Diecast purchase costs

Yep, I agree.

I am therefore so glad I bought the majority of my eBay.com-models before this increase in prices.

I live in the Netherlands and I was used to paying top-Dollars anyway.

But the last years scared my off.

Rand; I have found that by shopping around a bit a person can still enjoy the hobby without feeling gouged.  There are some very good models still available for under $100; Goldvarg being a shining example.  USPS regular mail is reasonable and I've never had a problem with anything going astray or being damaged.  I avoid Fed Ex and UPS.

Sadly, I agree.

I collect primarily Brooklins, and at $200+, it's a stretch. I have pretty much all of the ones I want. The 1961 Catalina is so tempting, but we'll have to see.

On top of this, there is not one more bit of space for another model. I shoehorned my recent Greenlight Cadillac onto a shelf with a bunch of other objects. The boxes have now flowed into my closet from the dedicated piece of furniture that holds most of them.

@jack-dodds    ' Goldvarg" ?????

I haven't bought since October, maybe this is the reason.

I thought my purchasing was slowing because I am, but I tend to be in agreement.  Yes, prices have gone up faster than my purchasing power.  But the producers in recent months and years have seemed to be emphasizing more modern cars.  This is probably what the younger collectors want, and I understand that.  But somewhere in the early 1960's I grew bored with mainstream cars.  That's reflected in my models.  

I'm mostly 1/24 and all of the prized DMs and FMs that I missed out on are now pretty much beyond reach. Occasionally I can pick up a desirable model for a good price here on the local Australian ebay. The other really annoying thing is a lot, if not a majority of ebay sellers are really just opportunists putting ridiculous starting bids or buy it now prices on the sought after models, and even some not so sought after. Being in Australia Automodellos free postage and credit points greatly helped me buy their latest Delahaye release. And today 2 nice Citroen Hashettes arrived from France where postage is quite reasonable.

Price of essentials have gone up. Want to see price increases, go to the food market or the gas station. 

@randtheman  Rand; if you aren't familiar maybe google Goldvarg models; they are very impressive and IMO good value for a reasonable price.

I find GASOLINE ALLEY ANTIQUES 

a good reliable alternative to eBay.

link: http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/diecast/index.htm

I primarily collected 1:24 models representing the 1949 the 1960 era.  I have retired from collecting due to lack of funds and display space. I have most of the models I wanted but still like to peruse listings for those on my short DDL: Diecast Dream List.  One thing I've noticed is a trend by sellers to gouge on shipping costs.  👎 

As with all things these day, costs are higher. Shopping around helps. But when it comes down to it. I have the funds most of the time, so I buy what I want. I get so much joy from these little wonders that, and they help deal with everything else.

@jack-dodds Its just my opinion, but $99 for a 1/43 model is crazy as are the prices for 1/18 scale. I have some GREAT models under $50 but to spent $100 + for a model is just nuts.

Posted by: @randtheman

@jack-dodds Its just my opinion, but $99 for a 1/43 model is crazy as are the prices for 1/18 scale. I have some GREAT models under $50 but to spent $100 + for a model is just nuts.

Funny because I can't believe they can pay the licensing fees, create the molds, pay for material, labor, and factory overhead, build in all that intricate detail, then pay for marketing, packaging and shipping, earn a reasonable profit, and still sell it to me for only $100!