I'm sure most everyone is aware... (1 Viewer)

[Iron Brigade]

Terry,

I like this one:

"There may be an older expensive piece you must have - the occasional splurge is ok."

Raymond.

Dear Raymond:
I like your "Year of the Tiger" banner! just wait until I send you a photo of my Year of the Tiger banner!
Best regards, Gary 3/13/2010

 

[MarkeytMaker]

You have stocks that double in this market! Forget about toys and manage some of my money.

I sent a response to the "Treefrog Chat Lounge" regarding the stock since it will become "Off Topic"....

 

[Jamo]

I must admit I've sold several old (pre-2000) sets mainly to fund new sets and series. Some I've regretted selling but I think you have to keep things fluid and you have to keep the boss (wife) relatively happy by demonstrating that when those K&C UK boxes show up on the doorstep they are actually quite a good investment and not 'dead money' like a season ticket for Arsenal (sorry to any gooners out there).

Also, whilst the early sets have bags of character and the rarity factor, the sculpting and painting has moved on leaps and bounds. For example, I sold some winter Germans from 1999 to fund several new WW1 sets and was really pleased with the upgraded quality. And the fact that I had 2 or 3 times the number of figures! Dosn't mean I don't miss those old Germans but it's nice to change the display cases too.....

I presume that like with a lot of people on this forum, in reality, the cash generated from the private sales goes straight back into the Chinese economy anyway (and a bit to the Nevilles).

It is very difficult to predict how the K&C market will go in the next 5-10 year, or longer. Unlike stocks and shares though, at least if it all goes belly up, we'll have some beautiful figures and vehicles that we can show our grandkids.

 

[jazzeum]

Brad, retired items are my favorite and strictly limited as well...about 1/3-1/2 the stuff I buy is resold...I function the same way I buy stock...I buy the stock...I see a double...I sell half...and end up with half for free...so eveything I buy I don't always plan on keeping! I'm sure we all function differently...as a new collector I'm sure I have alot to learn. A recent example of building a collection at a discount...I bought 4 sets of german lamp posts from K&C U.K for about $240 US and bought them puposefully knowing that people were paying/buying them on Ebay for Big $$$...I sold one set for the amount paid for all four sets...I end up with 3 sets for free...I personally enjoy this part of it as well. I would like to add that if I ever "ask" for something here on this forum I "will not resell it". I'm asking for my personal collection. On the otherhand, if somebody posts something for sale here and I buy it...I then may re-sell the item on Ebay...I have found there are people here on the forum who don't sell on Ebay or even have abilities to take pictures...I have a camera...I have an Ebay account...and I know the item is less than what I can sell it on Ebay for...sorry but thats the business side of me building my collection on discount! So everything you see taking place on Ebay is not actually stuff I'm collecting...Another great discovery which I believe I told you already is that I found a way to get more than 50% off my new purchases from KingsX...if you buy $480 worth of items you get a free John Wayne...I sell John Wayne on Ebay for $250-$275. Call me crazy, undisciplined and someone who needs harnessing...I'm having alot of fun either way!

Well, I think this says everything and confirms what I had thought: you're basically in this to buy and sell, not really a collector. Now, we all sell off some our stuff and I'm sure many of us have bought pieces with the intention of selling it off but I think that at heart most of us are not collectors, not speculators. You're basically bringing your skills either as a day trader, stockbroker or investor to toy soldiers. Now, if that's your game, I suppose there's nothing wrong with that but let's be honest and not call ourselves a collector.

 

[desk11desk12]

I'm sure most everyone here is already aware of this problem...not really sure if "problem" is the right word? As a new collector I started collecting in a simotaneous way D-Day, Waffen, LAH, Afrika Korps...though out of the blue I decide to buy some BBA...and just like that I'm in love with a whole new series...where does this end???

Go with it and just have fun.

Carlos

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Well, I think this says everything and confirms what I had thought: you're basically in this to buy and sell, not really a collector. Now, we all sell off some our stuff and I'm sure many of us have bought pieces with the intention of selling it off but I think that at heart most of us are not collectors, not speculators. You're basically bringing your skills either as a day trader, stockbroker or investor to toy soldiers. Now, if that's your game, I suppose there's nothing wrong with that but let's be honest and not call ourselves a collector.

There are others on the Forum who are collectors, but also do a lot of buying and selling. To name a few - tdubel, njja, capitolron, desk11desk12. If Markey has a core collection and also does a lot of trading, he would probably fall into the same category.

Terry

 

[Capitolron]

There are others on the Forum who are collectors, but also do a lot of buying and selling. To name a few - tdubel, njja, capitolron, desk11desk12. If Markey has a core collection and also does a lot of trading, he would probably fall into the same category.

Terry

Thanks Terry

I was about to tell Brad - that his comments were a little harsh.

I don't think we should judge people on this forum - especially who is a "true collector" and who is not. Everyone has their own way of collecting and some have the ability (and space) to keep everything they buy and most of us do not.

Also - old interests change & new desires for newer releases take over. I see Toy Soldier Collecting as a process. You make decisions everyday - sometimes you want your collection to pay for itself and other times you enjoy the process of looking for that one figure.

If it wasn't for collectors who sell items - many people would not be able to get hard to find items - so the collector who sells - also helps the other collector who does not. A Process.

So I think we should appreciate what we all share - which is the love of Toy Soldiers - and always remember "What A Person Does With Their Collection Is Their Own Business !"

 

[jazzeum]

This is the way I see it. Some may agree and some may not. The people who Terry mentioned are long time collectors who also sell. In my view they are just not buying to sell.

It is definitely up to the collector to do what he wants with his collection. We all do that.

 

[Iron Brigade]

Thanks Terry

I was about to tell Brad - that his comments were a little harsh.

I don't think we should judge people on this forum - especially who is a "true collector" and who is not. Everyone has their own way of collecting and some have the ability (and space) to keep everything they buy and most of us do not.

Also - old interests change & new desires for newer releases take over. I see Toy Soldier Collecting as a process. You make decisions everyday - sometimes you want your collection to pay for itself and other times you enjoy the process of looking for that one figure.

If it wasn't for collectors who sell items - many people would not be able to get hard to find items - so the collector who sells - also helps the other collector who does not. A Process.

So I think we should appreciate what we all share - which is the love of Toy Soldiers - and always remember "What A Person Does With Their Collection Is Their Own Business !"

Dear "Capitolron":
Well said! I agree for all of your comments on why collectors may sell as well as buy toy soldiers over a given period of time.
Best regards,
"Iron Brigade" 3/14/2010

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Thanks Terry

I was about to tell Brad - that his comments were a little harsh.

I don't think we should judge people on this forum - especially who is a "true collector" and who is not. Everyone has their own way of collecting and some have the ability (and space) to keep everything they buy and most of us do not.

Also - old interests change & new desires for newer releases take over. I see Toy Soldier Collecting as a process. You make decisions everyday - sometimes you want your collection to pay for itself and other times you enjoy the process of looking for that one figure.

If it wasn't for collectors who sell items - many people would not be able to get hard to find items - so the collector who sells - also helps the other collector who does not. A Process.

So I think we should appreciate what we all share - which is the love of Toy Soldiers - and always remember "What A Person Does With Their Collection Is Their Own Business !"

Interesting for me as a new collector is it is becoming harder to sell as I progress. Harder in such a way that I don't want to let things go that I thought would be used to progress the bank to aquire other sets...which creates even a greater appetitie for other sets. Which also happens to create taking funds that are not available from selling to buy even more. I can already see in time things are going to change in my buying and selling patterns. Still very fun and enjoyable either way!

 

[MarkeytMaker]

Well, I think this says everything and confirms what I had thought: you're basically in this to buy and sell, not really a collector. Now, we all sell off some our stuff and I'm sure many of us have bought pieces with the intention of selling it off but I think that at heart most of us are not collectors, not speculators. You're basically bringing your skills either as a day trader, stockbroker or investor to toy soldiers. Now, if that's your game, I suppose there's nothing wrong with that but let's be honest and not call ourselves a collector.

Brad...look at me in the stage of..."coming out of the womb"...pretty soon I'm going to start crying and needing a diaper or two changed...I can see how this may frustrate the adult collector...but let it be known..."I need my toys too"

 

[Louis Badolato]

Dear "Capitolron":
Well said! I agree for all of your comments on why collectors may sell as well as buy toy soldiers over a given period of time.
Best regards,
"Iron Brigade" 3/14/2010

Guys, I hate to get in the middle of these kinds of discussions. However, I figured I'd weigh in, before things got a little out of hand.

We are back to the "collector" versus "speculator" distinction. As I have never sold a toy soldier in 17 years of collecting, I don't think anyone would argue that I fit squarely within the collector camp. That being said, recently, as I now have to pay tuition for my two children which eats up the majority of money I used to dedicate exclusively to toy soldiers, I have been trading duplicates of older, rarer K&C items in order to obtain far more expensive items I cannot presently afford to purchase. I don't think anyone has a problem with the practice of trading rare old items for present production items. I would respectfully assert that trading old items for new items priced substantially higher is no different than selling the old item on ebay for what it would presently command, and then using the profit to buy the new item. This practice makes older, rarer items available to new collectors, while simultaneously permitting all of our collections to appreciate in value.

On the other hand, I certainly understand that when there is an item with a very limited production run, a person who finds a way to buy 5 of this item, and then, once it is sold out at the retail level, immediately sells all five on ebay for a substantial profit is taking advantage. But that is where the dealers come in. On a limited production item which is expected to immediately sell out, most reputable dealers are not going to sell more than 1-2 to a customer, if for no other reason that they have to spread their alotment out among their regular customers.

The one thing that scares me is when a dealer instead of selling his or her alotment, holds a good portion of it back and then sells it on ebay at inflated prices. In my opinion, that could hurt the hobby, and turn off collectors. I would hope that the manufacturers/distributors would keep an eye out for that sort of thing, and cut off a dealer caught doing it.

 

[forlornhoper]

This is the age old story of the collector vs the speculator and its all good,but when a speculator comes along to a hobby disguising himself as a collector then perhaps he /she should be treated with some caution.Specluators have a tendancy to not only pick your bones but pick your brains in order to obtain info he /she does not have,but needs in order to complete a speculation.Some of us on the forum may or may not agree with their motives but when their methods make available a rare set /piece,then the collectors who are interested would call him/her an entrepreneur and be only too glad for the opportunity to own the rare set /piece.I was restricted to post on a thread recently when a new forum member openly stated the manner in which he became a collector,by buying a large collection,from a dead mans estate,for bottom dollar (speculating) and selling it on at huge profit (bones picked) it was only then he realised the toy soldier market potential (doesnt take a genius) to make money,which as we all know is not a crime in itself,his/hers morals may be questionable but not their business accumen.So are you in it for the fun of collecting or just the money ? ken

 

[MarkeytMaker]

This is the age old story of the collector vs the speculator and its all good,but when a speculator comes along to a hobby disguising himself as a collector then perhaps he /she should be treated with some caution.Specluators have a tendancy to not only pick your bones but pick your brains in order to obtain info he /she does not have,but needs in order to complete a speculation.Some of us on the forum may or may not agree with their motives but when their methods make available a rare set /piece,then the collectors who are interested would call him/her an entrepreneur and be only too glad for the opportunity to own the rare set /piece.I was restricted to post on a thread recently when a new forum member openly stated the manner in which he became a collector,by buying a large collection,from a dead mans estate,for bottom dollar (speculating) and selling it on at huge profit (bones picked) it was only then he realised the toy soldier market potential (doesnt take a genius) to make money,which as we all know is not a crime in itself,his/hers morals may be questionable but not their business accumen.So are you in it for the fun of collecting or just the money ? ken

This sounds direct...so if I could answer. Originally for me...it was all about the money with "zero" interest to collect...the difference now is I have feelings...love for the pieces...even still I have opposite thoughts at times that say...there just soldiers and not many around me care about them, so why spend all the money buying this stuff to keep? (my daughter who is 3 does love it when shipments arrive) Even when I first looked at the stuff when purchased from the estate...I wasn't blown away though they looked nice...the difference now is I'm keeping stuff to satisfy me and these things are growing on me in a big way...again I'm enjoying this and I'm as well enjoying the friendships that are being created. Also I would like to add I think alot of Brad and like him alot from as much as I know of him...his posts are his honest opinions and feelings and I respect that...Brad..I love you!

 

[forlornhoper]

I have been a collector for as long as i care to remember,i have never bought a set /piece with the view that it will possibly make money /profit in the future.You originally entered collecting as a way to make money not for the interest in the hobby.Consider this you bought several sets of lamp posts from the LAH range,not because you wanted to collect all of them but because you knew inside info that they would sell high on ebay thro threads /posts on this forum,i personally like many collectors would have only bought the sets i was going to use to develope my collection,you bought to develope your personal finances and to deny other collectors the opportunity to buy the other lamp posts at the same price you paid,thats not collecting as i understand it.In one way i admire your honesty but i feel you are disguising your motives for being in the hobby and that i dont agree with,this hobby is expensive enough without speculators buying multiples with the motive to sell them much higher to collectors who have a genuine reason to buy ,it seems to me your need to make money is greater than your need to develope your interest in collecting,nothing wrong with that if thats how you see your future in this hobby and you are entitled to take that position and i personally wish you wealth and good fortune but you are not really a collector and real collectors should perhaps view your motives with some caution when you illicit info from this forum from collectors who think your questions are out of genuine interest in the hobby when in fact they are designed to gauge what sells NB you are not innovating,i have seen this many times before in collecting.Collectors will always buy and sell for many reasons and the real collectors will always do whats in the interest of their collection and never their pocket,perhaps you should reconsider your motives for being in this hobby,you may find buying a set/piece you have been chasing more fulfilling than chasing the quick buck and you may find more friends long term , ken

 

[MarkeytMaker]

I have been a collector for as long as i care to remember,i have never bought a set /piece with the view that it will possibly make money /profit in the future.You originally entered collecting as a way to make money not for the interest in the hobby.Consider this you bought several sets of lamp posts from the LAH range,not because you wanted to collect all of them but because you knew inside info that they would sell high on ebay thro threads /posts on this forum,i personally like many collectors would have only bought the sets i was going to use to develope my collection,you bought to develope your personal finances and to deny other collectors the opportunity to buy the other lamp posts at the same price you paid,thats not collecting as i understand it.In one way i admire your honesty but i feel you are disguising your motives for being in the hobby and that i dont agree with,this hobby is expensive enough without speculators buying multiples with the motive to sell them much higher to collectors who have a genuine reason to buy ,it seems to me your need to make money is greater than your need to develope your interest in collecting,nothing wrong with that if thats how you see your future in this hobby and you are entitled to take that position and i personally wish you wealth and good fortune but you are not really a collector and real collectors should perhaps view your motives with some caution when you illicit info from this forum from collectors who think your questions are out of genuine interest in the hobby when in fact they are designed to gauge what sells NB you are not innovating,i have seen this many times before in collecting.Collectors will always buy and sell for many reasons and the real collectors will always do whats in the interest of their collection and never their pocket,perhaps you should reconsider your motives for being in this hobby,you may find buying a set/piece you have been chasing more fulfilling than chasing the quick buck and you may find more friends long term , ken

With all due respect that is not right...I bought the lamp posts with two intentions...first to aquire some for free...second I already have in my head a street layout diorama that utilizes many lamp posts...We obviously started off in different ways as collectors, that is for sure...though I have quite a collection/s that I have no intention of selling including multiple lamp post sets.

 

[damian]

I have been a collector for as long as i care to remember,i have never bought a set /piece with the view that it will possibly make money /profit in the future.You originally entered collecting as a way to make money not for the interest in the hobby.Consider this you bought several sets of lamp posts from the LAH range,not because you wanted to collect all of them but because you knew inside info that they would sell high on ebay thro threads /posts on this forum,i personally like many collectors would have only bought the sets i was going to use to develope my collection,you bought to develope your personal finances and to deny other collectors the opportunity to buy the other lamp posts at the same price you paid,thats not collecting as i understand it.In one way i admire your honesty but i feel you are disguising your motives for being in the hobby and that i dont agree with,this hobby is expensive enough without speculators buying multiples with the motive to sell them much higher to collectors who have a genuine reason to buy ,it seems to me your need to make money is greater than your need to develope your interest in collecting,nothing wrong with that if thats how you see your future in this hobby and you are entitled to take that position and i personally wish you wealth and good fortune but you are not really a collector and real collectors should perhaps view your motives with some caution when you illicit info from this forum from collectors who think your questions are out of genuine interest in the hobby when in fact they are designed to gauge what sells NB you are not innovating,i have seen this many times before in collecting.Collectors will always buy and sell for many reasons and the real collectors will always do whats in the interest of their collection and never their pocket,perhaps you should reconsider your motives for being in this hobby,you may find buying a set/piece you have been chasing more fulfilling than chasing the quick buck and you may find more friends long term , ken

You cannot really fault this *****sment.

 

[forlornhoper]

With all due respect in turn ,i respectfully ask you to re read your post re the LAH lamp posts in post no 15,where you highlighted your original intentions when you set out to buy the lamp posts,there is no mention of your dio building plan in your post.The equation your were working to was buy to sell on ebay,you mention that enough in your post,thats not collecting.I know you are new to this hobby and iam trying to give you a few pointers so that you can get some fulfillment from the hobby instead of filling your pockets at the expense of real genuine collectors.If you really want to join this hobby then you have to get along,many collectors on here have been collectors for years thru thick and thin,me included,their collective enthusiasm and knowledge alone,personalities aside,deserves respect,perhaps as a newby to this hobby respect and humility to others should be your starting point,business accumen you may have in abundance and i respect you for that but collecting accumen you dont have ,you can learn this very quickly from all the great guys on this forum,look listen and learn and it will all become clear,regards ken

 

[MarkeytMaker]

With all due respect in turn ,i respectfully ask you to re read your post re the LAH lamp posts in post no 15,where you highlighted your original intentions when you set out to buy the lamp posts,there is no mention of your dio building plan in your post.The equation your were working to was buy to sell on ebay,you mention that enough in your post,thats not collecting.I know you are new to this hobby and iam trying to give you a few pointers so that you can get some fulfillment from the hobby instead of filling your pockets at the expense of real genuine collectors.If you really want to join this hobby then you have to get along,many collectors on here have been collectors for years thru thick and thin,me included,their collective enthusiasm and knowledge alone,personalities aside,deserves respect,perhaps as a newby to this hobby respect and humility to others should be your starting point,business accumen you may have in abundance and i respect you for that but collecting accumen you dont have ,you can learn this very quickly from all the great guys on this forum,look listen and learn and it will all become clear,regards ken

Ken...if you comment on my posts in the future don't automatically just assume things because I didn't mention something...that's just plain wrong! I was openly honest in my posts and clearly stated I did both buy/sell & collect.

I did respectfully re-read my posts...though I conclude from re-reading yours that you first "understood" in an earlier post of yours that I bought several sets of lamp posts from the LAH range, not because I wanted to "collect all of them" but because I knew inside info that I could sell some...now you write...That the equation I was working to was buy to sell on ebay and not collecting....those words you wrote in your previous post compared to your last post contradict each other?

I would also like to know if there is anybody here (genuine collector) that has bought anything from me that left them empty feeling in their pockets?

 

[HAWKEYE]

you guys could go on forever.i think when one spends so much money on this hobby that in the back of his mind he has to be thinking about the appreciation and what he could get out of it if he were to sell. i know i am a collector because i have only sold one duplicate over 17yrs and it was ak19 to a member of our armed forces who truely desired it. nut i still think about the value because i have 10 and 12 yr old girls and one day i will have to say bye bye to many items. although for now it sure does feel good to open a new box and its cheaper than buying a boat or some other depreciating asset. good hunting gentleman