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Hi.

I returned back to the hobby a short while ago and bought an old sister of battle army from my friend which for my surprise consisted purely of old metal models. I was planing to buy some old models but i found it difficult to evaluate different offers against each other. This made me wonder, how do people evaluate the value of their old models? I understand that the condition of the model affects the value but i still cant understand how why the prices range is so huge between models of same condition. Is there some an existing formula or is the pricing purely based on Stetson-Harrsion method?

But any way. The question in short: "How do you evaluate old out of print models and what sources and tools you use in the evaluation process?"

Thank you for all responses.

Either ask in trusted sales groups, or look at sold prices on eBay.

eBay tends to be more expensive than FB groups as a broad rule. But it’s also the home of people who don’t know what they’ve got.

Prices also tend to fluctuate, as it depends who’s buying.

In the current climate? I’d venture a chunk of peeps buying second hand are doing so to make their money go further. After all, these are tough times, and many are on reduced incomes. Likewise a chunk of sellers will be doing so to help make ends meet, rather than funding their next project.

This means you may find items priced to sell, rather than priced for approximate value.

There’s also the question of how involved the buyer is willing to be.

Metal models stand up to paint stripping better than resin or plastic, as the stripper is less likely to damage the model. So even models with thick layers of paint have a certain value. Probably less than unpainted, certainly less than pro-painted. If you’re confident enough to go down the strip and repaint route, you can make some decent savings.

Likewise damaged models. If it’s a hand, head or weapon missing, those can be fixed relatively easily.

As ever, I’d say do your research. You’ll know not only what you’re after but the depths of your own pockets better than anyone. So you may have a very different definition of what a bargain looks like to the next man.

Finally for now, there’s the question on whether or not you’re fussed by recast. If you’re not, you can save. If you are, read up on signs of recasting (such as multiple auctions for the same sculpts, all of which are under coated etc).

People seem to have an overinflated impression of what their models are worth, especially ebayers.

I wouldn't sell models at anything other than what it would cost to buy currently available models, and if a model is oop I'd see what a similar one would cost straight from GW, or I'd sell at the price they originally went for, adjusted for inflation.

I can understand adding a small premium for something that is old, quite collectable, and oop, like the Genestealer Patriarch on a throne, but some people seem to think GW models are an investment, and they should make them a massive profit...

Sold prices on eBay are a pretty good measuring stick, but prices will vary depending on the platform.

Like MDG says, price fluctuates and with a lot of folks inside you might find the price could go up or down depending on the situation. Paint on a model generally reduces the price unless "pro-painted" (by this I mean an actual decent paint job, not the chancers). The meta as defined by whatever game system also serves as a measure. Warp spiders and jetbikes were all the rage in 7th and went for high prices despite age and condition but nowadays you can pick either of those up for dirt cheap.

Regarding inflated ideas of worth, the secondary market is there because people can sell models at certain prices and get a return on their investment. Part of the hobby is collecting, so it's no surprise some models that are hard to get go up in price.

Do your research, watch for scalpers and recasts (if you don't want them). Enjoy!

Sold prices on ebay works for me. Real money spent, so THAT buyer thought it was worth it for THAT lot.

Rarity increases value - supply & demand and all that.

How much do *I* want that particular item? Got to have it, or set a buying limit, and wait till I win one eventually?

Is it in vogue? Prices seem to flop around when a new edition comes out, up OR down.

Really, there are no absolutes. it does come down to how long is your piece of string?