How do I find out if a hobby shop’s model kit stock is outdated?

Start with the stock list. Ask for it by item, with the date received, the cost and the date of the last sale. A kit that has not moved in a long time is a candidate for markdown or removal, whatever the list says it cost.

Next, visit the shelves with a sample. Check boxes for sun fading, crushed corners, yellowed plastic and open or missing contents. Mark any kits from lines that suppliers no longer make, since these may have collector appeal or none. Ask the seller how they decide which is which.

Ask about suppliers. Can unsold kits be returned or exchanged? Are there any items on consignment? Is the shop locked into minimum orders that force old stock to pile up? Think about how the hobby changes. New releases arrive, tastes shift, and paints and tools wear out too. Ask what has sold in the last season and whether the buying has kept up. Your accountant can advise how to treat slow stock in the closing adjustments. Finally, ask a knowledgeable hobbyist to look over the shelves with you. A second pair of eyes can spot lines that have faded from demand or items that collectors want, and you will have a more grounded view of what the stock is really like.

Key takeaways

• Ask for stock by item with receiving and last-sale dates.
• Sample the shelves for damaged boxes, missing parts and discontinued lines.
• Check what can be returned and what the seller has been holding on to.