How to prepare UCS Snowspeeder for resale

[archimedes1]

Hi,

I have a 10 year old Snowspeeder (#10129) sitting around that I built as a kid. I have the box and the instructions and was wondering what was the proper way to store it, since I intend to resell it in the near future. Should I take apart the model completely, or just separate it into the big modules? The stickers are on the model. Should I take them off, and if so, where should I put the stickers?

Thanks for your help!

P.S. How much do you think this used set would be worth?

[SpaceViking]

Bricklink is probably the best place to start to determine the set's value.
http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?S=10129-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There are also sites that track sale prices on ebay (http://www.brickpicker.com/bpms/set.cfm?set=10129-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and amazon marketplace (http://camelcamelcamel.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) as well.

If it's complete (and dust free) with box and instructions, you'll be able to ask a higher price.

Stickers are probably best left on the bricks that have them. (Bricklink lists bricks with stickers as 'counterparts' in the inventory.)

As for storage, I tend to separate the model into individual bricks and store the parts in zip-lock baggies of different sizes, just to save storage space. [and, it improves my 'fun' factor if/when I choose to rebuild it]. But, I'm not sure this matters all that much, depending on where you decide to sell it.

Good luck.

[archimedes1]

Thanks! According to bricklink the set has increased in value by 500%.

Are models usually sold completely taken apart?

[SpaceViking]

Thanks! According to bricklink the set has increased in value by 500%.

yes. Its a very popular set. Lucky you!

Are models usually sold completely taken apart?

I think it depends on where you decide to sell it, and what the buyer expects. Breaking it down will lower shipping costs, as it will fit in a smaller box. It raises the risk of a piece or two going missing, however. The secret to a successful sale is: meet or exceed the expectations of the buyer. If you decide to break it down before listing, take pictures of the built set, 'cause potential buyers may ask for that.

Another thing to consider: if you are a new seller, its unlikely you'll be able to ask and get the market average for such a high priced item with no feedback history. You might consider selling a few (5-10) small items first (e.g. minifigs or bags of bulk bricks), to build up a good reputation, before listing the large set.

[archimedes1]

OK. Thanks for your help, SpaceViking. I'll take some pictures and take it apart.