My first post in the “Insanity Price Index” went over fairly well. The concept being I look up the best price I can find on eBay for a diecast and then I compare it to the highest price I can find for the Exact. Same. Product. For this edition, we have a listing that wasn’t even bothered to be proofread. Not that proofreading is a strength of eBay listings, but when you want this much, perhaps you should double check your facts.
In terms of original Hot Wheels I am a big fan of the Twin Mill. It’s one of the most recognizable and beloved of the early redlines and I like to check up to see what Hot Wheels has released lately, from special editions, 1/24 talking models, to keychains.
So this post is going to be about the absurd prices of various models of Twin Mill, right? Nope. It’s actually about another car I really like. One that I’ve even owned in 1:1 form. The BMW-era Mini. When I first started serious collecting this one felt like a sweet find. The Mini “Challenge” model was first released as a new model in 2011. It came in red or blue (I grabbed a blue one). If you turn to eBay now you can have a carded version (red or blue) for a reasonable:
LOW
$0.99 + $3.99 Shipping
It even comes with a fancy “Factory Sealed” hologram for those of you into that kind of thing.
Here is where the Twin Mill factors in surprisingly. I was browsing the listings and came across this suspiciously (and obviously) not a Twin Mill up for auction.
HIGH
$55.99 + Free Shipping
No sticker either
The strange thing about this listing is that the description - while clearly copied and pasted - is accurate for the Mini, but the title says something else entirely.
Oh yeah and there is that price.
A four or five year old common mainline simply doesn’t appreciate in value. You are kidding yourself if you bought “10 for $10” a few years ago and somehow expect a massive return. Regardless of if it is a Twin Mill III, Mini, or, well, pretty much anything. Even most 25 year old mainlines can be found currently at flea markets for $1 or less. Over $55 is staggering.
The seller is based in Florida (so is the first listing actually) but I can’t find anything that would justify that price. Still, they have nearly 4000 positive remarks and a 99.3% positive feedback rate. Many of their other listings for diecasts are just as ludicrous (How would you like a 2013 Super Blitzen for $25.99?). I suspect we may see this seller again on the Index...
$4.98 Shipped vs. $55.99 Shipped
the difference being.....
$51.01