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What is your opinion of how well things are selling on the used train market? I have seen a lot of items sitting and not moving both here and elsewhere. I realize that used train cars, accessories, and other things are only worth a fraction of their new price. But, you can only go so low. Please do not view this as an individual complaint I am just curious. Thanks very much for any opinions that you would care to express. I really appreciate it.

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I was selling G gauge trains at a garden railroad meet last weekend.  I had low prices and sold every item that I brought.  I am going to the Cal-Stewart meet in Northern CA next weekend.  I hope to sell a lot of O gauge.

I think that things will sell if the price is low enough.  I do hate giving away things but that seems to be what it takes to sell used items.  On the other hand, some of the things that I am selling have been sitting under my layout for years.  I might as well convert them to any cash that I can get because it is painfully apparent that I probably will never run them or use them.

NH Joe

I recently sold my Lionel el capitan add-on cars for double or triple what I paid for them when they were new in 6 years ago.  But I can't get nearly what I paid for my Lionel PS2 hoppers new from the same time period.

Depends on the item, but some stuff is basically worthless.  (If you can only get $10 for a piece of rolling stock, I'd say toss it rather than going through the bother of selling on the internet).

Michael, my view is that things, on the Forum here at least, have been kind of slow lately.  I've seen several items listed for sale -- items that were outside of my particular interests but priced very attractively nonetheless -- and they just sat there  for days and days.    But then overall, I'd say this audience is a much "tougher crowd," maybe a more discerning train buyer to a man, than the auction-site audience.  Some of my own experiences recently as a seller would back that up.

I think one of the problems with the used toy train market is that there is so much product to choose from that people get a little numb looking at it all.

That said, when selling your trains people have to understand that unless  a buyer is emotionally attached to an item they will just as soon wait until a new item is available before they take out their wallet for anything close to retail.

I have made a profit on some items that I bought, but  they are far and few between. On the most part when I buy something it's to have fun with it.  So when I'm done playing with it I trade it for something else, or sell it, but I expect to take a loss on it regardless of it's condition.

So in short, until I figure out a way to take them with me they all remain just toys.

If you don't want it and can't sell it, perhaps give it away to someone who can use it? When i used to have a couple of tables at train shows, I would occasionally put out a few such items (plus old catalogs, small accessories, etc.) under a "Free!" sign. Boy, would that attract a crowd to my table. Never a thing left, either. And once in a while, someone would also notice something that I WAS selling and end up buying it.

gg1man posted:

I would much rather give something away then throw it away after years in a junk box. Especially  after I played with for a few years.

Dave Warburton posted:

If you don't want it and can't sell it, perhaps give it away to someone who can use it? When i used to have a couple of tables at train shows, I would occasionally put out a few such items (plus old catalogs, small accessories, etc.) under a "Free!" sign. Boy, would that attract a crowd to my table. Never a thing left, either. And once in a while, someone would also notice something that I WAS selling and end up buying it.

In both these cases, you are talking about expending your own time, energy, and other resources just to find someone to take it from you for free.  Now you are truly going negative in these transactions (unless you light up some kid's face when he gets a train car for free.  Even I can't put a number/dollar on that).

 

Lots of stuff for sale here and elsewhere. Hopefully more younger folks are getting into this hobby than we imagine but I would think that there are more of us moving on (passing on?) which increases the used train supply.

I see great deals here that like Mike mentioned above, often sit here for several days until they disappear to the back pages unsold.  

If you're looking for something special - have patience, it will show up!

I have always purchased non operating trains and fixed them for re sale.  I also stand behind them.  For guys who do that (not shops) we are all hearing "what is the bottom price"   People do not want to pay a fair price from someone reliable but will roll the dice and get screwed big time on fleabay.   Everyone wants to be a wheeler/dealer  and get the lowest price.  I blame the TV show American Pickers.  Everyone thinks they are Mike or Frank and want to beat you up on your price.  I smiled when they got screwed on a junk state set.  Their expert told them only a few  of those sets exist.  Experts exist in Iowa and I do not know where they got that guy.

I have always considered the OGR Forum the best place to deal on used trains.

Last edited by Marty Fitzhenry

For me, it really isn't worth even considering anymore. I have only command control engines and haven't had the best experiences in the used market. For another $100-$200 more (give or take) I would much rather have a new item with a full warranty that you know has not been abused. Rolling stock may be of slightly more interest, but I no longer go looking for anything used.

Edit: After seeing Marty's post above, I would consider something used that Marty F, GRJ, GGG and maybe some others here had thoroughly gone through and repaired. I trust their work, they are very reputable repair folks. I think this would as good as purchasing a new item.  

Last edited by rtr12

I have to say that it has been my observation that the for sale value of used modern, post-war and pre-war trains seems to depend on the venue in which they are offered.  I watch and participate on E-Bay, I watch and participate on our Buy/sell forum and I also watch and participate in various internet auctions.  While things may be slow here and on E-Bay they certainly aren't slow on the auction sites.  Everything goes and most of it goes above what the auction site quotes as the estimated value of the piece.  A lot of the stuff is in great condition but some of it is not and it still goes for a high price.  Also, it should be taken into consideration that these auction sites demand a buyer's premium which is as high as 19% but despite that fact the bidding is fast and furious and I would dare say the items are going for a heck of a lot more than 20% of their original purchase price.  Bottom line, from my perspective if you are selling them at the right place they will not sit.       

RTR12, you are a very smart man.   I only run command and have no need for the old stuff.  Unless a person has train friend resources, buying new is the smart move.  I tell my friends when you get it new, operate it and if you have an issue you can get warranty or larger dealers will give you a new one to keep you as a happy customer.  

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

RTR12, you are a very smart man.   I only run command and have no need for the old stuff.  Unless a person has train friend resources, buying new is the smart move.  I tell my friends when you get it new, operate it and if you have an issue you can get warranty or larger dealers will give you a new one to keep you as a happy customer.  

Thanks Marty, I revised my above post. I would trust something from you, GRJ or GGG (maybe others). You all have very good reputations and know what you are doing with these trains and stand behind your work. I think that is just as good as new and with a warranty.

I was at our local Greenberg show today, fewer dealers, a bit thin crowd and after two hours the dealers were ready to bargain.  Bad weather didn't keep people away so it would be fun to go tomorrow but I have other plans. It is like any other market-seemed a bit slow but there were a lot of high priced items, I thought. I almost came home without spending any money but that is silly so I bought three more locos I don't need. this in the post war market and there was a bunch of newer items that I didn't look at.  I know dealers want to make a buck and have expenses but they are selling USED things and the buyer has little idea what he is getting. I don't and won't eBay but do buy a lot now off the forum. If I was a seller, I think I would have a few or more items that are getting dusty and use them as a loss leader. A seller said to me as we  bargained over an engine,"I want to sell these things, not marry them!". A funny time-the market looks sft but some sky high prices too.

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