I think I am being priced out of collecting.

tsquale

Lifetime VIP Donor
Oct 12, 2010
10,511
Minnesota, USA
I hear you there. Some things are going for stupid high amounts (ie $700 for a Dietz siren controller a few months ago). I have been fortunate to find my deals via lesser traveled means which has helped on my end. The problem is sellers who list their junk for a premium that only a new old stock item should garner on eBay, and people who don't know better pay for it. In my mind that just forces the hands of other sellers to raise their prices driving up the cost to everyone
 

Skulldigger

Member
Aug 23, 2015
1,739
Georgia / USA
Fortunately I have a very nice collection with some pretty rare pieces so I am not inclined to pay more than I should when I do find something. It's easier to walk away than it use to be. Just imagine what our collection is worth with today's prices. I do consider it an investment. Some people buy gold but I think my lights and sirens have increased more in value in the last 2 years than gold has. Lol
 
Aug 25, 2016
150
NYC
I think a lot of it is just eBay. I've been working on a project car for years and have found eBay to be an increasingly less viable option, in several cases I've ended up finding new parts cheaper than the price of used ones on there.
 

coop359

Member
Apr 16, 2012
495
USA Tennessee
I worry the younger generation may not collect like we do. If that happens will our collections be worth anything? My dad was a big collector of trains, trolley and streetcars. It was worth not a lot. I still like eBay. Bought my first light on eBay many years ago.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheCollector

WhelenNDealin

Member
Aug 6, 2017
575
Ontario, Canada
My 2¢ is that pieces being sold as "man cave decorations" might play a part in driving prices up. Suddenly a collector's piece becomes a trendy decoration. Up go the prices. People find an item at a flea market and see it as a decorative piece which will fetch $$$. Also have to remember that "industrial look" decor is big now. Up go the prices yet again. Hipsters don't care about the rarity of an item; they'll pay top dollar and pitch it once the next trend comes along.
 
Jun 18, 2013
3,709
PA
lol all these people paying top dollar for lights... Show me the money! lol
 

Forum Statistics

Threads
53,963
Messages
449,806
Members
19,102
Latest member
Hilux01

About Us

  • Since 1997, eLightbars has been the premier venue for all things emergency warning equipment. Discussions, classified listings, pictures, videos, chat, & more! Our staff members strive to keep the forums organized and clutter-free. All of our offerings are free-of-charge with all costs offset by banner advertising. Premium offerings are available to improve your experience.

User Menu

Secure Browsing & Transactions

eLightbars.org uses SSL to secure all traffic between our server and your browsing device. All browsing and transactions within are secured by an SSL Certificate with high-strength encryption.