Prices are going through the roof on Ebay. The more people get into this as a hobby the more they are willing to pay. I have a feeling my collecting is done unless I just come upon something in the the wild. Anyone else getting that feeling?
I think I am being priced out of collecting.
- Thread starter Skulldigger
- Start date
I hear you there. Some things are going for stupid high amounts (ie $700 for a Dietz siren controller a few months ago). I have been fortunate to find my deals via lesser traveled means which has helped on my end. The problem is sellers who list their junk for a premium that only a new old stock item should garner on eBay, and people who don't know better pay for it. In my mind that just forces the hands of other sellers to raise their prices driving up the cost to everyone
Fortunately I have a very nice collection with some pretty rare pieces so I am not inclined to pay more than I should when I do find something. It's easier to walk away than it use to be. Just imagine what our collection is worth with today's prices. I do consider it an investment. Some people buy gold but I think my lights and sirens have increased more in value in the last 2 years than gold has. Lol
I think a lot of it is just eBay. I've been working on a project car for years and have found eBay to be an increasingly less viable option, in several cases I've ended up finding new parts cheaper than the price of used ones on there.
I worry the younger generation may not collect like we do. If that happens will our collections be worth anything? My dad was a big collector of trains, trolley and streetcars. It was worth not a lot. I still like eBay. Bought my first light on eBay many years ago.
My 2¢ is that pieces being sold as "man cave decorations" might play a part in driving prices up. Suddenly a collector's piece becomes a trendy decoration. Up go the prices. People find an item at a flea market and see it as a decorative piece which will fetch $$$. Also have to remember that "industrial look" decor is big now. Up go the prices yet again. Hipsters don't care about the rarity of an item; they'll pay top dollar and pitch it once the next trend comes along.
