Model prices and having a stash of them

[deuce]

I really hit eBay and FB sites the past year collecting models.  I've got nearly 70 or so.  I'm just glad I got them when I did.  I'll be the first to admit that I probably paid too much for some, but looking at prices now is really keeping me from getting any more.  I have very few I'd like to get and they are scarcely for sale.  If they are, I can't afford them.  It's kind of sad that HL will have the best prices on their 40% off week than you can find on eBay.

In inflated dollars, this is what some things in the hobby should cost, but far exceed that.

1970 Hobby prices              2021 Hobby Prices          What they should be in 2021 dollars

Model car $1.44                 $29.99                          $10.37

Model paint (spray)

.89                                  $6.99                            $6.00

Glue

.25                                  $2.69                            $1.75

Model paint (bottle)

.10                                  $1.89                            .69

The most ridiculous increase is in the models themselves.  I understand the cost of creating new molds and the materials that go into making models, but they had to do it back then, so what could have changed?

I remember once going out model shopping with the money I collected mowing lawns and my allowance (total about $15.00,)  and buying 5 models and paint, with money left over.

Rant over, and God Bless America! 

[41chevy]

Most of the increase is from licensing fees and royalties and now Environmental fees. Licensing fees to the car companies, the tire companies, the use of band names or logos like NHRA or Holly. On a specific race car even to use the drivers or crews names has a fee.
Take all the fees away and the kit is cost to your figures. Greed nothing more IMO.

[deuce]

It is ridiculous. I don't think the various car makers and tire manufacturers will go broke if they don't get their cut. Maybe some drivers, though, lol.

[41chevy]

It's lawsuits and greed. Many years ago Boeing, Pratt and Whitney, Hamilton-Standard and Monogram were sued by the parents of an 11 year old. The poor child (moron) cut his tongue chewing (?) on the propeller from the Monogram B29 bomber. That primarily started licensing everything. Licensing shifts blame away from the one to one OEM manufacturer to the replica maker and the end users.
Personally as a kid building model cars in the Golden age, the models caused me to want M&H drag slicks, Keystone mags, Hedman Headers, Cal Customs parts and a Holleycarbs because they were all on the cool models.