Recommendation for selling train equipment

[null_null981707818502]

I have sadly had to dismantle my late fathers train collection and I do not know where to start with selling all the trains, carriages, corgi vehicles etc.

I could list it on ebay but I don't know if anything is of value or what to even ask for the items.

Should I sell individually or as a group lot.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Chrissaf]

I was looking through my latest copy of BRM magazine that came through the letterbox yesterday. There must have been at least three or four full page advert spreads of auction houses that specialise in selling model railway collections. I would buy a mag and look for yourself, it is a small investment to pay for the information you require.

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[atom3624]

Very sorry for your sad loss.

You are most welcome on this forum, of course.

 

Chris is vastly experienced here, hence his position as a CM.

 

I would however perform some research into the specific models which are available, their condition, and if they still have their original boxes - all of these are very important and you may have several 'gems' within the collection, which could be 'conveniently overlooked' selling on as a bulk collection.

 

Just my £0.03 (inflation!).

 

Al.

[Yelrow]

Have a look at Ellis Clark trains. They buy collections. You will of course get nothing like you would on ebay, but it would give you at least a valuation. There is no compulsion to accept.

[Ducking Giraffe]

Although ebay+paypal costs soak up around 16% of the total value including postage, I wouldn't be too worried about asking "the wrong amount" .

 

If it's too low i.e. starting at 99p, then bargain hunters will pile in and raise the price to its "correct" ie maximum value price. Indeed , there is a philosophy that says start at 99p, and bargain hunters will get carried away and will bid past what they would or should normally pay.

Starting too high and the item wont sell, nothing lost.

As always, for the best result ebay "selling rules" apply: 

KNOW YOUR PRODUCT

Describe accurately to avoid any returns

Take loads of IN FOCUS pictures on white from every angle

Write as much as you can - it  helps!

[LCDR]

Remember that condition is important, as too is whether the original packaging is still available. Dirty, damaged and non-working items will severly reduce what you will realise at auction whether on-line or live, and in extreme cases will be unsaleable. 

 

A few of the rarer items in good condition and in original box will undoubtedly command a good price. A boxfull of common stuff heaped one on top of each other will be disappointing.

 

Shops like Hattons sell pre-owned railway locos and rolling stock and you could browse their website to see what they are asking. Divide their prices by at least two to get an idea of what you might get.

[GWR 14xx Tank]

Click here for another forum post related to selling model railway items. This may give you an idea of other options there are, particularly my response involving selling items at a local Model Railway Shop.

 

14xx Tank