You Want How Much For It?

    I was reading two articles the other day from one of my older Hot Rod magazines. One article was
titled, "100 Ways To be Inflation" - tips on car repair and maintenance that ranged from exhaust to carburetor jets to installing trunk mounted batteries. The other article contained a photo caption that read, "Swap meet prices are out of control. We need to bring them back down to earth. Some clowns are trying to get rich by buying and selling old hot rod parts." Sound familiar? So when do you think these articles and such were written? Believe it or not, all those words were written back in 1972... 52 years ago. 

   I don't know who said it, but it still rings true - some things never change. While inflation seems to rear its ugly head now and again to varying degrees, it seems the prices of old cars, their associated parts, as well as vintage automotive memorabilia which includes various collectibles ranging from toys to literature has rarely taken a break. And lately, it seems to have been injected with a heavy dose of steroids. I can remember when, and I'm taking about six or seven years ago, when someone could purchase an older vehicle, say pre-1980, for less than 2 grand, if it was a 4-door with a small V-8 engine between the fenders. And while it needed work, it usually ran, drove and stopped. Nowadays it seems, that same vehicle is at least $5000 or more depending on make. 

   eBay seems to be ripe with this inflation price attitude. Facebook marketplace also seems to falling into this unfortunate trend. I belong to several Facebook groups that range from hot rods to Hot Wheels. I've read way too many posts from members that are criticizing some of the prices for certain items on eBay. In my humble opinion, it's your stuff - you can sell it for whatever you want. But these people do have a point; there seems to be an almost out-of-control pricing problem that is being inflamed by unknowledgeable sellers or price gougers trying to make some serious cash. One Hot Wheels FB group I belong to had a member post a brand new 1971 Chevy El Camino Hot Wheel that was also a super treasure hunt. His first mistake in his for sale post was he found the toy at Dollar Tree - which means he paid $1.25 plus tax for it. He was now selling the toy online for $40 plus shipping and handling. Shipping is more than a-ok, but an additional handling charge? Needs to say he was absolutely lambasted by the group and the post was removed, most likely by him. 

  

Again, it's your stuff - you can ask whatever you want for it - be it reasonable or stupid crazy. I'm seeing a number of eBay listings ranging from vintage automotive stuff to Hot Wheels that just get renewed month after month or week after week, because the item or items did not sell. The auction will usually see a price drop after a few renewals because the seller just may be realizing that the price is too high. Others don't get it - they hold out for some newbie collector who doesn't know any better. The best thing we can all do, is to educate ourselves as best as possible about a potential purchase, and pay reasonable prices. If they're too high, don't pay them. This theory holds true whether it's on eBay, or at an old car swap meet. Another bottom line is, it's your money - do whatever you want with it. But don't be the fool who's money is easily departed. Don't get into a hobby because of the value of what it contains or strictly for resale purposes; that isn't a hobby. Value what you collect or get out of your hobby. You'll be much happier.

   I'm done with the old cliches - I'll catch you next time. Peace out.