How do you appraise a scratch build

[MDheliMech]

So I came across two buildings I scratch built a long time ago. I am thinking about selling / ebay / whatever. Looking for some opinions.

The first building is "Hostile Takeover Bank"
[IMG]DSCN1326 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]DSCN1328 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]DSCN1329 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]DSCN1330 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]

The second is just a generic office building
[IMG]DSCN1332 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]DSCN1337 by locomoti-copter mechanic, on Flickr[/IMG]

Trying to figure out if it is even worth the trouble of trying to sell them

[benw]

You always have the option at listing them at a low opening bid and seeing what the market will bear. You may be surprised either way.

Just make sure you charge for shipping.

[MDheliMech]

That's the other thing. How do you figure out what to charge for shipping?

[Mobile One]

How do you figure out what to charge for shipping?

Weigh it and charged based on priority insured shipping. If it breaks, the insurance covers it. Use a small kitchen scale from Walmart and add a few ounces for inaccuracy, or pre pack it and have the PO weigh it for you. Or buy a nice digital scale but you have to plan on doing a lot of FeeBay selling for this to be worth it.

[Bronman]

Or by a nice digital scale but you have to plan on doing a lot of FeeBay selling for this to be worth it.

To help justify the cost of a good scale, keep in mind that your rolling stock will run better if properly weighted. So, you have model railroading incentive to purchase a good one.

[Jugtown Modeler]

That's the other thing. How do you figure out what to charge for shipping?

[STRIKETHROUGH]Priority[/STRIKETHROUGH] (correction, meant flat rate) boxes ship anywhere for one price. Although I tend to "subsidize" shipping depending on size/distance by offering a generic $5 or $10 S&H price. I can usually ship for less than priority prices to give buyers incentive.

As for pricing: Pretty much what the market will bear. You could generate some interest and try a "By It Now" price for a 3-5 run. See if any takers. If not, re-list for auction. Do an Ebay search for "custom" or "scratch" buildings sold to get a feel on pricing.

Often, won't get what you deserve but sometimes you just may strike a liking from someone and get a nice price.

Good luck!

Edit: correction

[Puros_bran]

I think Jugtown nailed it.. Especially with the last statement. You probably won't get what it cost to produce.

[Mobile One]

Priority boxes ship anywhere for one price.

That's not correct. Flat rate boxes ship for a flat rate, but non flat rate priority shipping is based on weight. Often times this can be a cheaper option because N scale stuff is light. Especially something like a single building.

[Spookshow]

The office building looks really sharp - I bet you could find somebody to pay $30 for it (maybe even more). That said, it might take a while find the right person with the right sort of layout.

The bank is a cute idea and would probably sell if you cleaned up the graphics a little bit (no offense). If they were clean and straight, I could see somebody paying $10, maybe $20 for it.

I think you might be surprised by just how many people out there are looking for stuff that's not just the same old "seen it a millions times before" kits that we're all familiar with. I've put a few custom items up for sale myself and was somewhat astonished by what they went for.

Good luck!
-Mark

[Jugtown Modeler]

I think you might be surprised by just how many people out there are looking for stuff that's not just the same old "seen it a millions times before" kits that we're all familiar with.

- Exactly.

Pre-built stuff does move. Custom items have a niche layout just calling your name. Just need to connect the owner to your listing...

[pbender]

To help justify the cost of a good scale, keep in mind that your rolling stock will run better if properly weighted. So, you have model railroading incentive to purchase a good one.

And a decent (reasonably accurate, but not top of the line) postal scale is really all you need for your rolling stock.

The one I have I may have spent $25 on over 10 years ago. I certainly imagine they have gotten more expensive (though I haven't checked...).

Paul

[MDheliMech]

Thanks all for your feedback. I don't expect to make a ton of money from this, or even a profit. They are older builds I did quickly as proof of concept test builds. If I remember correctly they were built in hours not days. Definitely not offended by by other members noting the flaws that make these less than desirable. It would be nice just to make a few bucks to pick up more scratch building supplies.

[Bronman]

Another suggestion if you don't mind... You may get more "value" out of these if you pass them along to someone just starting out in the hobby for free who may get more out of them than just a couple new buildings for his or her railroad. Having an example of what can be made through scratchbuilding in his or her hands might encourage a newbie in the hobby to give scratchbuilding a try, as well as adding structures to a new and barren layout. "Giving back to the hobby" can be very rewarding spiritually, even though you don't physically get anything out of it. Sorry if I'm soapboxing a little, but I think the message is important enough to warrant it. Reminds me that I have some items I need to pass along myself. I just gotta find the time to get a round 2it.

[MDheliMech]

pass them along to someone just starting out in the hobby

Anyone in mind? If another member here really had a need for these I would be willing to donate them. I would want to make sure if I did give them away the intent would be for them to find a home on a layout. Might even like to see where they end up just for fun. If I charged money for them I wouldn't care what happened to them. However your post did raise the possibility of the "warm fuzzy" of seeing a fellow member put them to good use.

[Bronman]

Anyone in mind?

Unfortunately no, but maybe someone will read this and pipe up.