Where to buy your models ??

[Graeme]

The subject is open regarding where to buy diecast model cars.

I'm guessing the obvious sources are:

1) The Biante website.
2) The Biante BUY/SELL/SWAP contributors website section.
3) The model/hobby stores, some of which operate websites too.
4) Newspapers and specialist trading magazines.
5) Collector fairs and shows, and so-called swap meets.
6) Various car dealerships and auto parts/accessories stores.

What are the pros and cons for each and who's going to give you the best price and service ?

[pdg666]

Hi Graeme,
I personally find Biante the best service for purchasing models, i live in Sydney and as soon as i have ordered one its here the next day from WA, outstanding service i think. I have also purchased from some stores and also auctions, without any major hiccups, but have heard some horror stories, so its the old adage BUYER BEWARE.

[v8coupe]

I have never bought online from biante or the auction sites, so no comment there.
I prefer the shops, once you find a good one then become a regular, depending how many you collect, you may recieve a discount. Also helps when a few biantes / models are released, you can layby a few a bit easyier etc.

[terrine]

well as an out of towner i have sourced many models over the internet...biante/auctions/model shops which i have found extremely good as well as local collectors and our agent.
half the fun of collecting is finding the product i think....
and even better if you can buy it right

good luck and have fun

peter

[biante1047]

I buy primarily from the Ford dealer down the road as I mainly collect Fords. Also have purchased from buy/sell/swap on site and sold and e-bay with a lot of sucess. I have heard of horror stories doing it over auction sites however have experienced none myself.
I also work for an un-named telecommunications company so have the luxury of calling Australia wide for free in search of the elusive model. I actually found a DJR Sierra TODAY for $165.00.
It's well worth the ring around before paying too much for a model.
I agree that half of the thrill is in the chase then I just sit back and look at my display.....NICE.

[wacpt]

In Perth
Triking Model cars

[ZORAK]

I mainly buy from a small Victorian Ford dealer and model shop. He always always sets aside one of each release for me as they come out.

I have also done hundreds of transactions on auction sites and Buy/Sell and never had a problem.

[ferrari fan]

Triking from the best and friendliest chaps .
besides that I like to hunt around on EBay and up to now have not had a bad expirience and send money all over the world!
The other modelshops are also good here in Perth, and always do treat me very correctly .By being involved/take part in the modelshows you do get to know these people and also they get to know what you collect as most retailers are interested in models or at least appreciate a good collection.
Where modelcollecting was 15 years ago including the shops and where it is now ,It will be something else in another 15 years !

[Graeme]

I agree with comments about the thrill of the chase, but that applies to many other things as well, not just model cars.

I have met one fellow who purchased privately on a COD basis and picked up a nicely packaged housebrick from the Post Office, but that's the only "horror story" I've heard.

I prefer to deal with a couple of retailers, that way ensuring you get at least one example of sought-after models.

I also prefer to see the model in the flesh as some are obviously better detailed than others. For instance, I intended to get Moffat's XD but was disappointed with the actual model when I clapped eyes upon it.

You can also negotiate prices with your friendly retailer especially when he has overestimated demand and gets stuck with excess stock for many months.

[walky]

a good place from perth is Amcap in welshpool a holden dealer
good prices and lots of stock i work there i can give u a good price
my email is walky@bored.com

[timbo333]

Stanbridge's in Perth plus SOLD.COM.

Have not had any real horror stories on SOLD.COM. I don't like e-Bay much. I think the site is a mess.

[terrine]

thanks graeme for your reply to your own question
seems you had a drum to beat and werent interested in anyone elses thoughts afterall....
i for one thought the moffat xd was every part as well presented model as the DJXD minus the history.
as a predominantly ebusiness purchaser i am not looking forward to that brick in the mail you mentioned ...because i dont really want a mini minor in my collection

peter

[Oh Five]

I buy off biante site and sold.com, ive had no probs at all

[WRXSTI]

I usually buy my models from biante and sold.com.au, but lately I've been getting most my models from the Raceplace model shop in Seaford. They recently launched there website at www.raceplace.com.au (http://www.raceplace.com.au).