Selling your homemade model building creations begins with choosing the right sales channels. Online platforms like Etsy, Marktplaats, and Facebook Marketplace offer broad reach, while physical locations such as hobby fairs and local markets enable direct contact with customers. Additionally, it’s important to calculate your prices properly, present professionally with good photos and clear descriptions, and comply with legal regulations when you start selling structurally.

Where can you best sell homemade model building?

You can sell homemade model building through online marketplaces like Etsy, Marktplaats, and Facebook Marketplace, or through physical sales points such as fairs, hobby shops, and local markets. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages regarding costs, reach, and target audience.

Online marketplaces offer the advantage of broad reach without having to leave your home. Etsy is ideal for unique, handmade items and attracts an international audience specifically looking for artisanal products. The costs amount to approximately 6.5% commission plus transaction costs. Marktplaats is free for individuals and has an enormous Dutch audience, but you must arrange shipping yourself. Facebook Marketplace works locally and is completely free, but offers less protection in transactions.

For physical sales, model building fairs are the best option. Here you meet your target audience directly: other enthusiasts who understand the value of handmade work. A booth usually costs between 50 and 200 euros per day. Local hobby shops sometimes take work on consignment, where you receive 40-60% of the sale price. Local markets and flea markets are cheaper (10-50 euros per day) but attract a broader, less specialized audience.

How do you determine the right price for your model building creations?

You determine the right price for your model building by adding up all costs: materials, labor hours, and overhead such as tools and workspace. Add a reasonable profit margin to this and compare it with prices of similar products on the market.

Start by calculating your material costs. Keep a list of all materials used including glue, paint, and small parts. Don’t forget to include packaging materials. For your labor hours, you can assume at least 15-25 euros per hour, depending on your experience and the complexity of the work.

Do market research by looking at comparable models online. Pay attention not only to the price, but also to the quality and detailing. If your work is of higher quality, you may also ask a higher price. A good profit margin is between 30-50% above your costs. Don’t be afraid to value your work: prices that are too low can actually create distrust about the quality.

What are the best ways to present your model building?

Professional product photos make the difference when selling model building. Use natural light, neutral backgrounds, and take detail shots. Additionally, write extensive descriptions with technical details, materials used, and unique features of your creation.

For product photography, you don’t need expensive equipment. Place your model by a window for soft, natural light. Use a white sheet of paper or fabric as background. Take photos from different angles and don’t forget the detail shots: these show your craftsmanship. A smartphone with a good camera is often sufficient, as long as you focus sharply and don’t get too close.

When writing product descriptions, start with the most important information: what it is, what scale, what materials were used. Then describe special details or techniques you applied. Mention the dimensions, weight, and any moving parts. Videos showing your building process or explaining details significantly increase engagement from potential buyers.

What legal matters must you arrange when selling?

With structural sales of model building, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce and pay VAT as soon as you have more than 20,000 euros in annual turnover. Additionally, legal warranty obligations apply and you must draft general terms and conditions.

The VAT obligation applies when you sell regularly with profit motive. As a hobbyist who occasionally sells something, you usually fall outside this. When in doubt, you can contact the Tax Authority. A Chamber of Commerce registration costs approximately 50 euros one-time and gives you professional status.

For consumer sales, a legal warranty of 2 years applies to production defects. You can limit this in your general terms and conditions, but cannot exclude it completely. The return right of 14 days only applies to online sales. Be careful with rebuilding existing models: some designs are protected by copyright. Your own interpretations and historical models are usually no problem.

How do you build a steady customer base for your model building?

You build a steady customer base by consistently delivering good quality, being active on social media, and rewarding customers for their loyalty. Start by building a portfolio and collect positive reviews from your first customers.

Social media are indispensable for showing your work. Instagram and Facebook are perfect for photos of work in progress and final results. Also share your knowledge: tips about techniques or material use are appreciated and attract interested parties. Always ask satisfied customers to leave a review.

For customer retention, you can think of a newsletter announcing your new creations. Offer regular customers a discount or first choice on new models. Custom orders are also a good way to build relationships: customers appreciate when you make something specifically for them. Stay in contact after the sale and ask if they are satisfied.

Where do you find inspiration and materials for new creations?

You find inspiration for new model building creations in museums, historical books, online forums, and model building fairs. For materials, specialized model building shops are the best source, where you often get discounts on bulk purchases.

Online communities like model building forums and Pinterest are a goldmine for new ideas. Also follow international trends by watching foreign model builders on YouTube. Historical documentation provides authentic details for realistic models. Visit museums with collections that interest you for direct inspiration.

For quality materials, you can go to specialized suppliers who often offer better prices on larger purchases. Build relationships with these suppliers for possible discounts. With us you’ll find an extensive assortment of model building sets that can serve as inspiration for your own creations. We offer automatic discounts on multiple items, which is convenient when you want to view different sets. On our rules page it’s explained how our discount system works exactly, so you can benefit optimally when collecting inspiration and materials.