Vendors
Sell Your Model & Toy Collection with Confidence
It can be daunting having to part with a large collection that has been built up over many years. Often, collections are extensive and it can be difficult to know where to start.
Sorting, cataloguing and selling model and vintage toys is what we do.
We’ll guide you through the whole process, from the first conversation to the final payment.
Why Best Model Toys?
- We take care of everything
- from initial assessment and collection through to cataloguing, auction and payment.
- Specialists in model and vintage toys
- knowledgeable, approachable and straightforward to deal with.
- Quick to assess and plan your sale
- we help you understand the best route forward without unnecessary delay.
- We spot the hidden gems
- identifying valuable or unusual items that can easily be overlooked in a large collection.
- Careful, precise cataloguing
- every item is researched and presented properly to help achieve its best result.
- Worldwide buyers, efficient payout
- your collection is promoted to an expanding international audience, with in-house shipping helping us complete sales and pay vendors promptly.
Inherited a Collection?
Often, a family is faced with the difficult task of moving on a collection that has been built up and enjoyed over many years. They know how much pleasure collecting gave its owner and want to see the collection carefully re-homed for others to appreciate.
We handle every collection with care. Each model is sorted, itemised and carefully catalogued, with multiple photographs taken to record and present the collection properly. These images also create a lasting record that family and friends can look back on.
Ahead of the auction, the collection is stored securely at our auction house. Every lot is individually referenced, carefully stored and fully insured, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
How It Works
1. We collect, or you bring the collection to us
We can pack and collect the collection from you, or you are welcome to deliver it to our auction house. There is no need to prepare a detailed inventory unless you wish to. Once with us, every client’s collection is kept separate, clearly identified and securely stored ahead of cataloguing.
2. We sort the collection into suitable Lots
The collection is carefully laid out and assessed, then grouped into sensible, cohesive auction Lots. Our aim is to present the collection in the way most likely to appeal to buyers while ensuring important or unusual items are not overlooked.
3. Every Lot is individually catalogued
Each Lot is photographed from multiple angles and given a clear description, auction estimate, condition assessment and weight. It is also allocated a unique stock reference linking it to you, its storage location and the relevant auction.
4. We market the collection and hold the auction
Before the sale, you receive a Pre-Sale Advice showing every lot entered, together with a link to the online catalogue. You are welcome to watch the live auction as a guest.
Ahead of auction day, we actively promote the sale and selected individual Lots to our database of 2,500+ collectors and traders, alongside social media marketing and exposure through our online auction platform partners.
5. We take care of everything after the auction
After the sale, you receive a Post-Sale Advice showing the hammer price achieved by each Lot. We invoice successful bidders, collect payments, arrange in-house shipping or bidder collections, and manage the entire post-auction process.
Three weeks after auction day, we transfer your sale proceeds directly to you, less the agreed commission and charges.
From collection to payment, we take care of the whole process.
What we Sell
Model Railways | Die-cast Models | Scalextric & Slot Cars | Vintage Toys | Star Wars & Action Figures | LEGO | Model Kits | Mixed Collections & Estates
Not sure what you have? Send us some photographs and we’ll help identify the collection.
What Our Vendors Say
Selling a collection can feel like a big decision. Many of the people we help are dealing with collections belonging to a parent, partner or family member, so being trusted to handle them properly matters to us.
Trustworthy – No Pressure
“You really helped take some of the weight off our shoulders”
“Reliable, trustworthy, no pressure, great communications, delivered results and very professional from start to finish.”
Sarah, Berkshire
Selling her late father’s collections
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Handled with Care
“They handled everything with such care. The process was very easy.”
Lucy, Kent
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Professional & Kind
“Made much easier by the professionalism and kindness shown by David and the team during the whole process.”
Tina, Essex
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Good Results & Prompt Payment
“The prices achieved were good and the payout was prompt.”
Keith, East Sussex
Read more of our independent Google Reviews → Best Model Toys Reviews
Our Fees
We believe in being clear and upfront about costs. Lotting fee + Vendor Commission = Your total charges inclusive of vat
Lotting Fee
- Live Auction — £6 per Lot
- Timed Auction — £3 per Lot
Vendor Commission
- 15% when collections are delivered to us in Horsham or handed over at a toy fair or exhibition
- 24% where collection is required, or where significant cleaning, sorting or preparation is necessary
No Upfront Charges
Our fees are deducted from the proceeds of sale.
If an item does not sell, no commission is payable.
All fees shown include VAT.
We will always explain the likely fees before you commit to selling with us.
No Hidden Fees | Insurance included | No Storage Fees | No Marketing Fees | No Photography Fees
Example - A single Lot is sold in a Live Auction achieving a Hammer value of £100
Lotting fee £6 + 15% Vendor Commission i.e £15 = Total charges £21 inclusive of vat
Funds transferred to you three weeks after auction date is £100 less £21 equals £79
About David & Liz | Best Model Toys
Best Model Toys is a family-run specialist auction house founded by husband-and-wife team David and Liz Horwood. We started the business after seeing first-hand how frustrating the traditional auction process could sometimes be for buyers and sellers alike. We believed there was a better way — one built around clear communication, careful handling, detailed cataloguing and genuinely good customer service. Today, we work closely with families, collectors and executors to help move collections on to their next owners. From a few treasured items to a lifetime collection, we take the time to understand what you have, present it properly and guide you through the whole process. We are supported by a small, experienced team who help with photography, locomotive testing, packing and shipping. Everyone plays a part in making sure collections are carefully handled, accurately presented and efficiently managed from arrival through to dispatch. For us, it is not simply about selling models and toys. It is about treating every collection with respect, being straightforward with people and making the experience as easy and reassuring as possible.
Ready to find out what your collection could achieve?
Whether you have a few special items or a lifetime collection, the first step is simply to get in touch.
Send us some photographs and a few details about what you have, and we’ll take a look and talk you through the options. There is no obligation and no need to prepare a detailed inventory.
Share images easily with WhatsApp to 07775 920926 adding your name and email
Request a Free Valuation > contact us below
Prefer to speak to someone first? Call 01403 913475
Call us for a friendly, no-pressure chat.
From first conversation to final payment, we’ll help make the whole process as straightforward as possible.