I Need Advise on Selling MTH PS-2 Locomotives

Aways take a picture of the locomotive and state it was taken out of the box for the picture.  List the MTH product number and a brief description of condition.  I have seen member of the forum list item for sale on the form and ebay simulations but I would not do that.  Usually give the form member first chance them ebay.  As to test run the locomotive that is up to you. 

If you start out by posting them here, no need to take it out of the box. Just give the item number. We can all look up the item at the MTH site.

If you don't get any interest here then put them up somewhere else. 

Pete

The only way you'll get any interest here is if the price is right

Chief Bob (Retired)

PS2 5V, I would replace the battery.  I use the Tenergy NiMh low self discharge 9v, available on Amazon.  I would suggest checking the 16 ohm speaker magnets on these models as some had plating that failed which will affect sound quality and if severe will blow the audio amp on the board.  PS2 3v, use the MTH wall charger and jack under loco, charge for 6-8 hours, let it sit for a couple of days, then test in conventional to ensure battery will hold it's charge.  I generally sell everything on eBay and have had good success, but start here to avoid the fees (15-20%).

PUFFRBELLY posted:

The only way you'll get any interest here is if the price is right

To get market prices, look up "MTH (product #)" in bay, then go to sold listings. That way you see what they actually go for, and not what people are asking.

Tom Jasper posted:

- Should I recommend that the buyer replace the battery before applying power or is this recommended only for PS1 locos?

- Should I take the loco out of the box and wrapping for the first time to take photos or just take pictures of the box?

- Should I test the locos or perhaps offer to for serious buyers?

- Where should I list the trains: this forum, eBay, Facebook, or ?

BTW, I originally posted this on the Sale forum but apparently there are limitations on replies and post longevity.

Thanks,

Tom

 

1. Should I replace the battery? Always a good idea, although you might also advise the buyer that he/she should consider replacing the battery or changing to a BCR.

2. Take it out of the box, and photograph the item.  A photo of a box has virtually no real value to a prospective buyer these days.

3.  Offer to test is certainly okay, but only if requested and if you are able to do so (have a layout or test track , for example).

4.  I recommend listing them on this forum first, simply because it is a free listing without any ridiculous eBay fees and rules involved. Pretty straightforward. If it doesn't sell here, then you might try eBay and/or Facebook if you are familiar with, and comfortable with, how it works. I have had very good success--approaching 100%--selling on this forum even though I only accept personal checks or money orders. Will be listing about 10 new locomotives here myself in just a few days, as soon as I get my butt in gear and get motivated.

Thanks for your reply Allan.  I also need to get my butt in gear and will try the forum first hopefully by next week.  Tom

Norton posted:

If you start out by posting them here, no need to take it out of the box. Just give the item number. We can all look up the item at the MTH site.

If you don't get any interest here then put them up somewhere else. 

Pete

Sorry but pictures will get you better responses. One can't assume a used piece is as good as the o.e.m. Mfg picture which sometimes is a drawing. At least show one side in the factory foam insert.

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Norton posted:

If you start out by posting them here, no need to take it out of the box. Just give the item number. We can all look up the item at the MTH site.

If you don't get any interest here then put them up somewhere else. 

Pete

Sorry but pictures will get you better responses. One can't assume a used piece is as good as the o.e.m. Mfg picture which sometimes is a drawing. At least show one side in the factory foam insert.

He said they were new in the box. Most would prefer mint if that was an option. I know I would. My experience is only tire kickers with little interest in buying would ask someone to open the box for the first time so they could look at it.

Pete

Tom - In addition to what's already been said you might also consider a statement to the effect "comes from a climate controlled and smoke free environment" if that's applicable in your case, because that seems to be important to some buyers.

One other thing (particularly as it relates to potential purchasers with smaller layouts) is to state the 'Minimum Curve Required'. I realize that as long as you include the item number someone can look that up by going to the manufacturer's website, and/or some sellers (eg. MTH stuff) merely include a photo of the box end tab which lists the various features. However, for those who are either unable to decipher the end tab wording or are just plain lazy - why not just state the minimum curve required in your listing. Who knows, it might result in a sale.

Good Luck!

My take is to start with the box end flap so you can look up the item, then move to opening it up for pictures if necessary.  I suspect being NIB but old stock at this point, a warranty isn't included anyway.  One would hope they're not beat up from shipping, other than that, I see no reason to take them out of the box.

I am going to take a contrary position, and suggest you take them out of the box for pictures. I realize some people who collect trains want them basically in the box mint, not touched by human hands since they were packed, or are worried about possible damage, and I understand that. Yes, if you give people the model number they can look it up and see what it looks like.  On the other hand, speaking only for myself, if someone puts pictures of the box on their ad on here I generally won't take the time to look it up on the web (unless it is  something I had been looking for,like  a specific engine). On the other hand when browsing, someone puts up an ad with pictures of the item(s), they catch my eye, and I bought the item, even though when browsing I wasn't really looking for anything specific, but bought it simply because I liked the look. If with the same item they only put the model number or a picture of the box, I likely would move on to the next ad.