To the uninitiated entering the space of a modeler with Advanced Modelers Syndrome one is often awestruck by what they find. Many a time I have heard these words…”WOW! You got a lot of models.” It depends to whose stash you are comparing mine with. There are some out there who have more on their in-progress pile than I do in my entire collection. These particular individuals have a unique and incurable case of AMS.

From time to time I hear another question. “How much would you take for all of this stuff?” My answer varies, but in reality no one has ever stepped up to make me a serious offer. Well, in years past I wouldn’t have sold any of it. Then there was the time when I sold a good portion of my stash off because I was “leaving the hobby” only later to return once again. I looked back with 20/20 vision and found that I had regretted doing so.

The circle continues round, now I’d have to say again…”Make me an offer, but only if you’re serious!” Forty some years of collecting spare parts, kits, tools and decals is of little value to some. Then again there are others who’d give their left _____ for such a stash.

Tough Times Tough Decisions

During these economic times, we hear of many who are liquidating their stashes for cash. Some just lost interest in the hobby so it is considered a waste of real estate best sold and removed. For some it is a practical means to thin the oversize stash to a more manageable level to remain within the allocated resources afforded to it. For some, the sudden arrival of a newborn, returning young adult or becoming the care giver for a parent or grandparent forces one to reassess their priorities and space the stash is allocated.

The cash for stash option for some is a painful venture.  Some find themselves also needing to liquidate it to pay bills as their foreseeable economic forecast is gloomy.  What makes it difficult is to see all those years of collecting return only a fraction given in return when sold. For the estate of those with a modeling stash, putting a price on it can be emotionally challenging too.

For those who really need the money their stash will provide…before you start to sell it off do your homework! Find the market value of the items and the expenses associated with such an undertaking. I’ve heard from a few that when they started liquidating the fees and costs associated with shipping and auctioning really reduced their overall gains. The time and effort expended did little to fill their wallets and help with the financial crisis they are/were in.

Planning Ahead

Would I sell my stash? Yes! I would if the price offered was what I considered a fair one. I know there is more in the stash than I’d ever use or build in my lifetime. I’d keep the bare necessities, maybe its what I need to do to actually build more and stash less. My interests in certain subjects has changed, so there are some subjects that will just sit. Don’t tell anyone though!

I’m also going to make provisions ahead of time as to answer questions about the disposition of  where my stash goes if its still around after I leave this mortal world. So whether you have a dozen kits, a hundred or several thousand make sure those who know you and are going to be responsible for their disposition know what to do with them. Are you going to donate them? Be buried with them? Or when you’re gone, what happens to the stash happens. Provide some resources and guidance…who to call and where the proceeds go.