Divesting N Scale Collection

[Dksw]

Hello,

I want to divest of a good portion of my N scale fleet (from Ontario, Canada).  In the past I have sold off parts of other hobby collections on ebay quite successfully, but that was probably 10 years ago.  Facebook Marketplace groups look popular these days, but there are so many, and I would like to focus on only a few of the top ones in Canada/USA.  Of course there is also the Trading Post here.  I am looking for some feedback/recent experiences selling off large collections of N scale rolling stock etc.  I am sure I have almost close to 600 pieces to list.  I am not leaving the hobby 100%, but I do need to finance the incoming Rapido Canadian that, even though I need to downsize and refocus to a switching style layout (N or HO is open at this point!). I  can't say no to The Canadian now that it has landed!  Nothing like a new product ordered months  ago to kick you into gear...appreciate your thoughts.  Thank you.

[Tom Todd]

I only use eBay. I’ve noticed lately that it’s I little slow. Prices are low without many bidders.

Maybe it’s just me but 6 months ago I was able to sell up to a dozen items a week. Now maybe two. Locos sell best.

Tom

[ednadolski]

I am looking for some feedback/recent experiences selling off large collections of N scale rolling stock etc.  I am sure I have almost close to 600 pieces to list.

https://www.nscalesupply.com/buyingcollections.html

[Scottl]

The "N Scale Canada Flea Market" on FB is very active and things move quickly.  You get a wider audience with US groups but the currency and payment options are different and no customs paperwork.  In Canada you can get paid with a free money transfer instead of Paypal fees.

[Rivet Miscounter]

I've pretty much stopped using eBay.   Admittedly I haven't paid close attention as to why but their fees seem to be skyrocketing.   I have had good success with a variety of methods....my list in order of preference:
1. TheRailwire.net - I have sold a large amount of stuff here over the years, and it has been a great experience.   I've even developed friendships with some of the repeat customers.  (and I've bought quite a bit too)
2. Facebook N-Scale Buy/Sale Sites - Admittedly I dropped off the few I belonged to when I moved to Z so I can't give specifics.  I think N Scale 4 Sale was one, pretty sure N-Scale Sell/Buy/Trade, and N Scale Yard Sale were the other two.  All have around 6-to-7-thousand members.  It's a numbers game, and this is a good route to take.
3. Trainboard.com Swap Meet - Doesn't seem as busy to me as it used to, (or it would be in second place) but over the years I've done well there.  Nice thing about TheRailwire and Trainboard is generally you sort of know your buyers pretty well and you get some sense of "it's going to a good home".  While Facebook and eBay provide the numbers, sometimes it's not ALL about max dollars...if I can give some fellow modelers (that have shared valuable tips and photos online) something they're looking for at a fair price, that has "pay it forward" value IMHO.
4. Train Shows - I've had tables at more shows than I would have preferred.  It's a commitment of an entire weekend, tradeoff to having to deal with boxing and shipping neither of which are my favorite activities.   Our local show is $60 for a table for two days.   This would have fallen below eBay up until recently.
5. eBay - eBay is such a love-hate thing.  I've sold a TON on eBay, and bought two tons probably.   It is still the best thing going for certain items...things that are hot or rare that can get a bidding war going.    If their interface was better and more consistent I would bump it up further, but that combined with the seemingly rising fees and declining audience frenzy has really made it unattractive for me of late.   I think the taxes have really taken their toll on how good of a deal things are on both sides.  (a 250-year-old American complaint I guess...    )    But that interface....jeez...     It's really unusable at times.

[Hedron]

There are a couple N scale live auctioneers on Facebook. They buy collections and may do consignment. They'll likely offer "wholesale" prices (gotta make their money, too, of course), but you can move a lot of stuff quickly.

[Dksw]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and suggestions. 

[NorsemanJack]

This group is very active.  I have sold a lot of items here for fair prices:

https://groups.io/g/NScaleYardSale

[porkypine52]

I will second NORSEMANJACK's endorsement of io group's  NSCALEYARDSALE:  https://groups.io/g/NScaleYardSale/topics  This group is what YAHOO Group changed into.  This group is MODERATED There are NO fee's And you can sell how you feel like it.  The whole collection for one price, bundle different groups of items together ie: 10 tankcars for $--6 boxcars for $--structures-engines-track work.  Made a package, so many pieces for so much etc etc. NO FEES.  NEVER have been ripped off. The deal is between YOU and YOUR BUYER.  Payment is whatever you want to accept.  PayPal--Money Orders--Checks--Cash.

I have also done the FeeBay thing.  Almost too D*** much hassle anymore.  And FeeBay wants a cut of EVERYTHING.  If something goes WRONG, FeeBay will almost ALWAYS side with the BUYER.  No matter what.  And to me, it seems like there is a whole group of Buyers, who have nothing better to do then look for ways to SHAFT the Seller.  A supposed complaint can tie you up for months.  Ever if the Seller has done NOTHING wrong.  Personal experience here speaking. 

There are several FACEBOOK People/Vendors buying N-Scale,[and a little HO] collections and then having ONLINE REAL TIME auctions.  The several Vendors I know are out on the West Coast.  You can do a search of FB Auctions.  At least 4 Vendors/Collection Buyers that I know of.

There are advertisements in MODEL RAILROADER MAGAZINE and RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE for Buyers of collections.  I've never done any business with any of these people, so I can't pass judgement here.

If Model Railroad Show and Swap meets ever get going [finger's crossed here] again, this can be a good place to sell collections and excess inventory.  My LOCAL NMRA Div has been waiting since March 2020 to get our Train Show and Sale back on the calendar.  I'm getting more and more inquiry's everyday.  So let's HOPE FOR THE BEST.

'Nuff Said

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