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Selling model kits

Big10

Well-known member
Hello, I would like to try and sell some kits I have. I would like to get that new Lancaster and selling some kits is about the only way I might get it.

I've done eBay but only to buy and never sell. Is eBay my only option to sell kits?
 
I don't use it myself but I hear FaceBook marketplace is good, you might have some sort of local online selling site or you could post stuff here too!
 
Thanks, I will look into that.

Has anyone here try to sell completed models by chance?
 
Have you tried your local hobby shop? My friend Don has had great success selling his completed 1/35 German Armor and figures.
 
This is what I am putting together.
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We have a Post Exchange right here on M/A. Good Plan! Selling unbuilt kits may prove less than financially advantageous at the LHS.
I miss the excitement of the auction function on eBay a little. My sales were pretty decent until they required my Social Security and checking account numbers for their new billing partner in Denmark for sellers.
I can't recommend Bonanza. No sales at all since 1 June 2021. Like a graveyard where model kits peacefully repose.
 
We have a Post Exchange right here on M/A. Good Plan! Selling unbuilt kits may prove less than financially advantageous at the LHS.
I miss the excitement of the auction function on eBay a little. My sales were pretty decent until they required my Social Security and checking account numbers for their new billing partner in Denmark for sellers.
I can't recommend Bonanza. No sales at all since 1 June 2021. Like a graveyard where model kits peacefully repose.
My biggest fear with ebay is getting scammed. I have no idea what they require for U.S. sellers.
 
Right?! The way people are these days.

If you choose eBay, I advise a separate checking account for only your model sales. In this way they won't have control over all of your $$. Ebay wants your social security number so they can generate a 1099 tax form from the Netherlands (?!?) if your sales exceed $600.00 annually. It's their "playing field". One must "play" by their rules and I get that. It sounded to me like they would refund an unsatisfied buyer without my knowledge for whatever reason they deem fit.

Mercari requires shipment and arrival of your sold model kit BEFORE payment but still uses Paypal. Try that at Burger King or The Wal-mart! Mercari is a Japanese owned platform.

Bonanza seems user-friendly at first and uses Paypal for transactions. Items with a bar code also show up on Google Shopping. I built my "Booth" with the minimum percentage paid to Bonanza, to keep pricing reasonable. You can throw away LOTS of profit $$ by joining the "Turbo program" for better promotion of your model kits, but is that not their job, to promote your listed items?
Not many modelers sell on Bonanza and their prices are INSANE! For that reason, I don't believe many modelers often SHOP on Bonanza.

My Sweetheart encourages me to sell on Facehole. Lots of people do. I'm damned if I will support that cretin-bitch Mark Suckerpunch and his lackies! EVER! My Dad used to say it is unwise to involve your wife in your business. I usually take his advice.

Our kids use Etsy. They make their items by hand and make a pretty good living selling on-line. I haven't tried Etsy. Not all of the things I wish to sell are made in my own dinky, silly factory.

Paypal rescued me from several scammers as a buyer. I'm sticking with my trusted US-based financial platform.

Now, that being said, these are my opinions from my own experience. You are absolutely free to choose your own platform.
HINT! Shipping outside the US is crazy expensive and glacial slow these days. Don't loose your ass on shipping overseas.

My most recent TLAR projects will appear on our very Trading Post first. M/A members and Veterans will never pay full retail price. Shipping in our Great Nation will still be free.

My 2-bits.
 
Thanks Rhino, a lot of good insight with your post. I looked at Etsy but to me it more of a art and craft type site. I tried searching their platform for model kits but its not populated as much as ebay.

I do use FB from time to time but never to sell or buy. I know a lot frown on it and that's okay, I am currently researching some buy/sell model groups there at the moment.

If I do evil bay, will defiantly open an alternative banking account.
Thanks again.
 
The FB buy/sell site is a dandy option. There is something called "Model Graveyard" that a buddy of mine uses a lot. I don't hate people that use Facehole. I just choose not to. My Sweetie does. She finds the funny stuff.

I would never dream of telling you what to do. We all still Americans. We get to decide for ourselves. I was an eBay seller for a LONG time. (Wichita 114) It helped satisfy my Selling Genome. I'm bummed they spoiled my fun when they dumped Paypal. Selling unneeded raffle prizes usually paid for the trip to Model Shows quite handily.

Have fun! I cain't hardly wrap my model mind around a 1/32 Lancaster.
 
John don't know how quick you want to sell these but we had great success renting a table at a local show. Didn't make auction money off all the kits but we did dump them. Just something to think about.
We had a great time manning the table and had a base of operation to boot.
 
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