sloar 

I have a bike for sale on craigslist. I'm asking $160 and I think its worth it. Someone offered me a trade for 300 hot wheels still in the packages. At first I immediately said no, but then I started thinking about it. Even at $1 a piece I'd be ahead. But I don't want to be stuck with 300 toy cars, I'd rather be stuck with the bike. Is there still a market for hot wheels? I know it would be an Ebay sale, I don't want to ship 300 cars, but maybe 50 at a time. What do you guys think, forget it or what?

3speedslow

IMO, you know bikes, stick with what you know. I getting safe in my old age though...

Bair

Do it. If you make a profit that would be a great story to tell.

randyjawa 

Do it!

tarwheel 

Offer the whole batch for sale on eBay and I'm sure it would bring in more money than the bike, and should be easier to ship.

I have a whole bunch of die-cast model cars that I could probably sell on eBay and get enough money for a new bike. The problem is that most serious collectors want stuff in original boxes, preferably never opened. Almost all of my model cars were removed from boxes, most of which I did not keep. If your Hotwheels are in boxes that is a real plus for collectors.

daf1009

Sounds like fun! Yes, there will be a bit more work potentially...but...this way you can learn about something other than bikes...who knows, maybe there is more to Hot Wheels!

icepick_trotsky 

I'd do it.

oddjob2

In a heartbeat

rootboy 

It would depend, for me. What vintage Hot Wheels? Some old ones are worth some money. The new ones? Not much, I wouldn't think.

ScottRyder 

Too bad they weren't 60's Matchbox cars ..

Scott

RobbieTunes

Get some track and have fun. The firehouse has done stranger things.
Not as much fun as "carrier landings," but you get the drift.

jefft72

I was heavy into hotwheel collecting several years ago. Truth is what they are offering you will make all the difference. 300 common cars in the pack won't move for much. If it is a common item there will be very little demand for it. I have a boat load sitting in my closet currently that I use for birthday party handouts.

Now, the story changes if what he is offering includes some exclusive or more collectible pieces. (Treasure Hunts, 100% line, other limited production releases) The year of the items will also help to determine potential value.

Is it possible to get a list of what he is offering? And you still have to go through the process of reselling them to realize actual cash in hand.

sloar 

I haven't had much luck selling the bike, its been on craigslist most of the summer. But I do enjoy riding it while its for sale.

coolkat

Haha, my two main hobbies are vintage bikes and vintage Hot Wheels/Matchbox. Weird to see them collide! It really depends on what the cars are. Common cars from the past 20 years or so, even in package, aren't worth much more than .50

rhm

I don't know anything about HotWheels collecting specifically, but I do know collectors generally. They will often buy a large lot, cull out the few interesting pieces, and move the rest on ASAP.

I don't know your guy, what he has, how he got it, or why he's moving it on... but my guess is he knows what he's doing. If there's no profit in it for him, there's no profit in it for @sloar.

sloar 

If I had boys I'd do it for them, but I don't think my girls would be interested. To be honest it kinda sounds fun. I don't think I could get rich but I at least should be able to make the $160 that I want for the bike, don't ya think?

Camplex

I'd do it. Of course, inspect the lot prior and have someone with you... If they're truly original and in the box, from the 80's and as-described, you're set to make a profit. Depending on whether you can do the whole lot or smaller batches, your returns will be deferred but it would be fun and a hell of a story to tell, as said above..

crank_addict

If you the patience and time, do it for some fun.

On a different scale:

Years ago I took an airplane in trade for a car. Had no pilots license and worse, knew little of the plane. Wasn't an extreme amount but crazy enough. I trusted an appraisal but later learned was b.s.. The guy who was then to buy the plane said it had a hard landing and some airframe issue, then lowballed offered. Feeling sunken and a bit panicked, I stepped back. Told him to screw it as the plane has been flying yet on an expired annual. Even if parted, was well worth it.

Short time went by but while on one of my Sunday motorcycle rides, met a really cool guy with connections. Gives me a phone contact. I later call that guy. Mister Mystery plane broker says to meet at the airport in a half hour. I race to the airport and here comes some sleek black turboprop plane. He looked the plane over and started it. While leaning over a rusty tractor hood, I show the books, title. He writes a check more than what the trade was figured. Further tells me not to talk to anyone at the airport. Few days later, mister plane broker just showed up, handed him the paperwork and key, did a quick pre-flight, jumped in the plane and flew away.

repechage

I think the answer is, why has he not cashed them out then hand you the $160?

I am sitting on a decent quantity of early hot wheels, the ones with the red line tire ornament, with a number of the metal pocket badges that long long ago came with the cars. Effort to sell can be a problem, and a number of them might fetch a decent sum.
Others, meh.

Got a bunch of Corgi die cast cars too... And real small scale die cast ships too. Kept a lot of childhood stuff.

eschlwc

this, absolutely. do your research.

$160 for a bike isn't much. that's like a low level model with issues, at least where i live.

SquidPuppet

If you get a 1932 Ford Vicky (from 1969) I'll buy it.

It was my favorite. Purple, rag top, opera window. The sexiest Gangster car of all time.

arex

I've tried selling vintage Hot Wheels from a batch I got at an estate sale for $30. I can say that it's more trouble than it's worth.

sloar 

I've decided against it, the bike is to nice to risk it. Actually I'm surprised it hasn't sold yet.

exmechanic89

I agree, he probably knows what he's doing, and know's what he has isnt worth much. I wouldnt do it, you'll potentially end up with a major PITA project trying to get your money out of the cars.

Editing to add, I just noticed you passed on the deal, OP. A wise idea, imo. Now if you're interested in a huge collection of vhs movies just lmk..

old's'cool

I had a lot of fun with Hotwheels in my youth, but I've never been emotional about them. Also had quite a bit of fun with Tyco, AFX, and Riggen slot racing cars. We're talking early/mid-70's here.