Where do you think is the best place to sell a large collection, one priced in the thousands, when the seller insists on selling the entire collection in one single transaction.
I think using an auction house that specializes in model railroad products is a route to consider.
What do you think?
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The best auction house I have used is Maurers, honest and straight forward.
The auction houses I seen selling trains collections of any size are:
Stout
AmbroseBauer
Nette Auctions
Dan Morphy
Lloyd Ralston
A private sale to an individual would probably bring the best return, but would require the time to create an accurate and detailed inventory, and would require a lot of time to find a buyer.
There are dealers that will buy big collections (you can see some ads in OGR for them), but they will probably pay less than half the value of the collection, and if the collection contains very common or lower condition items, then they will probably pay considerably less than half.
The auction route is probably the best way to go, but auctions can be a gamble, too.
Andy
I like Maurer's...good people and a large customer following!
When I wanted to sell of my modest sized collection last summer (9 PS2 engines and 94 pieces of rolling stock) I compiled an inventory and sent it to TRAINZ.
TRAINZ made me an offer that I thought was only 1/3 of what I should expect. I called and they upped it some but I would say that it still was under 1/2 of what I was expecting to get. I turned them down.
I got lucky though. As Andy hinted at, I found a person that was willing to buy my entire collection after seeing my inventory list. I had some really unique and somewhat valuable items, almost all Pittsburgh related - which I felt would really limit the interest in what I was selling. But this guy was local too and he buys things to resell at train shows. I got 51% of my original costs, which I felt was fair - I cleared my collection in one swoop and he got a good deal too.
I had NO, ZERO, interest in selling one or 2 at a time, tropping to the post office every other day, finding boxes, hoping to get paid, etc.
But finding a person like that ain't easy!! Pure luck in my case.
I have had good service as a customer of Maurer, Stout, and Morphy auction houses, although I don't think of this last for trains. I can find you several people, including myself, who will strongly suggest you avoid one of those cited by a previous poster. I have also not been impressed with auction houses/auctiononeers unfamiliar with and doing a low volume in trains (for selling..for possible cheap buys, yes). There are a
lot of people making a business of buying collections to resell. They make their money, like the stock market, by buying low and selling high.
I would think a one time sale of all is only going to such a buyer, for everybody has
different interests, and only very rarely would somebody want everything in a collection.
As mentioned above, any of the old-line reliable auction houses are the best choices. 
try stouts. They will come and pickup your items. 765 764 6901 ask for Greg LOCOMOTION
The best way to start is to compile a detailed inventory including manufacturer catalog /model numbers, date of production along with quality photographs. Accurate descriptions of the condition of each item is important. Broken or missing parts will greatly reduce the price you can sell the item for.
If you can find a single buyer these steps will ensure a quicker sale at a fair price.
If you decide to sell each item separately a good complete description with quality photos will attract more bidders especially on Ebay. Be sure to mention if the item is in its original box.
Next use the internet to find recent selling prices on Ebay for example. This is needed whether you sell the entire collection as one lot or whether you auction individual pieces.
My entire collection has been cataloged, photographed, inventoried and individually boxed. I include the original MSRP and year issued for each item in my computerized catalog listing. The computer listing allows me to make copies on a CD that could be used if I decide to sell through an auction house.
traincity.com
I'd recommend Trainz.com.
GIVEN THE NEWS THAT NETTE HAS CLOSED REMOVE YOUR RECOMMENDATION
Any updates as to the recommendations? A friend who has some medical issues asked memoir some recommendations for selling his entire O gauge collection, which is fairly substantial.
What sort of trains does the person have to sell? I think the nature of the collection will determine the best way to sell them.
Are they "O" gauge?
Lionel, MTH or some other brand?
Prewar (prior to 1945), Postwar (1946-1969), Modern (1970 and beyond)
If they are Modern, what sort of control system, traditional, or one of the ever growing number of electronic systems?
I know three people who used Stouts, and were happy with the results.
According to what I've read, NETTE has disappeared, apparently with seller's money, and goods.
IMHO, a private sale would only yield a good price if the collection contained a significant number of items that the buyer wanted.
And of course, condition is everything, including whether or not there are boxes in good shape and paperwork.
IMHO, selling an entire collection all at once yields far less than it is worth. If you have to dump it quickly and easily, you are going to take the greatest hit. Look at it this way: how many times have you ever heard of a consumer buying an entire collection? To get the most $, you need to sell to a consumer, not to someone that will resell. If something is worth $500, any one that will resell it can not give you $500. In fact, $300 is what I would expect as a starting negotiating price.
If you have a trustworthy local dealer that buys collections, I would start there. But don't be surprised when the offer comes in at 50% of what you calculate the worth of the collection. You should be able to negotiate higher, but I would be surprised if you get 70% of retail value.
If you want the most $ for the collection, you will have to take the time to sell it 1 piece at a time. So then you need to ask yourself, is that 30% worth the time and effort?
My $.02,
Tony
And I am imagining that "modern" trains bring the poorest return of all.
I had VERY bad luck with Stout auctions. A lot of my pcs. "disappeared" and he also sent some of my stuff to another auction house without telling me. also very slow to pay and when he did there were many mistakes to his advantage. Took several months to get all my money for what he did sell. Never did find out what happened to my other pcs. that went missing. This was all Post War pcs., which filled up his 27" trailer..I'm still not over it...Bob
C W Burfle posted:What sort of trains does the person have to sell? I think the nature of the collection will determine the best way to sell them.
Are they "O" gauge?
Lionel, MTH or some other brand?
Prewar (prior to 1945), Postwar (1946-1969), Modern (1970 and beyond)
If they are Modern, what sort of control system, traditional, or one of the ever growing number of electronic systems?
And of course, condition is everything, including whether or not there are boxes in good shape and paperwork.
Many "Like New" MPC, LTI, etc., including trains, accessories, track, also from LTI onward ( I can't remember all of the various Lionel incarnations after LTI), -- all with original boxes and paperwork in pristine condition. Some early MTH in similar condition (Fairly, or unfairly, he assigned his MTH Proto 1 engines to display items, and stopped buying MTH locos). He also has a nice display of Williams hand-made brass locos from the middle 80's in similar condition, and, probably 20 various Williams locos in the same condition. ( He has a weather controlled Pole Barn with the layout and trains -- Quite the O gauge aficionado)
He didn't make a list, but, that's what I recall from running his layout with him, and viewing his collection.
Its allot of work, but bang for the buck its to the bay...
cabinet Bob posted:I had VERY bad luck with Stout auctions. A lot of my pcs. "disappeared" and he also sent some of my stuff to another auction house without telling me. also very slow to pay and when he did there were many mistakes to his advantage. Took several months to get all my money for what he did sell. Never did find out what happened to my other pcs. that went missing. This was all Post War pcs., which filled up his 27" trailer..I'm still not over it...Bob
Pretty sad. I very much sympathize with your situation, and, appreciate your very candid and helpful comments.
Many "Like New" MPC, LTI, etc., including trains, accessories, track, also from LTI onward ( I can't remember all of the various Lionel incarnations after LTI), -- all with original boxes and paperwork in pristine condition. Some early MTH in similar condition (Fairly, or unfairly, he assigned his MTH Proto 1 engines ti display items, and stopped buying MTH locos). He also has a nice display of Williams hand-made brass locos from the middle 80's in similar condition, and, probably 20 various Williams locos in the same condition. ( He has a weather controlled Pole Barn with the layout and trains -- Quite the O gauge aficionado)
I can only suggest that the owner of these trains contacts Stout or another auction house to see whether they are interested in handling the trains. I think they are going to want an inventory, and maybe even some pictures.
I would also look for bids from a couple of local buyers.
Some folks around here bring their trains to shows and shop around for offers. This fellow obviously has too much stuff to do that. But he could bring a list along with some photos, and look for folks interested in buying trains.
If he goes the auction route, I suggest making certain that the auction house selected has internet bidding. That gives the seller the widest audience and theoretically the best price for their goods.
Recently I was surprised to learn that an auction house that was handling some goods that were of interest to me did not have internet bidding. Oh well........
Forget Nette Auctions.
Having recently disposed of a rather large collection - I'll say this...I would not use any of the places listed in the third post.
Ambrose-Bauer seems more like a "buyers club" - they seem to package their lots for people who are buying for resale...postage is expensive - all of that cuts into your take. Its a not a bad place to buy - and I do buy from them - but not a great place to sell...they are sloppy...IMO. I could go on...
If you are up to the task - eBay is the best way to control results. It is "the" marketplace...but its a lot of work.
Consider places like Stoud's - run their auctions on eBay - so - now you are paying two pipers!
I'm going to take a moment to make a plug here - the best outfit I've come across is Gateway Auctions in Chambersburg, PA.
They do an outstanding job - great photography - nice descriptions when needed, they produce a print catalog that gets mailed to their customers - and they use AuctionZip.com for online sales. They aren't a specialty house - they handle plenty of other non-train estate sales - they just happen to have a good train guy in house that enables them to be in this market.
They have the actual auction going at their facility, and you can bid "live" online - you can even hear the auctioneer on the website as the sale advances!!!
I think his buyers premium is fair, and lower than most.
And, they are located in the heart of train country...his business is right along I-81. Only a few minutes from Hagerstown MD, 45 mintues from Harrisburg - about an hour from York, PA - and only 90 minutes from most DC and Baltimore locales - and about 2.5 hours from Philly. I think they do ship stuff - but I can't testify to the costs - I'm local, so I just pick my stuff up after the sale.
Here's a link to their upcoming sale on auctionzip.com
http://www.auctionzip.com/auct...g/catalog_2NC0FOYY8B
You have to register at auctionzip.com to bid online - its the best online bidding system I've come across.
They get good money - I almost always get outbid!!
Recommend!
Mike up in Michigan would be the guy I'd contact. Those living in the midwest that attend train shows probably know whom I'm speaking of as Mike always has tons of used trains for sale.
You could rent a table at a large train show. In Northern IL, we have a recurring one every other month. I am thinking about getting a table at the next show.
My friend Ed and I buy all collections and will travel.
Please contact me with more information about the collection.
Thank You
Keep in mind that probably 20% of your individual units will be worth 70% or more of your collection. Seek out individual buyers for the 20% and then dump the rest with an auction house, O Gauge Forum etc.
Lew
lewrail posted:Keep in mind that probably 20% of your individual units will be worth 70% or more of your collection. Seek out individual buyers for the 20% and then dump the rest with an auction house, O Gauge Forum etc.
Lew
^^^THIS^^^
Pick out your best stuff - and do your research on eBay for ballpark market values.
When searching eBay - be sure to check the "Sold listings" check box on the left...this shows the sold prices for the last 60 days.
LOCOMOTION posted:try stouts. They will come and pickup your items. 765 764 6901 ask for Greg LOCOMOTION
They're local to me, good folks and always fixed any issue. Sold and bought from them.
Train city is another good one.
Ask several auction houses for estimates prior to selling it.
lewrail posted:Keep in mind that probably 20% of your individual units will be worth 70% or more of your collection. Seek out individual buyers for the 20% and then dump the rest with an auction house, O Gauge Forum etc.
Lew
Great Point!!! The many others on this thread are also very helpful.
Roving Sign posted:lewrail posted:Keep in mind that probably 20% of your individual units will be worth 70% or more of your collection. Seek out individual buyers for the 20% and then dump the rest with an auction house, O Gauge Forum etc.
Lew
^^^THIS^^^
Pick out your best stuff - and do your research on eBay for ballpark market values.
When searching eBay - be sure to check the "Sold listings" check box on the left...this shows the sold prices for the last 60 days.
Thanks! Good info, particularly with respect to eBay.
J Daddy posted:Its allot of work, but bang for the buck its to the bay...
Ebay is fine for individual items but as JDaddy noted its a lot of work along with fees like every auction house charges it sellers and buyers. Unless you have mint/newer in box extensive pre or post war collection do not expect to garner the original purchase prices. Modern era 1980's to current do not command high resale price return on investment. Didn't the late Frank Petruzzo's outstanding pre war Standard Gauge collection in 2014 through Stout auctions garner $400,000+?
No place will take it and sell it as one lot. They would have to get one of those "We buy collections" dealers, and they will pay at most 50% of fair market value. To get better value, the only way to do it is to take the time, and sell them yourself via local shows, and "you list it" internet auctions. I've had bad experiences with the big train auction houses and now the news about another big outfit stiffing people is a big red flag for me. I recently sold out and boned up and did the work of selling at local shows and using EBay. It took a bit of time, but everything sold.
Tin
I'd get a quote from TRAINZ.....not sold items to them but dealt with them many time....always good for ME.
Lots of good advice here - Food for thought.
If not selling yourself through eBay or at shows, consider from the perspective of someone who is willing to give you cash for everything at once. It will take them time and effort to recoup their investment including their labor, travel expenses, and shipping. They need to have enough profit potential to make it all worthwhile. There are a LOT of trains out there for sale. The competition is stiff and you rarely ever get close what you expect to get for most items.
The purchase price must be low enough to make your inventory attractive to someone...
The items that are valuable sell yourself. Auction the rest.
Golden memories auction house is the best on anything. They have an established clientele and always get top dollar for your items. http://www.goldenmemoriesaucti...om/consignments.html
https://jamesdjulia.com/press-...s-james-d-julia-inc/
just an interesting note on an auction house merger. frankly i've never been that fond of the high buyers fee on many Morphy auctions, but in my single interaction with J D Julia, it was an A+ experience all around.
cheers...gary
I have been buying and selling on eBay for years. I liquidated a small collection years ago through a dealer (prior to eBay) and got less than 50 cents on the dollar. I have since used eBay and get better results when selling. is it a little more work, yes. the yield is worth the effort.
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