"I am at that point" Topic

Even though I gave away tons of miniatures and war games more than once I am over burdened with 25+mm miniatures.

But, despite my switching to 3mm aircraft, 6mm/15mm Fantasy and Science Fiction, I still need to reduce the collection in retirement (31DEC2016) because of storage and painting aspects. I know I need to unload the majority of the larger figures but I am down to those armies that have emotional/historical value to me.

So, since I don't want to endure the hassle of Ebay (been there and have the scars,) don't want to trash the"good figures" like I did the ones I came to dislike… what is a war gamer to do? I could have another "come pick it up for free" event like the two this year when weather was decent but is there a point of diminishing return on that? I was going to give some to Recruits (regional con to attract younger gamers) but not heard anything recently and rumor is that it no longer is being run. Before anyone asks – no I do not want to mail a bunch of packages all over the US much less the world so the Marketplace is not an option.

Ideas? I really want to find an easy way to get these into the hands of people who will paint and field these figures that doesn't require much money or time right now as I am trying to get retirement income set up (FERS, Social Security, Thrift Savings annuity) and working on he inside of the house so it can be sold.

I made a similar downsizing decision recently. Some stuff, rulebooks and so on, was easy to dump on eBay, but you're right, figures can be a problem to post, especially if they're painted and based. Selling at a show/con flea market/bring and buy is an option but it means you have to travel there in the first place.

I'm still unsure about what to do with the stuff I'm intending to get rid of. A little voice in my head keeps telling me how cathartic it might be to smash them and throw them in the bin….

If you don't want to raise money on eBay or other forums, then maybe try Freecycle ?

freecycle.org/browse/US

I tried selling some old WH40K Codexes, and some WHFB Army books on eBay without luck (rock bottom prices) without luck, and as I wanted to downsize, I eventually ended up using Freecycle to get rid of them all within a week – two very grateful mums with offspring in tow came and collected them for free. Just a few e-mails directing them to my house.

You can get a one month supporting membership here ($3) and list them here.

Don't care about making money from them? Find a friend who will take them off your hands. Tell him you don't care if he sells them or gives them away. I have a friend who is clearing out his parents house and keeps handing me stuff occasionally that he doesn't want to deal with. Some I've kept, some I've sold and some I've repurposed as terrain.

Persist. I am averaging six plastic milk crates' volume of wargame stuff per convention, three conventions a year, and giving stuff away at games between times. I figure another two years at the present pace.

Don't destroy them. Someone will be happy to have them, and there is not enough happiness as it is.

There is also Bartertown and the Lead Adventure Forum, for example.

People will be happy to pay UPS for transport and packaging. Most UPS stores will package. Maybe not perfectly, but you could give them some advice. Post them here on TMP.

Before anyone asks – no I do not want to mail a bunch of packages all over the US much less the world so the Marketplace is not an option.

I assume you are talking about painted and based stuff?

If Recruits was local, contact the old master there Duane at Syr Hobbes Wargames. He teaches at the high school and they had a wargaming club. I'd bet you could donate stuff to the club, and get a write off if nothing else.

I don't see that there are many options for quicly moving miniatures with out mailing. If there is a local store maybe you could sell on consignment. Local convention in the flea market. Maybe even a local church garage sale.

I totally understand the not wanting to deal with shipping and what not but I would say now that you got some interest throw up a list of bundled items at a fair or lower price and see what happens. If tthe goal is to move out a lot of stuff it should be inexpensive in large groups and not piecmeal. For example when I sold off my Modern micro armor it was miniatures, buildings, terrain and rulebooks all together.

Good luck.

Contact a local USO chapter or some support group for troops overseas. Maybe they'll take them off your hands and deal with effort of shipping them to the deployed troops to paint during their down time.

Recovered 1AO – are these historical or fantasy?
We have a high school history club that could probably use them. Depending on what you have and where you are located we might be inclined to arrange for transportation to us.
Greg

I should have checked your profile. I have a member of our group that travels near you a few times each year so we stand a good chance of picking these up.
Greg

Ask a local favorite charity, church or other groups that needs funds if they would be interested in picking up your stuff and selling it. They will get the proceeds. You will get double satisfaction knowing you helped a worthy cause get your collection into the hands of those who will enjoy it as you have.

The Hawks in MD give away painted figures as part of kids games at Historicon. They may be an option to contact. I think Buck Surdu is the best POC for the club. I am not affiliated or I would have more to offer. Good Luck with the shedding.

Hire a wargaming (preferably a TMP'er) friend to get rid of them for you using Ebay/Marketplace. Give them a 25% net profit commission.

Princeman/Greg,

That sounds ideal.

This would be historical, fantasy, and/or science fiction as desired. In the historical group I have Soldados de Cuera, Commanches, and Apaches that may be of interest to school kids.

Greg,

Email me for contact information.

ZorroGames AT att DOT com

Princeman/Greg,

Have not heard from you yet…