Various observations from new member

[VRSS]

Having just recieved my first 1/18 AUTOart model as a birthday present, I have decided to collect more. (I actually asked for the Targa Tasmania Monaro but got a Blue CV8 Monaro) The one I wanted was in a shop window for $200.00. Quite a BIG mark up from what I've seen in the Biante web site.

I actually joined the Biante club on the advice of the salesman at the local Holden dealership. Might just have to go in there myself to see what else they have.

Whilst browsing the Buy part of Buy, Sell Swap, I noticed quite a few people selling various models, most stating unopened or MIB. The first thing I did, and will with future purchases, was take it out of the box for a really good look at it and put it on display. A lot of these people make numerous posts for different models. I gather that some of these are simply buying in the hope of selling for an inflamed profit down the line.

In my way of thinking, to collect these models, which are very nicely made in detail and quality, I want to display them. The boxes, even the clear fronted ones, don't allow this as I would like.

I have read the thread regarding the boxes and tape. Yes I do plan to keep the boxes but this would be for the chance, heaven forbid, that I ever HAVE to sell them. My main aim is to have them on display, not buy and sell them for profit.

The other point is that in all theses "sell" threads, they rarely state the serial number which, to my point of view, can be a very big selling point.

Regarding "how I display", well the wife has allowed me to put it in her display case amongst her @%&$# Royal Doulton. Might have to buy another display case. Then I can tell her that I have to buy more models to fill it so it wouldn't be a waste of space and money!

I am a Holden fanatic, my nickname is what I drive, and plan to get all the Holdens that I can.

[ET351]

Welcome Aboard

Welcome, VRSS, even if you are a Holden man!

Be careful with these cars, remember they are very realistic. Make sure the handbrake is on, as we don't want to read about a Blue CV8 parked amongst a pile of broken Royal Doulton :D

Cheers, ET

[Road Runner 72]

Yeah welcome VRSS, by the way nice choice of car to drive......want to swap for a VL Calais??? Thought I would try.

Well I keep my boxes for one reason, not for resale, I could not think of selling my models, but for repacking them, in the event that I have to move house, as I am living with my mother saving for my own place.

Yes people try/do make money out of reselling the Models, just have to be careful not to over pay for a model, and it looks like you did the right thing by looking up prices before buying.

Have fun collecting, that’s what its all about

Cheers

[Aussiecollector]

Lets not kid ourselves, we keep the boxes because thats what collectors do we buy it put it on display and if in 10 years someone offers you 20 times the purchase price for the car without the box and 30 times with the box you are happy because you kept the box.

We all know that a car with its original packing is worth more than one without, we see it every night in antiques road show.

We all collect for different reasons, some for profit, some for the pleasure of seeing the cars in the cabinet, those of us that love the cars are usually the ones supporting the profiteers simply because we want what they have and they buy it because they know we will want it.

I have a good collection of cars and some of the rarer ones I buy two so that if some years down the track someone wants a car I can sell one and still have one in the cabinet, the sale will fund other purchases, it not profiteering just good business.

Glenn

[V8SS]

Welcome VRSS, I almost thought I had written that thread as my user name is similar. Like you my collection is totally Holden, in fact, all Commodore. My collecting started when I bought my 1:1 VN SS and it has just snowballed from there.
I always buy a model because I want it and like it and not to make profit but saying that, if I see a model that I know is rare and is selling cheap, then of course I would buy it to sell on. Its human nature and I would normally do it to fund another Commodore model. I did quite well from a shop over here in NZ who had no idea how much a particular couple of models were worth and did a swap with Sherriffs in Sydney for 4 Commodores.
Keep up the collecting but watch the wallet or VISA in my case.

[terrine]

and if it wasnt for collectors selling for profit or not how would we fill the gaps in our collections. i was only introduced to these models fairly recently and have been able to complete my ford set between biante, model shops and the auctions. i must say you wont find many who complain when they buy for less than retail which does happen as well..and...it must be in a box still.
hope it brings as much joy to you as it has this old bevan.

[VRSS]

I have seen the 1/18 Holdens in the Penrith Sherrifs shop when Iwas living down that way and have drooled over them many times. Never seemed to have the money to spend at that time though. When they moved, I missed my window shopping.

When I see a new model or one that is limited in number, I think that people who buy more than one are being unfare to fellow collectors. The fun of the chase is one thing, but the prices people pay in despiration is another.

My 1:1 VRSS needs some TLC at this time so I probably won't be getting another 1:18 for a while although I'll see if I can twist the other half's arm.

As all you Holden fans have probably noticed, I NEVER use the F word when I talk about something I enjoy. The other half is a F fan to some extent, but I forgive her for all her wrong doings and weaknesses.

[The Judge]

Hi VRSS and welcome to varied world of diecast collecting.
I started collecting diecast many years ago after visting a museum where I noticed the amount of attention and comments old diecast and for that matter any old toys received.
What collectors need to keep in perspective, is that and I think Aussiecollector touched on this, other collectors are what make our collections valuable. wheather they be onsellers or not.
Look what happened to Matcbox cars, they were collected and prized but Matchbox just continued to produce them, the same model over and over.....they are not collectable any more (except for some rare examples) and sell for very low prices.
I love to see a model I purhased go up in value, for me that's what its all about, I know I have a prized possession which is sought after.
If I have a car, which someone is willing to pay more for, than it is worth for me to keep, then I will most probably sell it and purchase something else I like. Though I have yet to sell any of my thousands of models!
As for serial numbers...the only diecast of mine which has serial numbers written on them are a few Franklin Mint Christmas Trucks which have a number painted in gold on the bottom. These trucks were brought out in strictly limited numbers.
Card numbers don't add to a cars' value, they would detract from it, if it was missing though. If a card came out with the model I would expect it to come with it, or I would pay a reduced price.
All the best
Pete