Boxes or No Boxes

gospodin · 08-11-2012, 11:15 PM

I need to know what the general opinion of this forum is if I'm going to sell more of my models. Many came without boxes, some with cradles only and some I threw the boxes away not thinking that I might need them again.

AirTran Airways 717 · 08-12-2012, 12:34 AM

I have to have the box. I would only make an exception for a 1:400 American MD-82

jsjscd9a · 08-12-2012, 01:16 AM

Generally speaking Id say the majority of collectors would want the original box to come with the model. Some serious/fussy collectors want not only the original box but it must be a faultless box (no creases, dents or scratches) to preserve the overall "integrity" and value. Personally speaking I am okay with no box if it was a model I really wanted or was exremely rare to get, like my Pacmin 1:200 Etihad A346. Some sellers sell demo/sample models in a plain white box either because that's how they were brought out or just want the model boxed for shipping but threw away the original (like my recently aquired Herpa 1:200 LH Star Alliance A346). Boils down to personal preference. Do you have any rare 1:200s for sale.....?

wu6fiend · 08-12-2012, 04:28 AM

Lack of the box is not a deal breaker for me. If its a model I really want, as long as it can be shipped safely, that's ok. The models are on display, while their boxes ultimately wind up in the basement. I concede the original box is important for many collectors, and form part of a models resale value. But since I didn't get into this hobby to make money, an absent or damaged box wouldn't cause me to reject a particular model, especially if the price is right, or its a rare one.

GliderPilot · 08-12-2012, 06:04 AM

Don't mind if it's the wrong box as long as the model is what I really want and is in good condition.

gospodin · 08-12-2012, 09:10 AM

Well, it's really hard to actually poll on this and get results you can use, because there are so many exceptions...but I wanted to see where the strongest opinions were. The box is most desirable, but the model is the focus and if it's protected sufficiently in shipping, and substantially discounted, I presume the majority of buyers would go for it.

I was asked if I had a 1/200 for sale...no, I just got into that range and my 1/200 collection is pretty small right now. I do have a PA L-1011 I'm thinking of trading, but not selling. I'd like to find a Western DC-10.

robertjon5 · 08-12-2012, 09:52 AM

i think ANY collector would prefer the original box. however even on a rare model i would not pay premium price without a box. prime example, my herpa premium klm 747 for just 220 euros as it had no box. the only way i could afford one. there is no way way i wold pay $600+ for one without a box. so if you are selling some models without a box, do not expect to get so much for them if they did have. so in your poll it would be B.

sam123 · 08-12-2012, 10:57 AM

it's will mean it can be sold on for a smiler price and in years to come it will be worth substantially more

A Tupolev · 08-12-2012, 11:35 AM

You left an option off the poll:

"wrap it in an old newspaper and I'm fine with that"

CarbonPlane · 08-12-2012, 12:00 PM

My strongest preference is to have the box. Although I might make an exception if the price is discounted and the model is hard to find.

airport1-600 · 08-12-2012, 12:28 PM

I need the box, or I'll look at the model in my case with a weird feeling. I dont know. I've got 50+ 1:400s, and all have boxes.

Prestwick Pioneer · 08-12-2012, 12:54 PM

Steve, I could no longer give a flying feck if the boxes are there or not. If it doesnt have a box, I will find something for it (I am told now I cannot collect in the hope that my collection will be worth a little for who I leave it to so we cannot go down the route of "Oh it must have a box" anymore. Shot down in flames I was). If I want the model, and somone has it but with no box, I would be pretty happy if I have the model. I would be happier if it had a cradle, but even then I would put it in a box and pad it well. I have been desensitised to the thought that these models could be worth something in the future.

DC8-dude · 08-12-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospodin

Well, it's really hard to actually poll on this and get results you can use, because there are so many exceptions...but I wanted to see where the strongest opinions were. The box is most desirable, but the model is the focus and if it's protected sufficiently in shipping, and substantially discounted, I presume the majority of buyers would go for it.

I was asked if I had a 1/200 for sale...no, I just got into that range and my 1/200 collection is pretty small right now. I do have a PA L-1011 I'm thinking of trading, but not selling. I'd like to find a Western DC-10.

when it comes to 1/400, i prefer to have the original box as i don't display all my models at one time and some sit in the cradles/boxes in a dedicated cabinet. but i have bought plenty of hard to find early releases with no box and that is just fine. 1/200 on the other hand... I want the original container.

Steve... sent you a PM.

Drivermann · 08-12-2012, 03:44 PM

I keep all the boxes that my models are packed in. As I buy a lot of models from overseas some arrive with minor corner damage. A model without its original packaging isn't worth as much to me.
If I really wanted a particular model and it was only available without a box I would still buy it. I display the model, not the box that it came in.
I do find that the boxes take up more room than the display of models.

Jas176 · 08-12-2012, 05:46 PM

Although I would like the box and cradle, if it was models that I was really hunting for (hint hine...GJ American Foker 100 and/or GJ American Eagle CRJ-700), I would be able to forgo the box.

fazeman · 08-12-2012, 06:22 PM

Just state that the model comes without the box and let the buyers make their own decisions.

hilman · 08-12-2012, 10:45 PM

well, i collect diecasts, not boxes..

boxes or no boxes will do, but definitely we need them during the shipment

Adrian · 08-13-2012, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prestwick Pioneer

Steve, I could no longer give a flying feck if the boxes are there or not. If it doesnt have a box, I will find something for it (I am told now I cannot collect in the hope that my collection will be worth a little for who I leave it to so we cannot go down the route of "Oh it must have a box" anymore. Shot down in flames I was). If I want the model, and somone has it but with no box, I would be pretty happy if I have the model. I would be happier if it had a cradle, but even then I would put it in a box and pad it well. I have been desensitised to the thought that these models could be worth something in the future.

Couldn't agree with you more Sandy! It's very nice to have a box with every model, but the object of collecting is to 'collect and enjoy' the model. If I go to all that trouble to hunt down and buy a much wanted model for my collection, the last thing I'm going to think about is selling it on again and whether it will be worth less without a box? Should I ever get to desperate state of disposing of my collection, I would hope any buyer would be just as delighted to acquire the model as I was and wouldn't care less if it didn't have it's original box as long as the model was in top condition.

Upkeep · 08-13-2012, 05:40 AM

I require the box for shipping and rotational storage, so , yes . . . the correct box IS important to me. So is the stand, for that matter.

DLSAN · 08-13-2012, 07:15 AM

Here is the problem for the collector : the best is to have the model + the original box, makes part of the pleasure to own something attractive and long sought after ; collecting for years WMUK, Siku and Air Jet Advance, and Connies in general, also Air France airliners, I must admit that I have very few room left in my (dry) attic, even if some rare models (Air Jet) often come without box (....and stand!).

In fact the definition of a collector is very wide, from who buy everything newly issued, to who buy rare second hand or 'museum' model.

Good collecting for all ! Has someone Verkruyl and Raise Up stand to sell ?

N. Eberhard · 08-13-2012, 10:57 AM

Boxes...absolutely! Model is not so important.

A Tupolev · 08-13-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N. Eberhard

Boxes...absolutely! Model is not so important.

I have a couple of hundred boxes I can sell you.

DINO · 08-13-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsjscd9a

Generally speaking Id say the majority of collectors would want the original box to come with the model. Some serious/fussy collectors want not only the original box but it must be a faultless box (no creases, dents or scratches) to preserve the overall "integrity" and value.

I will admit that you just described me, even though I will settle for a less than "faultless" box if it's a model that I really want and I can live with the specific imperfections (and the seller discloses this information). If a seller doesn't disclose the box condition, I always inquire. I will not purchase a model with a "replacement" box.

This is how I look at.........if a particular seller has maintained the integrity of an original box, and it was that important to him/her to do so, then IMHO, I think the likelihood of that person maintaining the integrity of model itself is higher. I have every original box for all my models that I purchased brand new, stored away in a safe dry place. Should I decide to sell a particular model, it will be as good as brand new. I will admit that this is consistent with my anal, analytical CPA mind.

kingpin300 · 08-30-2012, 01:02 AM

I always preferred having the original box if available.
I say that because i have 2 x United 727's in the Friendship colours
which are early Jet-X examples. The cheatline blue came out in the wrong
shade and consequently weren't officially released (i believe!) so these two
never came with a box but came in just the cradle.

Retroguy · 08-31-2012, 07:29 PM

Boxes are important no doubt ! For those of us with no showroom

, thats all we have left, everytime I want to see my models, I look at the boxes

what a waste

oh well, at least they'll be mint in 10, 20 years time

rc

HTF200 · 08-31-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLSAN

Here is the problem for the collector : the best is to have the model + the original box, makes part of the pleasure to own something attractive and long sought after ; collecting for years WMUK, Siku and Air Jet Advance, and Connies in general, also Air France airliners, I must admit that I have very few room left in my (dry) attic, even if some rare models (Air Jet) often come without box (....and stand!).

In fact the definition of a collector is very wide, from who buy everything newly issued, to who buy rare second hand or 'museum' model.

Good collecting for all ! Has someone Verkruyl and Raise Up stand to sell ?

Which airport is the Constellation in the picture of your avatar ?

Brussels Airlines · 10-14-2012, 05:35 PM

I prefer boxes but if it is a model that I am looking for a long time or at an extremelylow price, ok.
Example:
I bought my herpa KAL A300 at €11 without box. The normal price for that model is €100 or even €250!

Seluryar · 10-14-2012, 07:01 PM

keeping the box is a must, but it helps to have a larger box that can fit all of your models boxes for storage and/or transportation

N787BA · 10-14-2012, 07:10 PM

Yup, you gotta keep the box for them, it is the ONLY way to ensure that you can transport them without breaking parts since the box is custom fitted for them with the plastic molded piece. Then you put them into a big box and your done with it. There have been many topics on this subject and my answer will remain the same, I NEVER will buy a model, car, truck, plane, bus, whatever, without a box.

chekur6 · 10-14-2012, 08:45 PM

BOXES!!!!!!! Let me tell you about boxes. I have close to 1,400 planes ranging from 1/500 up to 1/18. Over 800 of these are in 1/400. Well, I managed to find a buyer for my 1/400 scale. Had to go into the attic and three crawl spaces to retrieve these babies. Needless to say had to move countless other things X-mas decorations,kids toys, clothing etc. It has taken me over a week just to go back and forth from 5 display cabinets to locate planes,unpacked each planes box and repack the planes in their respective boxes. This requires inspecting each plane,lightly brushing them off, putting the little plastic bags over the nose of the planes,inserting the little foam packing strip,and sticking the plane back into the plastic shipping cradle. Also carefully putting planes back into the boxes and closing flaps. Whew!!!! it ain't easy. So far I have just been able to pack and ship over 300 planes. But I am sure that without the original boxes and packing materials it would been very hard to find a buyer.I never went into this hobby to make money on my collection. Just got bored with the 1/400 scale airliners. I am into collecting 1/400, 1/72 and 1/200 military planes. Had to sell the airliners to make room in my display cabinets.BOXES!!!! Let me tell you about boxes.

Still have about 500 more to pack!!!!!

gospodin · 10-14-2012, 09:24 PM

I know exactly what you mean. I'm divesting myself of my 1/400 airliners, and so far I've sold off about 350. I still have about 400, but most of those are military or airlines I want to keep for the time being. I still want to have some of the airlines, but not as many models in each, especially since my 1/200 and 1/72 collections are growing and I need the room. But going into the attic for the boxes is a major PITA, and my wife hates it because I have boxes everywhere while I'm sorting to sell. My last sale was a disaster, I had 180 models to sell and I screwed up putting models in wrong boxes and didn't have the boxes to some models...next time I'll have all the models boxed properly before I contact my buyer.

Wingnut · 10-19-2012, 01:01 PM

Forget the models. Just display the boxes