Time to buy?

[11th Street]

Normally I'd say 2-3 wks prior to the biannual York Shows.  Dealers are liquidating to raise cash for the bulk trading at the York hotels, prior to the show, and regulars are often saving cash for the show itself.  However, this year I'm finding the pickings on EBay rather slim. The shows themselves are often a toss up. Usually I got to York for the drive, and if I find bargins there I consider it a plus.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Several years ago, I was looking for Industrial Rail Pacemaker Boxcars.  Most of my purchases were made from eBay. I found two at a LHS.  I found that there was really not a certain time of the year when I found the best prices.  In the same weeks, prices would vary widely.  I knew that I did not want to pay over $20 per car and stuck to that price. My ideal price was $15.00.  My purchases did not vary significantly during the year based upon season.  I think the highest I paid was $19.00.  (BTW, a great surprise was the change in numbers on these cars.)

Not every piece for sale follows my experience.

[fifedog]

...April 20th, when I drive thru the brick pillars at YORK Fairgrounds!

[Anonymous]

I'm collecting trains from the 1974 catalog and most of the trains up for auction are going (in some cases WAY PAST their value!).  But I still find deals from someone close to my home, so I don't have to pay shipping.

I think it's great for the hobby. It just makes finding deals a little harder.

[traindaddy1]

Roger B......Kurt: I'm getting the message! Thanks.

[kpolak]

This year everyone seems to have been bitten by the train bug. 

The popular auction site, is getting very inflated prices...and snipping galore.

Kurt

[Roger Bielen]

In states that have a business inventory tax, like GA, watch for the sales the week between Christmas and New Years.

[traindaddy1]

DarianJ ---Ed:   Thanks for info.

[darianj]

There's a LHS near me that always has his big clearance sale in the beginning of Feb...That would be one time. 

I also always here people say that winter is train weather.  Summer time, people are outdoors more and running trains less...so they are probably buying trains and accessories less as well.  That is probably another time to look around.

[otftch]

Right after Christmas has always seemed the best to me.Everyone wants to unload all the extra stock they purchased for the holidays.

                                                           Ed

[traindaddy1]

 Question: When is the best time of the year, from your experience, to watch for train bargains? (shows, E-Bay, auctions etc) I know that there must be a "slow" season when sellers are only too happy to 'unload' their wares but I can't remember what I read in a previous post. As always, thanks.