[Slotula]

1. Hi Guys   I have inherited a large collection of 3000-4000 Slot.it Carrera, Scalextric Flyslot, Scx, Ninco, Aurora cars. It’s a huge collection dating back 45+ years and the vast majority are in mint original boxed condition never opened. Many entire sets numbering from #1 to the last # of the collection. On top of that there are parts motors from the US, scalextric  tracks unopened in perfect condition enough to get you around the UK! Controllers etc… I’ve never seen this amount of cars in any shop in my life!…. Question is, where is the best place to sell and how do I go about it? This, I’m sure, is a one of a kind collection, I’m sure that in the right hands would make anyone happy to own. Any help would be great. Also added to this is a miniature train set collection that is equally as vast and impressive! Thanks in advance.S.   

[KensRedZed]

Hello Slotula,

You need to take pics of everything. Then document exactly what you have. Then, it needs to be seen by as many people as possible.

EBay is your best friend. It will get you the most for your collection. It also allows you, and the buyer some protection.

Good luck with your collection.

Some people might even suggest you keep them and try a new hobby, and test them all out. 

[Johnno]

Hello Slotula,

You need to take pics of everything. Then document exactly what you have. Then, it needs to be seen by as many people as possible.

EBay is your best friend. It will get you the most for your collection. It also allows you, and the buyer some protection.

There are other selling platforms as well that don't charge you a kidney like fleabay does, do NOT use Gumtree, do your research. Be careful also of some folk offering serious low-ball prices, don't take it just to sell it. 

You might even consider selling on consignment with terms such as timeframes etc to be in writing. 

If posting on forums, sites, groups etc, don't flood the market. 

I remember a substantial collection became available in Australia a few years back and the prices were ridiculous (too high) and wouldn't consider bulk lot sales neither... so there is a lot to consider, perhaps take the tips everyone puts here in a list and work through that. 

As Ken said you need to photograph and document every single item so crack out that Excel. All the best selling
Johnno

[Henk]

Hi,

Question is how fast do you want to move the lot?

If you want to sell it in one go you'll need to find someone with a lot of money! Imagine 3000 cars each selling for $20 would already cost $60,000 for the buyer, and then you still have all the track and parts. There are buyers out there who would be able to buy all at once, try to contact electric Dreams in the USA, if you're located there. Shipping would cost another fortune, probably you'll need a container. In the UK you could ask Pendle or Phil Smith.

If you would sell them individually it will take you years. Documenting and listing every car, or group of cars, is a pain in the a$$.
Besides, platforms like eBay now have a legal obligation to report you to taxes if your sales exceed a certain limit, here in the Netherlands it is currently 2000 euro. This means you could be bites by taxes.

Also not to forget that most buyers will be only interested in the rare pieces, sos you're stuck with the common pieces for years to come.
Maybe the best thing to do is go commercial, register as a shop and open an online web store. You can research for each car what it's worth by checking sites like eBay and then search the ended listings.

You have a real problem with that much items, either sell all for "little" money or be busy for years.

[Graham]

If you based in the UK, there are probably only a few dealers who could buy that size collection outright, you would probably get a better return from selling on eBay, but it will take a long time and a great deal of effort photographing, listing, packaging & posting as individual cars etc.

The dealers I know are:
Rogerbarkerslots 
Scalemodels
Phil Smith Slot Cars

[philsmith]

Thanks to the couple of people who have recommended me.

Yes would be interested in buying the collection.


Not sure where you are but if you are not to far away from me (I am in SE London, UK) then I could visit and take a look and give you a price.
If you are in the USA I do have contacts who could view it as well.

Otherwise a list and or photos would work.

I regularly but large collections, most would be around 2000 car but have bought larger collection like this in the past.

Phil

p.s. would also be interested in the trains, N gauge?

[CMOTD]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
From your sign up info I gather you are in Australia so you have the following choices in order of diminishing returns:

1) sell items individually via eBay/Facebook marketplace etc. This will involve you in a lot of research, work and grief dealing with individual buyers but will produce the highest returns.

2) Sell at a swapmeet. The Australian Scalextric Collectors club LINK hold them each year in Sydney and Melbourne. If you contact them they should be able to advise on prices. A Lot less hassle than selling on eBay and should provide decent prices. 

3) Sell via a specialist land based toy auction house. Several in UK but not sure about Australia. Bear in mind that they will take a hefty commission and the buyers premium involved will also reduce the hammer price. Overall although it will produce a decent return with minimum work on your part.

4) Sell to a dealer who will buy the whole collection. Bear in mind that they are in business to make a profit, nothing wrong with that, but you will only receive about 50/60% of the true value.
The UK dealers already mentioned are reputable and of long standing but I don't know whether they deal in your part of the world. The Australian Collectors Club linked above may be able to help with dealers more local to you.

There is also an Australian slot car forum LINK. Don't know how active it is these days but it could be another source of information for you.

[Slotula]

Hi Guys thanks for the heads up. Yes I’m Australian however the collection is in Wales. Phil, I’ll contact you in the coming days. Many thanks. Guys.

[philsmith]

As long as that is not New South Wales!

I can travel to Wales to look at the collection no problem so no need for lists or photos.

Look forwards to making contact.

Phil

[DPJ]

I'm curious to see how this pans out...