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Value of Second-Hand Engines and Rolling Stock
William asks readers:
“How much are second-hand engines and cars worth in HO? I have 17 engines and 88 cars and was wondering how best to sell them and how much I could ask for them? Does anyone have any experience selling used model train?”
5 Responses to Value of Second-Hand Engines and Rolling Stock
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Best option is eBay. Look for your models listed there. Then select the option to sell one like it. And list your items. Or, you could just list your items snd start the bidding at .99. Let the market dictate your value.
Of course, something is only worth what someone else is prepared to pay for it. A dealer who is prepared to take the collection as a job lot is more convenient than trying to sell individual items yourself but they need to factor in a profit margin so will always offer a lower price than they believe that it’ll be worth to them.
The suggestion above to use eBay is a good one – you can search for the item then select ‘sold items’ to see the prices recently achieved for similar items.
Ultimately, the value is based on many variables – condition, whether boxed, running performance, desirability, rarity and so on so your only real remedy is to try dealers or eBay and see how you get on.
I agree with Tom here. Try eBay.
As an Ebay seller and model train collector, I use Ebay as my price guide. As a buyer, it’s always a risk buying used trains, cause they may need restoration, and that takes time and money. When I sell trains of Ebay, I make sure of the actual condition so that buyers know what they are getting. The newest Dcc & Sound equipment can be the hardest to service, if it’s needed. Many model locomotives have cracked “cheap” plastic gears, and that’s a real problem when buying or selling. Many people won’t want the hassle of listing and selling on Ebay, (it’s a lot of work). It’s up to you, you’ll get more for your stuff on Ebay, but be prepared to pay taxes etc. Or just sell your stuff at the local train shows, your call.
I buy – and sell – on ebay. The problem of getting what you think is fair value for your stuff is the cost of shipping and, of course, ebay’s fees. The amount I (and I think any buyer) am willing to pay for a brand new item cannot be more than roughly 2/3 of the retail price minus the cost of shipping and taxes. I don’t give or expect to get any guarantee from individuals. Ebay will support a request for a return only if the item is not as described. For an item that is other than new in the original packaging, I generally won’t more pay more than 25 to 50 percent of retail for a new item minus shipping and taxes.
In other words the most I would expect to get for a “like new” item that had a retail price when new of $40.00 would be $14.00, assuming shipping of $6.00. At the low end, for the same item in obviously used condition I would list that same item at $4.00. and I might not get that much.
A new car becomes a used car as soon as you drive it off the dealership’s lot. Same thing.