Price modifiers (box etc.)

[dkb45]

I have been collecting knives for a few years now, and I have learned a lot, but one thing that has always stumped me was valuation. I am not bad at approximating the price change for use, but I cannot calculate the less defined price modifiers.

The things I am talking about are things like production run, boxes, and even stuff like lanyards and spare/aftermarket clips.

 

[Quiet]

I have been collecting knives for a few years now, and I have learned a lot, but one thing that has always stumped me was valuation. I am not bad at approximating the price change for use, but I cannot calculate the less defined price modifiers.

The things I am talking about are things like production run, boxes, and even stuff like lanyards and spare/aftermarket clips.

I can only speak after years in the action figure game (got out a several years ago, thank God) but I believe they would be similar in multiple respects.

If someone is looking for a rare collectible whatever, they will always pay more for original packaging, documentation, etc. Conversely, they will tend to want to pay less if those materials aren't present. Thinking about aftermarket modification, I turn to my years in the car modification hobby. I've seen a LOT of guys try to sell their modified hot rods for big money, only to be disappointed when they don't sell. At that point, they're forced to remove their modifications to sell the car nearer black book, and then try to sell the parts on the Bay separately. Now, I DO think that there are more knife guys who'll take a modified knife, since there's less of a chance of having an item whose modifications have caused a bunch of new issues.

But that said, I'm not sure how you'd valuate a modified knife. If it's as simple as a lanyard or aftermarket clip, you can always try to ask for the cost of the bead or whatever. Worst that can happen is someone PMs you with an offer less than what you're asking for.

 

[RedLynx]

I can only speak after years in the action figure game (got out a several years ago, thank God) but I believe they would be similar in multiple respects.

If someone is looking for a rare collectible whatever, they will always pay more for original packaging, documentation, etc. Conversely, they will tend to want to pay less if those materials aren't present. Thinking about aftermarket modification, I turn to my years in the car modification hobby. I've seen a LOT of guys try to sell their modified hot rods for big money, only to be disappointed when they don't sell. At that point, they're forced to remove their modifications to sell the car nearer black book, and then try to sell the parts on the Bay separately. Now, I DO think that there are more knife guys who'll take a modified knife, since there's less of a chance of having an item whose modifications have caused a bunch of new issues.

But that said, I'm not sure how you'd valuate a modified knife. If it's as simple as a lanyard or aftermarket clip, you can always try to ask for the cost of the bead or whatever. Worst that can happen is someone PMs you with an offer less than what you're asking for.

I loved my Batman action figures. Never collected/sold though.

Did you ever get a big score?

 

[Quiet]

I loved my Batman action figures. Never collected/sold though.

Did you ever get a big score?

Many times. The bottom went out of toys/comics awhile back, however, so I read the writing on the wall, and sold off a lot of my good stuff and got while the getting was good.

 

[Inazone]

Modification prices are pretty easily quantifiable. I've been playing guitar for over half my lifetime, and I learned early on that unless a buyer exists who wants exactly the aftermarket mods or true custom specs on what you're selling, it's entirely possible to barely break even or even lose money on the deal. A pristine guitar with the original case, work order and even manufacturer's catalog is always going to command a higher price among collectors. Players, on the other hand, won't really care about those things . . . but they might be willing to pay a little more for mods that they'd otherwise need anyway.

I think of it the same as - for example - a Benchmade that is missing the original box or drawstring pouch. A user won't care about those things, but a collector might pass on an absolute perfect specimen because something is lacking from that total package. They want that true "snapshot" in time, which nobody other than that individual can accurately apply worth to.

 

[dkb45]

Now one thing I really am super unsure of it first production runs. I read that a first production run of a normal production knife is worth nothing extra, because it is just the first of many and more likely to have issues. I know for limited stuff it is different, but does it really mean nothing for a normal production model?

 

[RedLynx]

Many times. The bottom went out of toys/comics awhile back, however, so I read the writing on the wall, and sold off a lot of my good stuff and got while the getting was good.

That's awesome. I have some old toys but nothing old enough even if the market was still good for it. Early 80s is about as far back as I've got. My dad has a Hot Wheels (or whatever company made it) Batmobile with Adam West and Burt Ward Batman and Robin from the 60s TV show.

 

[darkangel55555]

Modification prices are pretty easily quantifiable. I've been playing guitar for over half my lifetime, and I learned early on that unless a buyer exists who wants exactly the aftermarket mods or true custom specs on what you're selling, it's entirely possible to barely break even or even lose money on the deal. A pristine guitar with the original case, work order and even manufacturer's catalog is always going to command a higher price among collectors. Players, on the other hand, won't really care about those things . . . but they might be willing to pay a little more for mods that they'd otherwise need anyway.

I think of it the same as - for example - a Benchmade that is missing the original box or drawstring pouch. A user won't care about those things, but a collector might pass on an absolute perfect specimen because something is lacking from that total package. They want that true "snapshot" in time, which nobody other than that individual can accurately apply worth to.

Absolutely agree. My user pieces come in ZipLoc or stop towels and I don't care. Perhaps it's better for me that there are people who see value in the accessories and packaging, because my knives end up being cheaper as a result.

 

[EChoil]

Specific categories of people such as collectors and auction buffs aside, in buying and selling over the years I find it comes down to "want." If someone wants the knife they're gong to pay top dollar for it, and not care a lot about packaging, etc. They may inquire but it won't become a deal breaker.

I find that a BUYER is more likely to benefit due to lack of packaging, in that he can claim a devaluation. Where, IMO, a SELLER emphasizing packaging, manuals, etc. attempting to gain top dollar will not gain that much compared to having only the product and no packaging to begin with. All of this generally speaking of course.