Wife and I went down to Allegen Antique show, a once a month event south of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Usually I see a few redlines with high prices scattered here and there, but today I saw one redline HWs, and no JLs. Saw lots of post 1990 HWs, lots of 70s and up MBs, lots of Tootsietoys going back to 1930, most of them from the 50s and 60s. But no Redlines.

Do you think most dealers are selling them on Ebay for bigger profit? Or are a lot of people hording them thinking the value may skyrocket even more?

What's your thoughts?

Geralde61 we are definately in a soft market right now for good prices on any of the older diecasts. It seems that most of the material being offered at shows and ePay are c-8.5 or less. The c-9 and better or the MOC and MOMC are being saved for a better market. This stuff runs in cycles and right now is a buyers market. This is only my opinion, but is what I see. Thanks.

cj

Good question, I guess. I have nearly all of the ones from my childhood (vintage) and the ones I bought on auction sites. I'm no scalper. It bothers me to see a medium-grade python go for $38.00 but I'm not selling any of mine.

There are 3 kinds of collectors....$$hounds... will sell their mamas on ebay for $1.00.

Or....Buy and wait for later to sell.....later never comes
Or....The collector who buys what he likes and keeps them with no thought of selling.
IF you collect to turn a profit, then you are a business person...NOT a collector.

It's hard to throw ethics into the equasion for me. I've purchased a lot of redlines since coming home from the fest, as well as a few White Lightnngs. I refuse to pay the huge dollar prices for the ones I buy, in hopes that if I ever do sell, I can make a buck on them, or at least get my money back.

Does that make me a business man? not really...

For those of use that met Frank at the fest, and was afforded the opportunity to see his Cobra, have seen the result of a Collector who kept his stuff for a "rainy day" or used his collection for a "Higher Purpose". Frank told me and others that he sold the majority of his Hot Wheels collection and bought that beautiful car.

I have a 7 yr old son, it is my position that if I can buy these redlines, (non brand specific) and store them away. Over the next 10 - 12 years they certainly will not go down in value, Most likely they will increase, and hopefully increase substantially. Just maybe, by putting 50 to 100 per month into this collection, I may be able to sell them and give him a good head start for college.

If my life circumstances allows me to have the money elsewhere, 401k, personal savings, home equity, etc... Then maybe, just maybe, I can get me a nice ride to enjoy.

I have a lot of admiration for those collectors that buy what they like to display and enjoy. And while I have grown in this compacity, and opened a few whites, I don't think I could open one I paid a premium price for. Sorry G, just can't do it... lol

sorry for the long read, kk