Lionel Trains
Hi, I had made a comment some time back about prices that different pieces were being either auctioned or sold for. Prices are out of control. I've been on Ebay since 2004. I realize COVID caused a lot of problems, causing prices to go up a bit, but, as an example, there is a Caboose people are auctioning or selling. The particular item was fairly common back in it's day, so there are many available. I've seen it priced for as little as $2.99 to as much as $32.99. It's rare, scarce, one of a kind, limited addition. There's no end to what people are doing, to increase the price of the item. In good shape, it's worth about $15.00, maybe as much as $20.00, but then, there's the shipping cost. It should cost 5 to 6 dollars, normally. In some cases it's being shipped for free, $11.00, $14.95, the best one was $24.95.
It has ruined what being a collector is. I, personally collect different pieces and run them in different sets. They don't sit on a shelf, collecting dust. I don't think Ebay really has a clue as to what is really happening. Honestly, I don't think they truly care, as long as they make money. Even their return policy, "Money back guaranteed". I purchased an item a short while back. I paid about $40.00 for it, plus shipping and handling. The part was incorrect. The seller wouldn't take a return on it and Ebay closed the case and they would not explain the rationale as to why. I apologize for being a pain in the butt, but sometimes you need to speak up, rock the boat. I should put something on Facebook about it and maybe TikTok. Lets see what happens.
simba6
·3 years agoPrices in flea-markets and auctions have always varied as the crow flies. Just have to keep looking until a good price comes around. The pawn shop and antiques buyer TV shows also give people the idea everything old is worth a lot too.
mudshark61369
·3 years ago"there is a Caboose people are auctioning or selling. The particular item was fairly common back in it's day, so there are many available. I've seen it priced for as little as $2.99 to as much as $32.99. It's rare, scarce, one of a kind, limited addition".
@975katie,
If the caboose was common in its time, how can it be rare or scarce? Of course if it was something like a Christmas edition piece it may share the same MPN with others, though in the catalog It could have a hyphenated number not printed on it, designating it as a limited edition piece. Since many Lionel cars are listed by those who have no idea of what they have it is not unusual for prices to be all over the place.
For Example: the Post War number 6257 SP-type caboose. Under the base number it was produced from 48-56 then for years 63-64. The earlier ones having electro magnetic type Staple end trucks 45-50, From 51-58 they would have bar end trucks some with w/ flying shoe decouplers. After `58 the disc type decoupler was used.
There are 4 hyphenated variants of the caboose listed in books, but there are a couple of variants not listed.
No.s - "X" 1948 only w/ brake wheel but no ladders, staple end trucks in the darker brown red color. -25 w/ brake wheel no ladders some in the red plastic Staple end trucks.
-50 Had a variant with no SP or Circle "L" on the body. The coupler end rail did not have the hole for the brake wheel, and had bar end trucks. The did not all have ladders either.
-100 Lionel Lines had the SP replaced by the circle "L" Lionel Lines logo w/ bar end trucks There was also had a lighted version with windows and stove stack and curl over ladders. There was a plainer version with the stack, no lights or windows and a straight ladder.
The embossed circle on the roof for the stove stack was on all variants as were the ladder slots. All were marked w/ C-40-1 over the Built 9-47 date. The brighter red units usually came with sets.
When you look them up the prices are pretty much inline with what you have described and some are very undervalued. Some have boxes and are in very good condition. The boxes for some have tears or are missing end flap sections. Some do not have inserts. Several of the cars themselves are listed with the wrong ( - ) numbers, are missing brake wheels, have rusty trucks, and coupler springs that do not work.
Unless you really know what you are looking for it is easy to overlook something that can make one piece worth much more than the others. You may find a rare variant well underpriced, since many are listed by non collectors clearing out the closet. Then you have those who think just because an item is "old" it is worth more.
Why you lost the Not as Described dispute we can't say without knowing more about the transaction. If you received a piece that was or was not listed with the proper ( - ) version but did have the proper general part number that could be why ebay sided with the seller.
janet9988
·3 years agoI am confused about your post.......
Are you complaining about the price of an item (which you AGREED TO PAY ) or did you fail to properly use the eBay money back guarantee. ( (which has NOTHING to do with the price)
downunder-61
·3 years ago@975katie Bottom line, no matter how many posts are made, seller's can list for $10,000.00 if they want, doesn't mean any one will pay the price.
As a buyer you are in the perfect position regardless of prices, you get to decide whether or not you purchase
12345jamesstamps
·3 years agoOne man's trash is another man's treasure.
Seller has to take returns even if seller states "no returns". You must have done something wrong.
kathiec
·3 years agoPosting once a month in a member-to-member forum isn't rocking the boat. And I'm absolutely bumfuzzled that you think eBay has any control over prices on the site. Nor will posting on social media change the foundations of capitalism in the US.
As for your case, what reason did you select for the return? If you selected that the item was not as described the seller wouldn't have been able to refuse the return. EBay would have sent you a label and refunded when the seller received the return.
oszika
·3 years agoSupply and demand, that simple. Obviously there are delusional sellers, but the actual "Sold" prices give you an idea about the market conditions. If people buy trains for higher prices than your imaginary fair price, you're out of luck.