What to do, Ah! What to do.
It's A Cold Hard Fact!!
I read many times about folks trying to find out what their models are worth. Here's a solution that works for me. I don't worry about it. When I am gone(I am approaching 80) then they will be donated to the V.A. Rectreational Dept in San Antonio. What's left will go to my Son, Actually for models he will what goes where. To bring pleasure and hopefully fun to those men and women. When I build a model Ship, I find who would like it and give it to them. Same with model Cars, Planes and Armor. Their value to me is the fun of building and having many hours of enjoyment that is still cheaper than a Movie ticket in this crazy world!
Their real worth? Well, what is a pile of plastic worth at the recycle center worth these days? That's the truth of it. Many will wind up there eventually. When folks pass, those left maybe won't want that model. They will either give it away or throw it away. That's a fact! Point is, models are a commodity, a fleeting one that is enjoyed by many, But mainly as a Pass-time. Much like Knitting, Sewing, Woodcarving etc. Those who benefit are those who do the building, crafting etc. So, on that note, How much is that model worth to you?
That's what decides the value. If you cannot sell it for that it's not your fault. Folks have NEVER seen the value in hours and materials a model can cost not when they can get a poor, Interior Decorator's version for less. It's just decoration for some folks. That's the meat of it. I am sorry to have rained on your parade folks, But, let's be real, the model you value so highly, might not be worth beans to someone else.
Think about this for a moment.How many times have you gone to a flea market and found a Maisto, Franklin Mint or someone elses finely made Die-Cast auto That originally cost more than a hundred bucks to the original buyer, being sold for a couple of dollars and it's damaged , missing parts or priced just to high for the attendees pocket book. Most wind up being played with till they have no more value than the ones bought as toys!
Now, if we are good enough, maybe our model will find it's way to a permenant exhibit or Museum display somewhere. That's the good part, That, like a fine Whiskey is the cat's Meow.Most others, because there so many will go the way of old cars, T.V.s and furniture(Sorry!, to the Land Fill) The Real Value again is simple.The many hours and minutes thinking and building the original owner do and ENJOY ! Researching and building that awesome miniature. That's where the real value is. You cannot put a Dollar or Euro or Peso etc. value on those hours.They are really Priceless. So Just build and enjoy and think of the pleasure you get from doing so.