Archive for Editorial
Stash For Cash?
Posted by: | Comments
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.
In The Darkness Lurks Doom
Posted by: | Comments
Reaper's Moon. Copyright ImagesByHawkeye 2010
There is nearly always a dark side to every story, so it is true within our hobby. Some of you jest about switching over to the dark side, aircraft modeler building armor or a car modeler who built a plane. This is something more serious than that.
I know many of you just want to hear the good news as well as tips, techniques and latest product releases. Unfortunately this could potentially cast a very dark shadow over all of that. Among the topics of conversation at the recent Nationals and within the walls of those involved is that of debt.
We are all aware of the financial crisis the world has and is experiencing. This too has an impact on the hobby and industry. One of the darkest and having potential the most severe impact on the hobby we enjoy is the debt load carried by all sectors of this industry.
Manufacturers, distributors and retailers are (with a few exceptions) feeling the tug of the noose created by debt, whether it be as lender or borrower. As a lender/seller, those who provide and facilitate payment plans for merchandise purchased for resale find themselves being owed a substantial amount of money which isn’t being paid within the agreed upon period.
The lack of cash flow has an impact on the day to day operations as well as the future viability of the company and any future product offerings. In the back of their mind, they must be wondering…“Will I get paid or will the party owing me just skip out?”
Those who have essentially borrowed and over extended themselves find that they now have an 800 pound Gorilla on their back. Debt can be a monster if not kept in check. Nothing worse than having a large inventory with lagging sales and being unable to make payments to the suppliers. The Gorilla may even grow into a Cyclops if the debt goes unpaid for too long. As the tension builds, those owed could turn towards outside resources to secure the debt…Collection!
This has consequences far reaching than many comprehend. For those small business owners this effects their credit score, raises their interest, lowers their credit limits, affects their personal insurance premiums. Everything these days is tied to ones credit rating…even employment opportunities!
Far too many in this industry need to get a handle on their finances and reduce the debt load they are carrying. Otherwise consumer access to products will become restricted through fewer venues. That is each step of the supply ladder reduces to whom they’ll sell products to. Who ends up paying for all of this? We the consumer of hobby products do!
We often take for granted that we can call upon numerous vendors to acquire the items we want to purchase. But when those vendors are “cut off” and no longer have access to them, we have to shift our business elsewhere. This could make it very difficult for some consumers. The buy now pay later is fine if the pay later occurs within a reasonable time line. The sad truth is this time line is being stretched beyond reasonable limits and it is emerging from the dark side and into the public light. This is a small industry and even a whisper is like a shout. Word travels fast amongst the group. So don’t be surprised if you see “realignments” in the industry and an increase in product access limitations in the future if this issue isn’t resolved soon.
The hobby/industry has seen the toll caused by businesses not adapting to the changing market. Many in this industry/hobby aren’t looking forward to the toll the debt issue will have either. Some believe if it isn’t corrected in the next 12-18 months…the Reaper will come a call’in signaling the death of some businesses who over extended themselves. There is no such thing as too big to fail in this industry…we don’t have the political clout that some do.
2010 IPMS Nats-Mission Complete
Posted by: | Comments
Home from the show and associated road (flights) trip which included spending time at Sprue Brothers Models. I hope the staff there is enjoying the little project we completed yesterday based on a suggestion I made to enhance their quality of life. Hey guys, are you chill’in yet? LOL
Even though I didn’t enter a model at the Nats it was a rewarding visit. I caught up with old friends, met new ones and laid eyes on folks that were just a voice on the phone, screen name or an email addressee.
It also gave me the opportunity to chat with modelers, vendors, IPMS & industry reps to which I discussed various topics effecting this hobby. Communications is crucial at times like this. We’re all seeing the effects of the economy regardless of where you call home, domestically or abroad…its a global economy.
I shot several short videos which will allow some of the vendors to tell about themselves and their products, which as soon as I can I’ll be uploading and posting here.
I’m looking forward to the 2011 Nationals in Omaha. Hope to see you there. Oh and before you ask…yes we are planning on vending in Omaha as part of the Sprue Brothers contingent.
Who knows, maybe I’ll even enter a model or two…my contributions to EAA’s Little Wings-Big Dreams exhibit should be returned by then. 
The two models pictured according to their entry form used our products!
Homeward Bound
Posted by: | Comments
I’m sitting at the Phoenix airport as I post this. We’re heading home from the 2010 IPMS Nationals. Three very busy days and extemely hot temperatures.
This morning its a comfortable day with temps in the lower 80’s…sure the day we leave it gets nice but while we were here it was as high as 115F!
Once I get back home I will post images I took of the even as well as videos I shot. Our last day seemed to be our best day, as we met with many folks discussing the hobby as well as key players in the industry.
Our discussions will continue after we all return to our offices, some will no doubt results in new product offerings, associations and collaboration.
Time to board our flight to Kansas City via Denver…working my way home…more to come soon.
IPMS Nationals-Day 2
Posted by: | Comments
We rose before the dawn to get ready to head south to Tucson to visit the Pima Air Museum and AMARG…Boneyard. The tour was good, spent some time with a couple of visitors from Australia who were at AirVenture last week and on their way to Seattle next.
As the day progressed so did the temperature upward. By the time we had returned from Tucson around 2pm the temps were already at 114F!
Upon our return we headed straight into the convention center to roam the vendors room and model room. More models on display and the density of visitors to the vendor room had also increased.
Finished off the evening atop the Hyatt in the orbiting restaurant Compass chatting with Gordon Kwan and Scott Hackney (pointman for the 2012 Nats in Omaha). Great food and good company made for an enjoyable evening.
