I just found this site and hope I could get some direction. I've been out of the hobby for years and it's time to liquidate everything that's been stored. I used to model in HO, HOn30, and On30. Lots of scratchbuilt, RTR, and kits. I also have the first 3-5 years, complete I think, of Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette. What is the best way to liquidate this stuff. I can't figure out if Ebay is the best way. Sell the magazines as individuals, by the year, or as one lot? Sell the NIB RTR stuff to a train shop? Any suggestions would be helpful. My son has no interest and I have other, more expensive, hobbies for the proceeds. Thanks
Welcome aboard! Sorry to read that you're getting rid of trains! You might just watch eBay for a while. See what things go for. Get an idea or two what peaks interest, what seems to be selling, and for "X" amount. Magazines are hard to say. Guess it depends upon who is out there. Some you can't give away. Others, there's a market. BTW- Got any Maine 2 foot Quarterly? :teeth: On30 is quite popular right now. Seems to be steadily growing. There are some HOn30 fans around! Including myself. Although I'm not really looking for anything. We have our selling area, the "Yellow Forum." It's free. You could certainly give that a try. Best of luck! Boxcab E50
I would go to a LOCAL HOBBY SHOP if there is one near you. I DO NOT mean some big chain store either! A Mom/Pop operation is best. Ask if the hobby shop know of anybody that buys trains and such. Ask if there is a MODEL RAILROAD Club in the area. Scale does not matter. Club members can usually give you a couple of names to get ahold of. You can sell your items on eBay, but you have to do a lot of work to get your stuff ready, take pictures, list items, wait till auctions are over and then ship items out. But you can make some serious $ on eBay this way also! TRAINBOARD has a FOR SALE Forum also. It works well I've bought many items from it and I've sold a few items here also.
It depends on your situation. Finding a local buyer has its advantages, but you might get a little more $$$ with the exposure of the 'Net. Trainboard's Yellow Forum is a great way to start with virtually no cost involved to list your items for sale. There are some Yahoo groups that allow selling as well, and again the cost is nill. eBay is not as "hot" for train items in the summer months, so I would recommend you wait until after Labor Day if possible. (having said that, I probably will have some things on eBay soon...it's not a huge deal, but again to get top dollar you might want to wait)
32wcf, The Gazettes should sell pretty well. Try listing them individually on eBay, then anything that doesn't sell, combine them at a slightly better price. I agree with Doug, summer months tend to be slower for train sales. You also might want to attend a local train show and sell there, if you can get a table cheap enough. Pat
Just posted my stuff in the "yellow" forum Thanks all, I posted the good stuff and will probably get rid of the rest at a yard sale. I hope I priced everything fairly. Shipping will be from Oregon.
he ain't kidding, either............. You weren't kidding about the "good stuff"- I like what you've got to offer for sale. Check your PM for a inquiry from me
