Ebay is a wondeful place for modeller...

I've bought a lot of models at ebay for great prices but I've also ended up with a bunch of old kits (that came as bundles) that I'm not sure what to make of. I'm thinking of ways of give them away to young modelers.

But I do agree that shoping at expos/shows is great. Browsing the tables is like smelling a buffet.

IMO, the deals at shows are way better, but since I rarely ever have the time to go to a show (I've been to one in the last two years), eBay is the place to go. And often, it is the place to go if you are looking for a very specific kit or aftermarket piece, or subject.

fermis

I got a few deals on E-bay some years ago, when people excepted money orders or checks. Now, I save up all my change, plus a couple bills here and there and go nuts at contest vendor tables. Often times, prices are close, if not better than E-bay, and there's no shipping, you can check out the contents right there. WAY better IMHO. Last show, I picked up the TBD, still sealed with history book for $15, however, they can be had for $5-$10 (w/o book) all day long. Many bagged kits too, I got Accumins (2 of em) P-51b for $5 each, everything there 'cept the box, which gets pitched anyway.

Oh, I so agree. The last show I got a Tamiya 232 for $8 sealed,  a Hasegawa 1/48 Jack for $5, a sealed Tony for 15, a sealed Val for $16 and a Tamiya M-8 for $10. No way I could have got those on ebay for those prices. And like you said, no shipping.

I got a few deals on E-bay some years ago, when people excepted money orders or checks. Now, I save up all my change, plus a couple bills here and there and go nuts at contest vendor tables. Often times, prices are close, if not better than E-bay, and there's no shipping, you can check out the contents right there. WAY better IMHO. Last show, I picked up the TBD, still sealed with history book for $15, however, they can be had for $5-$10 (w/o book) all day long. Many bagged kits too, I got Accumins (2 of em) P-51b for $5 each, everything there 'cept the box, which gets pitched anyway.

the Baron

Occasionally I'll see someone who puts up, say, the Monogram TBD kit, on eBay, and it'll be priced many tens of dollars, as a "rare" kit, but then I'll see a dozen such kits come back on a search, disproving his point.

Or call it "rare" because it was popped in 1975, yet the kit is still in production today for half the price using the same 1975 molds.  I guess the small printed numbers 1,9,7, and 5 on the box is worth twice the money.

Phil_H

... Though the Macross prices are driven by collectors not modellers. 

That's a good point, and fortunately, kit collectors--real kit collectors, not those of us who buy kits we intend to build but never get to -- don't seem to have too much of an effect on the second hand market for kits, generally.  Occasionally I'll see someone who puts up, say, the Monogram TBD kit, on eBay, and it'll be priced many tens of dollars, as a "rare" kit, but then I'll see a dozen such kits come back on a search, disproving his point.  But most subjects by most makers can be had for relatively reasonable prices, with a little bit of searching, some experience at bidding, and a little bit of luck, too.

Best regards,

Brad

Medicman71

Ohhhhh now i'm jealous. I want a Valkyrie. I want several really. Lol. Nice score.

The Super Valk's aren't bad but they pale in comparison to the newer Hasegawa kits. Still, not bad for nostalgia value if you can get them cheap.

I was just looking at the prices of some of the Macross stuff on Ebay and my head is still spinning.... LOL

  Though the Macross prices are driven by collectors not modellers. 

Wish I'd bought more of it way back when...

iraqiwildman

Some times I find it hard to find anything on there because 10,000 items will come up for a search. What kind of tips can you offer to find the bargains?

If you know what you're looking for, you can create searches specifically for those items.  For example, I've got searches defined for specific aircraft, eg, a P-40 search, a P-51 search, others to search by manufacturer, such as Monogram, Accurate Miniatures, Revell, and so on.  You can also configure the search to look in specific categories, such as Toys & Hobbies>Models>Aircraft..

I also bookmark specific sellers, if I find that I have bid on their auctions frequently enough, or that they routinely carry things I want.

I have about 20 or so saved searches, and maybe the same number of saved sellers.  I generally check some of those searches daily, such as one that I have for toy soldiers.

One thing to watch for, though, is when eBay's developers reach the end of their short attention spans and they change functionality.  That can affect how the searches work, and you may have to maintain your searches, to get them to work the way you want, under the new conditions.  But it's a minor nuisance, and it's part and parcel of our modern IT world.

Hope that helps!

Ohhhhh now i'm jealous. I want a Valkyrie. I want several really. Lol. Nice score.

Guys, I got my ebay item...

-Revell 1/72 Ju-290 A-7

-Zvezda 1/35 T-80UD Russian Main Battle Tank

-Macross 1/72 VF-1A Super Valkyrie

-Academy 1/72 Super Etenard (no box)

All for only $36.. Haha...  I think Macross and Ju-290 are the most value for money.. Plenty of parts and detail, can't believe the seller clear it so cheaply. The plane can be built into a 390mm long monster.

Revell Ju-290 A-7 monster plane.. Look at the amount of detail ,parts it contains.

Zvezda T-80UD

Macross , another beauty at $6.50only.. I saw it at online shop selling at least $30.

Super Etenard

Yeah I got into a bidding war and lost. I was trying to get a 1/48 S-3 Viking. Still looking. I have found some other cool stuff on there though.

I love ebay. I too save 40-50% in most cases. I try to be strict and not get into a bidding war, but paid a bit more for one of my last wins, but I'm still satisfied.

Also search for different variations on what you're looking for. I.E. if you're searching for a B-17, also search for b17, "b 17" etc., cause some sellers don't know exactly how to title their item.  I've found some good deals because the seller misspelled the title for an item and nobody bid on it cause they searched for the exact spelling.  Also don't forget to narrow down the categories.  I don't think you want to see vitamin B 17 when searching for a model of the B-17

iraqiwildman

Some times I find it hard to find anything on there because 10,000 items will come up for a search. What kind of tips can you offer to find the bargains?

Surf ebay often..

The 2 bargains I got were just listed and at a very attractive prices. I quickly click the buy button to snap it up...

Watch for stuff then ends late at night is one good way to shop.I'd watch outfor those with high shipping. Buying from china naturally means higher shipping,and also much longer shipping times. There have been a few very attractive lots selling lately. I take it you are looking in models and kits? Refine your search to scale such 1/35 th scale armor. Once you've got it narrowed down to what you are looking for,add that to your favorite search in "my e-bay" and you should be good to go!! Hope this helps a little.

Some times I find it hard to find anything on there because 10,000 items will come up for a search. What kind of tips can you offer to find the bargains?

I've found it to be a very good source, too, with all of the caveats, of course.  I've gotten more than half of my stash off eBay, too, plus many of the toy soldier castings that I collect and paint.

HawkeyeHobbies

It can be as long as you don't get sucked into a bidding war. Its also important to read the fine print regarding the details of the sale...especially shipping.

I've both sold and purchased on eBay without issue and will continue to do so.

No issue.. Auction already close and we live nearby and I meeting him for collections.

Spending little yet still able to enjoy my hobby is one of the best things to happen.

It can be as long as you don't get sucked into a bidding war. Its also important to read the fine print regarding the details of the sale...especially shipping.

I've both sold and purchased on eBay without issue and will continue to do so.