Selling completed models

QUOTE: With all the issues of licensing regarding models today, is there any potential trouble in selling a completed kit?

Out of my league, but I wouldn't think so. The licensing fee has already been paid by the kit manufacturer, but I'm not an attorney.

QUOTE: What about the small parts/children issue. Is it enough to put a note in with the model saying it is not meant for small children, and verbally inform the buyer to keep it away from kids?

Put it in a display case and tell the buyer to leave it there. After all they buyer is going to pay for the case anyway.

QUOTE: I wouldn't want to mail away a model due to potential breakage in transit. I'd only want to sell in an area that I could drive to and deliver the model myself. How do you market to a limited geographic area?

Local newspapers and other publications (we have one around here called "Traders Post" that is just local stuff)

MusicCity, thanks for the reply. It gives me some reasurrance but I might consult with a lawyer to be safe.

Thanks,

-Dave

I like naval and aviation art, and your post got me wondering about artists who sell their work commercially. I wonder if Stan Stokes or Robert Taylor will half to pay royalties on their paintings?

Dr.J what types of models were you going to sell?? If you want to sell in a certain area you need to figure "What and Where" often one determines the other. Military aircraft can be consigned at local airport gift shops or FBO's(Fixed Base Operators) where Civilian and Military pilots stop over. Same is true for local Museums and Military bases. You could try Mall shops that carry "Collectables" such as the High end metal cars. Civilian cars and trucks at Truck stops. Police and fire vehicles at Police supply stores and just about any military vehicle at Gunshops. As for the legal aspect in licensing, it's not an issue if it is a kit you buy off the shelf and you can make up your own diclaimer that states "This is a hand built model kit and is intended for display purposes ONLY! It is NOT a toy and is NOT intended for any perons under 15 years of age" or something like that. But give it a try and good luck!!!

I've sold finished models on a few occasions, so I guess I can chime in here.

I wouldn't worry about the licensing issue, especially a small-scale "manufacturer."

I've never included a disclaimer, but ones others have suggested might not be a bad idea.

I sell my models on a well-known online auction site, and I've shipped them all over the world without damage. Of course I'm the one packing them, and much of the time I include unpacking instructions just inside the box, so the new owner can retrieve his model from the packing material without damaging it in the process. I also insist on shipping insurance, and should something happen, I suspect cash will go a long way toward covering the pain of the loss.

Big online sites open your models up to the biggest markets, too. I sold a McLaren model to a McLaren collector who wanted a professionally built model to add to his memorabilia collection. He wasn't a modeler, but was willing to pay someone who was for a one-of-a-kind model. Don't undersell yourself by setting your "buy it now" price (or opening bid, etc.) too low. You'd be surprised what some collectors are willing to pay. If a collector's used to paying several thousand dollars for full-size cars (or aircraft, etc.) paying several hundred dollars for a hand-built model may seem to him like a bargain! The McLaren sale paid for a new washer and dryer, which greatly pleased the missus!

Good luck!

Matt Usher @ FSM

Thanks so much for the replies. I think I would start off selling ship models. There are a lot of seafood resteraunts in my region and I'm sure that some would like wall decorations.
I'll be sure to include a disclaimer to be safe.
I'd want to stay away from building kits where there is a duplicate in the die-cast realm. If someone can buy a die-cast F-16 for $40, they are not going to pay $250 for a 1/48 model.

Thanks for the tips guys,

Dave

Ships models sell well, however, they do require a lot more time and you will not get paid for that time. But if you like to build ships, its a great way to get to build them, make a litlle money, and not have to worry where to put it when your done.

I worked into a good deal with a couple local interior decorators whom I met through an artist friend. They always had a nautical theme going on with a client at some time or another and I was able to build ship models for banks, hotels, and a resturant. Be advised though, they do not care for historical accuracy. I built a spaninsh galleon that was pink, green and gold. And a Constititution with a blue stripe and light blue sails. And a burgandy Cutty Sark? don't ask, its what the client ordered and it did look great in the room.

They like the ships because they are balanced. They do not clash, nore to they stand out like commercially built models. In otherwords, I have a nitch in the market. Again, I don't look to get rich, I just make enough to cover the kit and materials plus maybe 5%.

Scott

Scott,

Yeah I'm not expecting to make lots of money doing this, especially in regard to the time involved. Just a little extra money for doing something I love to do. One of the biggest reasons I want to sell models is because of my home space limitations.
If you have any pics of the bizarre off-beat colored models please share them! I think it'd be cool to see something different.

Thank you,

Dave