Diecast cars--What do you do with them?

[myk]

What do I do with them?  Nothing at all.  They sit around and collect dust while simultaneously reminding me of how much money I threw away as a youth, when I should've been spending it on the Charger...

[odcics2]

One persons "Collectable" is another's "Dust Collector".   The best rule of thumb is to collect what is important to you without expecting your collection to greatly add any value to your 401k.  Years ago I started collecting some of the toys that left an impression on me when I was a kid.   It was fun and brought back many memories.  But, the key word here is "memories"; I had an emotional connection to these items which gave them value in my mind.  The only way these items would have the same value to others, would be if they too had some sort of an emotional connection, otherwise they are just old toys from a time long gone.   This is the same for old NASCAR die-cast; as most of those interested are older individuals who actually watched these drivers race back in the day.  Today's younger fan has no connection to names like; Allison, Pearson, Isaac, Jarrett, Baker, Yarborough, Turner and others.  Of course they do know Richard Petty but he is the exception to the rule.  I have found that most of the people who inquiry about my die-cast are indeed older or have a collection that they would like to complete, such as the Racing Champions "Black Box" or "Red Box"  cars.

There was an old episode of "Frasier" (if I remember correctly) in which someone on the show started to place stickers on the bottom of items with their value.  Perhaps I should think about doing the same thing and let they worry about selling my collection after I am gone... (Perhaps a good way to get even with any family member who looked down their nose at collecting "stupid toys").....LOL         

What I see play out is a big dumpster in your driveway...   Sad but true.     I've seen it happen more than once... 

[Aero426]

No one in my immediate family is interested in any of the stuff I have.   I do have some nephews who I am sure would be.   Otherwise, there would be a big dumpster, possibly before I am cold.   I don't think it would matter if I painstakingly built a database of stuff and what it was "worth". 

[Daytona R/T SE]

I just HAD to buy a bunch of those hot wheels sized "Racing Champions" wing cars back in the '90s 

[Ghoste]

I have a large collection of music memorabilia as well and I took my wife aside one time and told her I want to go through it with her so that if something happens to me you know what all this stuff is worth.  She looked me right in the eye and said, "if something happens to you all of this crap is going in a yard sale with a big sign on it that says -Everything One Dollar".  And then she walked away.
So there you go.

[odcics2]

Appears we are all in the same, sinking, boat...     

[Brock Lee]

I don't think they made it to the shelf's in the Goodwill store.  I went there several times for curiosity afterwards to see how much they had them up for sale and never saw them come out. 

Goodwill has its stores keep an eye open for potentially valuable items to sell online at http://www.shopgoodwill.com/ .

I have seen a number of collectables take a beating in value because of eBay. What would happen is an item would appear rarer than it really was as buyers were shopping regionally. As eBay grew and more items popped up, as seemingly rare items popped up with regularity, well, supply and demand goes into effect. The supply outpaced demand and prices fell. I watched it happen with comic books, brass wind instruments, model kits, lighters, etc etc.

[don duick]

I use them to try out paint samples. When painting my car I find it very difficult to pick a color so I buy small sample pots for $10.  and paint them on my models. They all have original Chrysler colors on them now Q5. B5. J5. and C7

[TPR]

Mine sit on temporary display shelves in the hallway, waiting for the day I buy a huge glass display case.
I've posted this picture before and have quite a few more since this was taken.
I agree with what's been said already. They will always have some value so don't be giving them away, but also don't expect anywhere near the original cost back.
Ebay is the way to go to sell them and also find out their current value, but as we all know ebay is a real pain in the ass particularly if you sell them individually.
It comes down to how long you can hold out for a reasonable return and how much effort you want to put into the venture.
The diecast car industry has been dying a slow death for a while now.
That's my two cents.
TPR

[Brads70]

I have 100's of them too , but haven't bought any in a few years now. I dump the money into my real car now. I'd still like to get the 1/18 wing cars ( nascar editions) but I resist..... for now?

[Aero426]

I just HAD to buy a bunch of those hot wheels sized "Racing Champions" wing cars back in the '90s  

I just bought a case of 20 for $25 with shipping.    

I'll give them away at car shows.   Every so often, you run into someone who will appreciate one.

[myk]

I have 100's of them too , but haven't bought any in a few years now. I dump the money into my real car now. I'd still like to get the 1/18 wing cars ( nascar editions) but I resist..... for now?

Funny that you say that; it's the exact train of thought I used to stop buying "toys."  I figure I have the real thing, so why not put the money into "it" instead...

[Aero426]

I have 100's of them too , but haven't bought any in a few years now. I dump the money into my real car now. I'd still like to get the 1/18 wing cars ( nascar editions) but I resist..... for now?

Funny that you say that; it's the exact train of thought I used to stop buying "toys."  I figure I have the real thing, so why not put the money into "it" instead...

It is easy to siphon off a lot of money buying "stuff" if you lose sight of your real goal. 

[bill440rt]

I put a halt on buying diecasts years ago for this very reason. 
Buying them now is very infrequent, but there are quite a few I'd like to have. Limiting myself now to JUST Chargers, and will probably thin the herd on non-Charger diecasts in the future.

[Back N Black]

Mine sit on temporary display shelves in the hallway, waiting for the day I buy a huge glass display case.
I've posted this picture before and have quite a few more since this was taken.
I agree with what's been said already. They will always have some value so don't be giving them away, but also don't expect anywhere near the original cost back.
Ebay is the way to go to sell them and also find out their current value, but as we all know ebay is a real pain in the ass particularly if you sell them individually.
It comes down to how long you can hold out for a reasonable return and how much effort you want to put into the venture.
The diecast car industry has been dying a slow death for a while now.
That's my two cents.
TPR

Nice collection!

[Aero426]

If I had time to sell all my junk, I could probably get back into a Charger. 

[A383Wing]

I put a halt on buying diecasts years ago for this very reason. 
Buying them now is very infrequent, but there are quite a few I'd like to have. Limiting myself now to JUST Chargers, and will probably thin the herd on non-Charger diecasts in the future.

exactly what I'm trying to do now....not having much luck

[70 Battle Horse]

I have collected a few over the years, but never got a "collection bug" just purchased the ones that pleased me. I have the original boxes for  the "rare and valuable " ones..... but I prefer to put them "loose" on display in my "Bee Hive" man cave!

[Ghoste]

Theres a proper display cabinet.