Here are 6 steps to help you in your quest of selling older miniatures online- which are some of the best ways to get rid of the old and make room for the new.
I have talked about buying used models before (a long time ago) you can check that out here, but what if you want to sell them?
6 Steps for Selling Old Miniatures Online
This is interesting in that used models, like anything else, tend to decrease in value at least until they are out of print, and then what are they worth? (Usually is it a little bit more unless it has been remade in plastic). Let’s break this down and cover some things to do if you find a box of old models from another lifetime.
Step 1: Identify the Models
This is especially important as a log of the models in old Warhammer fantasy are no longer in production and it can be hard to identify these models. The first thing you can do is if it is on a square base and you can safely take it out without damaging the base or model try and do so. On the little tab that goes into the base slot sometimes, you can see a copyright year and a model name like orc or dwarf. Once you do that make note of the year and model and continue for the rest of the miniatures you have (that are metal).
Once you have that done it is time to dig up some old citadel catalogs that contain an assortment of miniatures for you to pursue through. These are broken down by season and year and basically showcase all the stuff Games Workshop had released or planned for that year.
A quick google search will bring up a variety of websites but here is one I used to identify a recent Orc and Goblin lot. (View it here). Once you have all the metal ones identified move onto the plastic ones which should be a bit easier as they are closer to the current date. Some of them are still in use but just rebranded a different name (night goblins became grots for example). Once you have your list, keep everything organized by putting them in different sandwich baggies, containers, etc., and label the bags/containers.
Step 2: Check for Missing Pieces
In this next step take all the bits you probably have sitting around from this lot you found, were given, bought, etc., and start identifying where they go. I first start with separating metal from plastic and then looking for missing heads, torsos, legs, etc., and putting it all together to get a complete body.
If you have some pieces that you are not sure about, identify the models missing pieces via the catalogs (or Google images if you can) and see if any of the bits match what is missing on the model. Make sure when you get complete matches to set them aside, so they do not get mixed up again, and then put those complete sets into the bags/containers. Once you have all the missing bits figured out make sure you label the bag/container that has whatever models in it that they are missing this bit or that bit.
Step 3: Start Looking at Prices
This is the tricky part in that you want to maximize your return, but you cannot price yourself so high that nobody will buy. eBay in general is priced high because a lot of people want to use the buy now option and be done with it. (instant gratification) You can certainly try that against the other eBay sellers out there and sit out models and wait.
However, what I like to do is instead of listing on eBay and having PayPal and eBay take a cut of my profits and being forced to wait on bidders, I look at the sold history over the past 3-6 months and take an average. I then list it in the Facebook marketplace in Age of Sigmar buy sell groups, Reddit, etc. for that price. If it is not selling there, I will then list it through eBay if I must, to move a model.
Step 4: Adjust your Expectations and Price Point
First off, you are probably not going to get the asking price you want for an out-of-print model unless your willing to sit on it. Generally, eBay, Reddit, and Facebook people are going to want to buy it without paying the eBay price so be prepared for counteroffers, or lower offers. Also, if your model is missing any bits, is damaged, etc. you need to adjust the price accordingly. I also offer another option to trade for models for existing armies and games that I am currently playing in case people do not want to pay cash.
The other thing to consider is offering a deal for people who want to buy multiple units in a single order, they kind of expect a better deal from you by buying more. You make more money and ship more products faster and they get a lower price and more at once and it is a win for both parties. I will knock off a percentage amount like 10 – 15 and combine shipping for those buyers.
Step 5: Understand Shipping and Fees
So as the seller you oversee shipping any models purchased from you, and generally, the buyer expects those to be out the door within 3-5 business days. I like to use bubble envelopes that are cheaply made yet offer a decent amount of protection for what is inside. For shipping in the states expect 5-10 depending on the distance. If it is a larger order, use the “if it fits it ships” boxes they offer for a flat rate shipping which I believe is currently $15 for a medium-sized box. Along with having the correct shipping cost ready to go, you also need to package them, so they do not break in whatever you are shipping them in.
I like to use air bubbles or packing peanuts in the larger boxes so they cannot move much, but individually wrapping models in tissue or bubble wrap for the smaller orders is usually sufficient. If you are shipping outside of the US that is where it gets tricky and before giving a buyer a price, I ask for the zip code. Then go to the USPS website to calculate costs because they can skyrocket fast. (I paid 13$ to ship a 6 x 9-inch bubble wrap 3 oz package from Michigan to Canada recently).
Finally, understand your buyers do not know you and frankly do not 100% trust you so they are going to want to get a guarantee. This is done through PayPal which is the preferred method of payment but instead of friends and family who have no fee, they will select goods and services. This fee is .30$ + 2.9% of the cost which the seller pays, but it makes the purchaser happy because PayPal guarantees their purchase.
Step 6: Any models that do not Move, be Prepared to Sit on
You have all your stuff listed and it is not moving, that can happen and often does especially with out-of-print stuff. Those kinds of models are being purchased for displays, conversions, or by collectors not your run of the mill gamer. Those people will pick up the kit via their FLGS or one of the many online retailers. You are waiting for the right buyers to see your listings and be prepared to negotiate with them on price otherwise you might be sitting on it longer. (which you can do) If you want to be done with it, I will offer it all in a lot with a solid markdown and you can get more interested parties.
Final Thoughts
That is how I sell my models, though I prefer to trade them when I can. Sometimes it’s fun to sift through old catalogs with a beverage in hand to discover what you recently acquired. Often these models can even be great variety models for your armies as they look so much different than what GW is releasing now. It is a great way to make a unit champion you can call him old man Jim or time-traveling George or something.
Anyways happy treasure hunting!
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About the Author: Travis Perkins
