Tony Walsham said:
John.
Some things do actually increase in value.
An unsteamed NIB Aster Big Boy (2nd run) has an asking price of around US$18,000 including special packing and shipping from the UK.
Any money it sells before too long, they are that rare.
Right.
Used track is selling for Much more than I used to buy it new for.
I wish I knew where I could buy stuff on my wish list for 25 cents on the dollar much less 10 cents on the dollar.
Charles Ro Sold Aristo Alcos for years for $100 With Free Shipping.
Now you rarely can get a used one for that price.
And when you can, the Alco is worn and worse for wear.
It has non working sound, or smoke, with missing horns , wipers or windshields.
Heck ever Bachmann Used rolling stock sells for more that I used to buy it for New.
This year I put up Several on my Mint older Lionel (Brass Track stuff) and LGB Stuff on craigslist.
I had no problem getting what I paid for them new.
I did have to set the stuff up for people to show then that it all worked well and that did take some time.
Everything was cleaned and lubed so it was good to go.
The time I spent let them know that they were getting something that worked and also let them know that there are people who enjoy the hobby and are willing to share their knowledge.
I don’t just enjoy running and collecting trains I also enjoy talking about them too.
Selling stuff and getting a better price takes time and effort.
I know for a fact that my buddy who used to have a train store would have to spend a lot of time with some of his customers.
On bigger ticket items some guys would stop in a dozen times before pulling the trigger.
Sure he made the sale, but he had it work for it.
I would like to think that 1 out of 2 people who bought stuff from me are going to stay in the hobby.
And that is how we can keep the hobby alive.
Did I make money on the deal?
No, I did not.
If I invested the money pretty much anywhere else, I would have seen a monetary gain on the investment.
But I did not expect to get a monetary gain on my investment.
I did expect to have some cool stuff that I wanted, and I enjoyed it while I had it.
My return of investment was pleasure.
I have friends who enjoy bowling and golf.
They Rarely if ever get anything back when they get rid of their stuff, Not to mention what they pay for green fees or lane time.
Heck, look at how many guys spend their time and money in bars.
That money is gone and never coming back.
So even if we get 25% back when were are done with our stuff, was it a bad deal?
Were we not entertained.
Talk to guys who are into boats and see what they spend.
They will all tell you that a boat is just a hole in the water that you just put money into.
They do it because they love it.
And any guy who thinks that love is free never bought a woman a diamond.
I will admit that whenever I buy anything hobby related, weather its for my El Camino , Old motorcycles or Trains I always try to get the most band for the buck.
With the trains, it means going to Raritan Center to get my stuff from train shows or Ebay or craigs list or blow out sales from Train World or Charles Ro.
I also check out what an item has Sold for on ebay to get a ballpark estimate on what people are willing to pay.
The way I see it is, If you can’t be bothered to shop around to buy at the best price and you wind up over paying you should not complain when you loose your shirt when you sell.
Most of the people who buy used are are trying to buy smart, It is not their fault if the seller bought Dumb.
