Getting out of the Hobby, Looking for some Advice

**EhindsVCS** · 10-21-2016 10:36

I've found myself without the time to continue pursuing this hobby anymore, and am looking for advice in selling off what I do have. I have about 30 to 40 models, bombers, two seaters, and scouts, some from nexus and some from ares, all used but in decent condition. I also have the rules and accessories pack, and a couple damage decks. Firstly, does anyone have any recommendations on what would be the easiest way to sell them? I don't mind breaking them up a bit, but don't want to part them all out individually. Secondly, I don't have any of the original boxes they came in, does anyone have any advice as to how to go about shipping them? I've thought about a box full of packing peanuts, but I want to be sure that would be safe enough as I don't want any of the models to get damaged in transit, does anyone have any experience with this type of shipping?

**Willi Von Klugermann** · 10-21-2016 10:45

I suspect you will have to sell off piecemeal. Peanuts and bubble wrap work well if you don't have original boxes.

**Nightbomber** · 10-21-2016 10:54

A hard plastic organizer bought in a Home & Garden store filled with some paper or cloths would do.

**clipper1801** · 10-21-2016 11:01

I use layers of small size bubble wrap for free models, boxed ones seem to ship in the boxes fine. Boxes of rules etc need to be filled with something to keep the bits from shifting and marring the cards etc. I have been liquidating collections this year and have found making small groups of common planes works well. There is still some interest in buying old models on the site, DH-2's and SE5's are the big item, the rest are rather thin. Let me know if I can help, I often buy collections and find new people looking to get started and make them some good deals . . . always trying to keep the game rolling, or rather flying . . . : )

**Tokhuah** · 10-21-2016 15:03

In the past I used Plano boxes lined with:

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Self Stick Wrap

The material is sticky enough on one side to adhere to plastic or cardboard. You just need to cut pieces to size. My method is to cut a strip and adhere it to the bottom, another for each section and then form the material into the sections (it will end up rounding the corners), then a single large piece for the inside of the lid. If it would be helpful I have at least one set up and empty that I can take a photo of and post.

I think the same process would work for individual models and the right sized box.

**EhindsVCS** · 10-21-2016 16:15

Thanks for all the input guys. I was certainly thinking of breaking them up into groups of between 5 and 10 and trying to sell them that way. Would Evilbay be the best way?

**clipper1801** · 10-21-2016 16:19

I have no experience with them other than as a buyer . . . Mrs Clipper thinks I should have a huge presence on the sellers' side! Not sure what she means . . .

**milcoll73** · 10-21-2016 16:21

Originally Posted by EhindsVCS

Thanks for all the input guys. I was certainly thinking of breaking them up into groups of between 5 and 10 and trying to sell them that way. Would Evilbay be the best way?

probably but singles sell better than groups. you sometimes see groups do well if the have a number of very desirable aircraft but is still almost never what wouldve been realized had they been sold separately.

**Tokhuah** · 10-21-2016 17:16

I buy and sell on ebay and Bartertown. Make sure you are really solid on your shipping costs and where you are willing to ship. Do not offer free shipping unless your starting bid is high enough to cover the cost. I am going to really drill into shipping... It is important to clearly state the different costs, for example: shipping to US: $2, Canada: $3, Europe/Australia: $4 (these are not real amounts, just place holders). I never sell to South America, Africa, and certain other areas due to inconsistent quality control around mail systems. You may also want to consider combined shipping options... Are you going to purchase boxes, shipping tape, padding, etc? You need to spread that expense out among the items you are selling as a sunk cost. That is all on shipping for now, except to reinforce that this is the area that ebay newbs totally sink their battleship by underestimating the actual cost of sending things.

The lads are correct about selling lots. It is more of a hassle to sell piecemeal but you will see much higher returns. Start doing your research by using the "watch" feature on ebay. The important thing to look for is selling price, not asking price. You will find some sellers overvalue items and just let them sit there to catch an unsuspecting ebayer in their trap. You should only be interested in what people are actually getting right now unless you want to sit on never-ending storefront auctions. Your rare, iconic, and eye catching planes should sell. the time to form sale lots is after you have exhausted 2-3 attempts at selling items individually and are essentially dumping the rest for a nominal payout.

And then there is shipping...

**clipper1801** · 10-21-2016 20:43

Yikes! I guess I will stick to the "For Sale or Trade" thread . . .

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 10-22-2016 06:16

Got to agree with Scott on this one. If I ship out shirts I always maker a loss. The Post Office seems to change the rates almost Monthly, or debate the size of the package.
Sending abroad is just a nightmare.
Rob.

**tikkifriend** · 10-22-2016 07:44

Put them up on the Drome and see what response you get. have you a list of your planes ?

**Brutal2One** · 10-22-2016 09:00

I have gotten a couple planes without the box shipped to me, they wrapped the plane in bubble wrap and both arrived with broken props. I would say find a small jewelry box and ship in cotton.

**LS650** · 10-22-2016 10:05

I'd definitely post here first. Anything that doesn't sell here, then try selling off as a lot on eBay before parting it out.

**Tokhuah** · 10-22-2016 11:21

I am mostly retired from selling on eBay, preferring to deal on Aerodrome, Boardgamegeek, or Bartertown as it is less infused with "contractual" stressors and more about negotiating with a community.

Interesting timing on this thread as I just received a lot of old Wings of War minis from an online deal and I will post the WWI portion on this site. At this point in my life I would rather sell at a lower amount to get the planes into the loving hands of someone in this community over the collectors market on eBay.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 10-22-2016 12:50

Well said Scott.

Rob.

**flash** · 10-23-2016 02:06

Originally Posted by EhindsVCS

Thanks for all the input guys. I was certainly thinking of breaking them up into groups of between 5 and 10 and trying to sell them that way. Would Evilbay be the best way?

Have a look here first Elijah, see what's on the chaps' wanted lists, you may be able to help each other out.

**BobP** · 10-23-2016 16:14

Since you have older planes (NEXUS&ARES) I am sure there will be people wanting what you have. If you have any conventions where you live you may want to get a flea market table.
The other way, other than on line, might be to go to a flea market and see what happens.

**EhindsVCS** · 10-23-2016 18:50

Thanks for all the great advice. I'll have to save my posting for when I actually get a chance to head back home from college, but I appreciate all the input.

**Hedeby** · 10-24-2016 03:50

If anyone is in a similar position - I have kept (i don't know why) every box for to 70+ miniatures I have purchased - so if anyone is in need of a few let me know and I can see if we have a match...

**Eris Lobo** · 10-31-2016 21:56

Originally Posted by clipper1801

There is still some interest in buying old models on the site, DH-2's and SE5's are the big item, the rest are rather thin.

Really? DH.2's? A friend of mine recently traded a DH.2 for a relatively low price, and I've got a spare one myself -- but I'd practically give my eye teeth for an SE5.

[EDIT: To clarify, "spare" doesn't mean I'm using my DH.2 as a doorstop or the like. I meant I was able to acquire four DH.2's for a decent price (the set of three plus an additional one). Until official FE2b (my favorite WWI aircraft) models are released, DH.2's are the best proxies I've found. However, I have never found even one S.E.5 being offered for a decent price, so getting one is still a Holy Grail for me. If somebody with a "spare" S.E.5 is willing to work out a trade deal that includes one of my DH2's, however, I'd definitely be interested.

]