue an IRS Form 1099-K to all Sellers who receive $600 or more in sales in the tax year.
And as you know we don't have a Hate Button. Or an "Expletive Deleted" button... I am seeing higher prices on eBay as well. There are a couple of sellers in particular (no naming names) that have much lower discounts on items than previously.
I believe PayPal as well. And your bank must report transactions above that amount. Insert the Beatles song "Tax Man" here......
I have noticed that several of my favorite sellers have quit listing on EBay, but I thought it was because of the 'new' categories (as in the elimination of the scale categories). I have just about stopped buying rolling stock now, not because I have hundreds more cars than I will EVER run, but because the price of postage is out of hand. $10 shipping on a $10 car is just a little too crazy for me to swallow. It's also the same think that is keeping me from cutting down on my collection of rolling stock. The money I would get for the amount of hassle...dealing with the occasional flake and PITA, having to box everything, and now shipping costs...it just isn't worth it to me.
USPS quietly jacked up their rates on July 12th. That is four increases in less than twelve months. Their smallest Priority Flat Rate box is now $9.45. I find myself recalling when it was under five bucks.