Selling Second hand locos.

[PM47079]

Just a query, 

My local model shop won't sell second hand locos, I have broached the subject with him as he has complained that it has been quiet lately and i did suggest that a selection of good quality used items may help for people who don't would normally look on ebay etc.

He told me once he has sold it he is still liable for example, if it caused a fire or injury he would be liable and he has said he cannot afford the extra cost of insurance. Is this correct or has he been advised wrongly. I would like him to be able to do well in the shop, and it seems a shame if this is the case. Can anyone shed any light on this?

[kevinlms]

55 minutes ago, PM47079 said:

Just a query, 

My local model shop won't sell second hand locos, I have broached the subject with him as he has complained that it has been quiet lately and i did suggest that a selection of good quality used items may help for people who don't would normally look on ebay etc.

He told me once he has sold it he is still liable for example, if it caused a fire or injury he would be liable and he has said he cannot afford the extra cost of insurance. Is this correct or has he been advised wrongly. I would like him to be able to do well in the shop, and it seems a shame if this is the case. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Sounds like nonsense to me. Perhaps selling mains powered 2nd hand devices is a little risky, but not model locomotives.

He should be checking with his insurers and changing insurers if they tell him that he can't.

Edited April 25, 2022 by kevinlms

[The Johnster]

Can't see why he'd be any more or less liable for what happened to or was caused by the model than if it was brand new.  Wouldn't he be covered against such claims by his commercial insurance?  Of course, never having run a business I am guessing, but I would suggest that the checking and exmaining of such models is probably enought to prevent it being worth his while and the risk assessment excuse is simply an easy way of explaining his take on  the matter.

 

My local shop, Lord and Butler, does a fairly brisk trade in 2h models at the rear of the shop, but all are fully examined and tested before they go on the shelves, and you can return them with faults in the same way as new models.  L&B are a two-man outfit, which may mean that they have more time to be able to do this sort of thing, in a way that a one man band operation wouldn't.  It obviously makes enough cash to be worth the effort and shelf space devoted to it or they wouldn't do it; they're a decent enough pair of chaps but not a charity!

 

Cardiff's other two model railway outlets are an Antics in town, which is a chain and must keep to company guidelines, and James & Lendon in Llanishen, which, like Antics, is a general modelling store that does not specialise in railways over plastic kits, R/C, &c.  This may have a bearing on the suitability of providing a 2h section.  I imagine that most shop proprieters who don't involve themselves in 2h would suggest that eBay has made it pointless, which may be a valid reason but no help to anyone who is not 'on grid'.

 

Your local guy might, of course, be specifically prevented from doing this by an insurance policy that specifically doesn't cover 2h.

[PM47079]

Thanks for your input. Maybe he is worried about the complexity of newer models  and doesn't have the time, or worried that he might lose new sales. I personally think and have said that a selection of coaches wagons and locomotives that are not brand new but good used condition should be a good seller. 

[Paul H Vigor]

6 hours ago, PM47079 said:

Thanks for your input. Maybe he is worried about the complexity of newer models  and doesn't have the time, or worried that he might lose new sales. I personally think and have said that a selection of coaches wagons and locomotives that are not brand new but good used condition should be a good seller. 

Upon reflection, I cannot remember what was the last 'new' model I bought. I guess I'm a second-hand junkie!?

[Siberian Snooper]

You might find that your local model show has a bring and buy stall.