Is the economy affecting our modeling hobby?

[Charles Adams]

It seems all the modeling boards have suddenly slowed down or even ground to a halt. Of course, it could simply be the time of year (nice weather does make it harder to stay indoors and focus on modeling).

Then again, places like ModelExpo seem to be having one sale after another and I hear people talking about slow sales on eBay. Skyrocketing shipping costs seem to be hurting sales of mail order items, and we all know that mail order is the only way to obtain many model-related things these days.

So, are economic worries putting a damper on our hobby? Are you spending less time thinking about it because of what's happening to your wallet? If things continue to get worse (i.e. even higher prices) what will you do?

As for me, I have suspended work on a number of projects and shifted focus from actively building back to research and pattern work hoping to wait out the economic uncertainty. In addition, I was preparing to reprint my book and continue efforts to put out more titles. Since that is a HUGE investment, I have been nervous about moving forward. I'm concerned the timing could be anything but right if folks want to buy but can't because of other priorities. I'd love to get some feedback. :)

[AZbuilder]

Hi Charles, I guess I will respond first. I believe with the weather turning nicer in places more people are going outdoors to be with friends and family than being online and building. So I think it may be a seasonal thing for the slowdown on the BB boards. That being said, with the downturn of our economy and we haven't reach bottom yet folks :WOW: Members are now putting money that they were spending on their hobbies into things like food, fuel and other necessities because of skyrocketing pricing ie gouging :mad:.
And yes there has been a increase in mailing of packages in the mail but not to the extent we have been seeing. I have recieved packages that cost less than what I have actually paid for. And that tells me that some sellers are trying to make up for having to sell their merchandice for less so they feel to make up the loss by increasing the shipping cost. And pocketing the difference.
And I guess that is part of the reason I have turned to Card Modeling at the moment, for the price of 250 to 500 sheets of card stock printer ink I build more models than I can than buying resin or styrene kits. Currently I am doing some research into creating a Type R Zeppelin in Card Stock.

AZbuilder
John

Let Your Imagination Soar

[chilly]

Hey Charles,

I agree as well, it could also be a time issue as well. I know with me I started working longer hours at my primary job, (coming in a 7am and working sometimes to pm), but I have also pulled in a nice freelance digital modeling job with LEGO, to offset some costs. The downside to the secondary job, is time... it is pretty much a second fulltime job.

I still model pretty regularly... luckily I still have my Circus Clients. I just moved into a new home that has a larger basement, so I'm really itching to get my studio up and running.

-kev