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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 08:02:14
I have noticed this year that the majority of European collectors are unusually quiet. I suspect the recession is taking a toll on their hobby money. It is hard to know what to believe from our own media here in the US. I would be curious to know the point of view from some of you in EU countries, is the future outlook as uncertain as our media reports? I don't want to start a political discussion, only from the standpoint of how the economy is affecting the hobby. I suspect dealers are being very cautious and this must be having a very significant affect on manufacturers. Personally I am focusing more on consignment models until I see more encouraging signs. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| smerfik24 |
Posted - 06/04/2012 : 13:56:21
I totally agree with all of you guys.
I am young ( 22 ) and I have to admit that in my generation there is no time and probably patience to focus on building modelcars. I would love to build something for myself or even try to do few nice pieces, but I have no idea how to make such great pieces of art. There are probably many hints in Web, but I personally don't know anyone who could help with that in my neighborhood.
Concerning bad situation - I live in Poland, despite the European crisis, we also organize UEFA EURO 2012. It's nice, but I am afraid it would be a disaster. My country took many loans we have no possibility to pay back and what is more, right after this event, we will have no funds to go on. People will loose their jobs which will definitely result in criminals.
I am really shocked with the current situation. I tried to sell my California from BBR on leather base for 25th BBR Anniversary. Nice modelcar, maybe not so rare or exclusive, but definitely worth just 100,00 EUR. No. I didn't receive any offer.
While right after that, I sold a Golf V diecast for 50,00 EUR which was lost in my collection. Tell me, what's going on?!
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| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 17:24:07
Agreed Peter, easy to get seduced by an entry-level Ferrari like a 308 or a Mondial. You can get upside down on your investment very quickly if you are not careful. A very thorough pre-purchase inspection is a must, see the car in person, drive the car, make sure you have the entire maintenance history, if not then have a very reputable Ferrari shop go through it meticulously, it's not cheap but the only way to go. |
| PeterW |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 13:48:55
quote:
Originally posted by moriaan
buying a classic at a reasonable price is easy, finding the buyers is a whole different ballgame...
If you have time, and money, a nice Ferrari 308 is a good investment.
A 308 is a great car to buy in today's market but ONLY if it is well maintained and it's service is up to date. Make sure its a 4 valve too.
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| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 05/02/2012 : 06:52:08
I am trying to think of ways to help address this issue and the only options I can think of are to offer payment plans on my own stock (consignment models would be excluded), and/or trades so that collectors can still make changes to their collections but without having to use any funds. I will send an email newsletter with this offer later today. |
| LQDA4 |
Posted - 04/30/2012 : 18:45:07
I recently found a hard to find die cast model from Greece at price I would not dream of 3 years ago. The seller might have been an avid collector who was forced to sell in hard time...
Thankfully I still have a great job, but I am definitely more cautious about my "hobby" spending these days. Instead of spending money on models, I also need to stock up on other things that I'd rather not go into detail on an internet forum.
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| Ferrari2006 |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 23:16:49
Strange Time.
But every Penny has tow sides ==> you can buy some "Holy Grails" for low money.
I think it will be a hard Time for Manufacures like BBR, Makeup and all the others but its harder for all the Dealers. They have to think what they buy for us collectors. Also i think you will never get xxx colour from a Model like they make the FXX or ENZO´s.
We will see a lot of Dealers will stop there business.
Also the "Low cost" Models like Hot Weels Elite comes from time to time better. A very good quality for low money, just get a 312 T2 for 20 Euro what is a very good price for what you get. And i must say i like it.
As some sayd before you buy a Model in value of 150 to 200 Euro you think diffrent like in the past.
Regards from Stuttgart, Benztown Germany
Fred |
| jaaz47 |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 08:48:51
a friend of mine, glidingbuilder, said it in simple words:
the new interested people only will fly, they are not interested, why the model flies.
That is the Situation of the Diecast Collectors. It's not reprehensible, it's another kind of collecting.
When I started my 'career', first I rebuild dinkies s.o.. The first kits are john day's 'masterpieces'! They were cheep, simple and clearly arranged. The results are reasonably. For the beginners, I miss such kits. What he can do, when he opens the box of an AMR ore Tameo Kit? The rear-end collision is preprogrammed. So we've lost this Beginners. What a shame.
Back to topic:
In Europe we've a difficult situation and the potential collectors must look, that they need the money for more important things. But I think it's a temporary state.
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| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 08:02:34
No Ferraris but big Healeys and maybe a Pantera. Possibly a Ford GT40 Mk.I recreation. Some great options. |
| moriaan |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 07:49:41
buying a classic at a reasonable price is easy, finding the buyers is a whole different ballgame...
If you have time, and money, a nice Ferrari 308 is a good investment. |
| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 07:05:27
Very good points all. I too worry about a decline in the number of new collectors coming into this hobby. Personally I think our niche hobby will become a micro-niche with time as older collectors sell of their collections in higher numbers than young collectors starting the hobby. I hope I am wrong but time will tell. I have even considered expanding my business to broker 1:1 vintage cars. I already have my eye on a few... |
| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 06:59:57
No disrespect to the Prius, that was in reference to sky high gas prices. :-) quote:
Originally posted by the.x.man
quote:
Originally posted by Ferrarinut
... Prius.
Mind your language!
:o)
________________________________________________________
The only substitute for cubic inches is more cubic inches!
~ Max Balchowsky
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| moriaan |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 01:22:24
Youth has changed priorities over time.
Nowadays they all need the newest mobile-phone.
Internet and social media have changed their lives dramatically.
In our time (45 now)things were different and modelbuilding was popular. Nowadays it isnt anymore.
Diecast has indeed changed the hobby, and I don't think the handbuiltcompanies are aware on the longterm effect of the way they are working nowadays, numbers are to high, remaking old cars, and the availability by internet will have a big influence on future values and collectability.
Most valued collectors I know are focusing on quality and older models. The artisans are increasing popularity.
BUT I think economics play a significant rol.
We don't know where its going, So people are cautious.
These are times that are very unstabile, and please remember the 1930's... A similar situation and things went bad!
A war in europe would be different now, guns and canons are a thing of the past. Money and media are the weapons that could change our world dramatically if we are not aware now.
There are a lot of unhappy people!!
Hans
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| jaaz47 |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 23:10:47
I built modelcars since begin of the 70th. When I look back, this hobby was ever changing. So at the end of 70, my friends an me, are await impatiently for new kits. Anyone heard that a.m.r. has made a new kit and each one must have it! The high time was around 1980. the price for the kits was high, but affordable. End of 90 I stopped my activities but looked with one eye in the scene. From this time, in germany, the diecast models are more and more advancing. When I visit collectors fair today, the most offers are diecasts. This market is horrible fast and hectic. An other reason for the decline in germany, is the age of the hobbyists. There is no or only a small number of new builders visible.
The collectors, who started with the background of high potential, sorry guys, that was tuff sh…! Your grandchildren will have the win! Perhaps.
In my inviroment, three stopped here activities by familiy situation, the next retreated and works only for himself (pictures are coming soon) and juergen works in an other world.
The economy situation is not the main problem. It should be one Detail. It's more a problem to find young modelbuilder.
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| the.x.man |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 20:30:01
quote:
Originally posted by Ferrarinut
... Prius.
Mind your language!
:o)
________________________________________________________
The only substitute for cubic inches is more cubic inches!
~ Max Balchowsky |
| Ferrarinut |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 17:49:31
I feel bad for the collectors who bought as investments and must sell during these turbulent economic times. Those who sold out in 2007-2008 made out quite well on their investment but watching prices on ebay these days must be quite depressing. Ironically a good time to invest if one has the means. I watch the 1:1 car market every week and cannot believe the bargains to be had if one has the funds, far better than investing in the stock market. I would rather have something tangible than something on paper these days. At least you can enjoy a vintage automobile, try taking your stock portfolio out for a weekend spin in the mountains. I guess you could if you put it on the passenger seat of your Prius. |
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