| If you are researching Redline Hot Wheels prices, you | | | | 2. DO check auction-style listings, because auction |
| might be tempted to look for a price guide or book | | | | listings will tend to more accurately reflect the true |
| about collectible prices - and it's a reasonable thing to | | | | current value of the cars - simply because an auction |
| think. | | | | has traditionally been one of the best ways to |
| However, most current Hot Wheels price guides are | | | | determine the value of something. |
| not very helpful when it comes to determining | | | | 3. Be sure that the car in the listing closely matches |
| current-day Hot Wheels prices because these cars' | | | | the car you are trying to price. This is a big one. If |
| values fluctuate constantly AND have been in a | | | | you are not a collector, you may not realize the |
| steady decline over the last 5 years. | | | | seemingly small variations that can make huge |
| So, the price guide you buy (which was issued a year | | | | differences in value. Differences in the color of the |
| or two ago) will have inaccurate prices and can also | | | | car, interior color, whether the car has a black roof |
| have the effect of inflating your expectation of what | | | | or an unpainted roof and even minor differences in |
| your collection is really worth. | | | | the actual casting of the car can make a huge |
| A better way than a price guide is to check eBay's | | | | difference in value. Again, if you are not a collector, |
| prices for similar cars. | | | | you might see a car selling for big bucks on eBay and |
| Now this good advice also comes with a couple of | | | | think you have the same exact car, but by not |
| important warnings... | | | | knowing the little variation that makes it so valuable, |
| | | | you'll think you should receive the same big bucks for |
| 1. DO NOT check "Buy It Now" listings because in | | | | your car. |
| those listings the seller has priced his cars at what HE | | | | Following these guidelines should help you in |
| believed was the value, which as we know may or | | | | determining Hot Wheels prices and creating a better |
| may not be accurate. | | | | deal for yourself. |