Shipping larger more valuable sets and the problems they bring...

GiliusThunderhead · 2016-01-17T12:25:19.000Z

Hey Guys. Can't find an existing topic on this but I think this is a good question (especially for me) and given the number of new investors coming in definitely something they need to think about. Having paper profits from sets stashed in your cupboard does not necessarily mean your going to end up with real profits once you've sold out. I mean buying is the fun part and so should be selling. R5, Tumbler, DS... great! Your profits on paper look excellent, but how do you actually go about shipping these??? SC (sand crawler) I LOVE it as a set and think it will do great post retirement (plenty of reasons but that's for a diff thread). Just using this one as an example but as a larger set a few things worry me about how to actually sell it so its actually stopped me from buying any so far whilst I sort out a plan. Does the "how am I actually going to sell this when it does get retired" question factor into anyone else's buying equation or is it just me? 1) Shipping materials, postage costs and postage insurance (sorry i know there is a thread on this but wondering about larger sets specifically). I for one know that if i'm buying an expensive set in the secondary market for at least 2X what you paid you better ship it to me in the same state shown in the photos. I know we complain about pedantic buyers but sometimes they do have a point. In the UK generally finding a box big enough to ship a SC is difficult - getting these items to a depot is also time consuming. Shipping insurance on items > £100 then can get quite pricey. But its one thing I wouldn't want to skimp on. Couple of points here for new sellers btw: a) never sell without at least knowing your shipping costs and b ) I'd advise getting shipping materials before listing. I'm thinking the way to get around this is offering collection only. But then it limits your market (if i see collection only items on eBay usually i just don't bother). Anyone got any advice on selling larger sets? Do you find that for the larger, more expensive items people are more willing to come and collect? 2) Has anyone had any experience where they've sent an item (lets say an SSD) and its gotten trashed in transit? The buyer doesn't want to pay for a trashed box so sends it back/asks for a discount. Does shipping insurance cover this? How do you prove how much you've lost because the driver stood on your item whilst cleaning his windows. Beginning to think that for the average collector who's supplementing their income with Lego investing is that focusing on sets that will likely cap out below 250 is the way to start. I mean its great if you get a DS and it goes 2X RRP after fees but unless you're prepared for getting it to your buyer I reckon a lot of people are in for a shock.