It's hard to look back sometimes and realize that you own some models that are over 10 years old.
During my time collecting I've had my ups and downs. But as my collection has grown over time, I have become more dependent on eBay or other sources to find those "hard to find" collectibles.
This weekend was no different as an eBay seller was selling an entire collection including some Pan Am DC-8's (these have been a nightmare to acquire).
My biggest hassle has always been the "RARE" or "Limited Edition" and while I agree most of these planes are "rare" or "limited release" this never justifies the hysteria that goes online when planes are offered for auction at astronomical prices. Mostly due to collectors who hold sentimental value at a premium.
Look I get it, we all need to make money. But latching on to a brand or specific livery to inflate the prices to unbelievable proportions is just unfair to those collectors who are looking for a value when purchasing a plane.
As many of you know, I have been getting more and more into Pan Am. And as some of you are aware Pan Am models are at a premium. Models ranging from 747's to DC-8's and 707's. This weekend I got to my limit (and even passed this limit) when purchasing a 1:200 scale Pan Am model. And while I won't say the price I spent, it was substantially more than what I am willing to part with for a die-cast model.
What sometimes leaves me confused or ticked off is the fact that one collector will sell a model for a reasonable price, and others from sellers in China or Europe will sell the same model for an unbelievably high mark-up. So then we hit the dilemma we've all had.
"Should I sell this for a price I know will sell? Or should I mark this up to what other sellers sell at so I can make some extra cash?"
I don't blame anyone who's been in that situation, but please remember that when all is said and done, these are all die cast planes with amazing liveries. A piece of metal with decals should not be selling for 400-500 or even 1,000 US Dollars.
Some prices are so astronomical that I have settled on the fact I will never purchase those models.
While I'm not pointing the finger to anyone or attempting to change the world. All I'm asking is make it fair? I would never sell a model for more than what I paid, anyone's who's in this hobby to make money taking advantage of the "Supply and demand" model, then you are the reason I wrote this rant.
Don't add value to something from nothing. I understand that's how money works, but this is die-cast collecting. We are all here to collect, meet amazing people and have fun while collecting...
I hope all of you have many years of collecting and finding all of the planes you've searched for.
As for me? I'll keep searching for my Pan Am fleet until it's done...
During my time collecting I've had my ups and downs. But as my collection has grown over time, I have become more dependent on eBay or other sources to find those "hard to find" collectibles.
This weekend was no different as an eBay seller was selling an entire collection including some Pan Am DC-8's (these have been a nightmare to acquire).
My biggest hassle has always been the "RARE" or "Limited Edition" and while I agree most of these planes are "rare" or "limited release" this never justifies the hysteria that goes online when planes are offered for auction at astronomical prices. Mostly due to collectors who hold sentimental value at a premium.
Look I get it, we all need to make money. But latching on to a brand or specific livery to inflate the prices to unbelievable proportions is just unfair to those collectors who are looking for a value when purchasing a plane.
As many of you know, I have been getting more and more into Pan Am. And as some of you are aware Pan Am models are at a premium. Models ranging from 747's to DC-8's and 707's. This weekend I got to my limit (and even passed this limit) when purchasing a 1:200 scale Pan Am model. And while I won't say the price I spent, it was substantially more than what I am willing to part with for a die-cast model.
What sometimes leaves me confused or ticked off is the fact that one collector will sell a model for a reasonable price, and others from sellers in China or Europe will sell the same model for an unbelievably high mark-up. So then we hit the dilemma we've all had.
"Should I sell this for a price I know will sell? Or should I mark this up to what other sellers sell at so I can make some extra cash?"
I don't blame anyone who's been in that situation, but please remember that when all is said and done, these are all die cast planes with amazing liveries. A piece of metal with decals should not be selling for 400-500 or even 1,000 US Dollars.
Some prices are so astronomical that I have settled on the fact I will never purchase those models.
While I'm not pointing the finger to anyone or attempting to change the world. All I'm asking is make it fair? I would never sell a model for more than what I paid, anyone's who's in this hobby to make money taking advantage of the "Supply and demand" model, then you are the reason I wrote this rant.
Don't add value to something from nothing. I understand that's how money works, but this is die-cast collecting. We are all here to collect, meet amazing people and have fun while collecting...
I hope all of you have many years of collecting and finding all of the planes you've searched for.
As for me? I'll keep searching for my Pan Am fleet until it's done...
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