Ya, Right!!!

Check out these prices I just saw on a retailer's web site:
Minot's Ledge $250
Highland $175
Cape Canaveral $175
Chatham $150
Alcatraz $325
Thomas Point $300
Bet you wish you had 4 of everything!!!!! Would love to know if anything actually sells.




------------------
Ken T

Ken,

"Asking ain't getting!" I wonder sometimes with the secondary market dealers. They will list several of the same HLs with price variances of a hundred dollars. Now I know I'm going right out to spend $300 on a light that I can get for $200 from the same dealer! I know that they are asking what the seller hopes to get. Dreamland!

Donna

The big difference in prices for the same piece offered by a secondary seller is that he may be working as a broker and is on commission. The person who actually owns the piece tells the broker what he or she wants for it, so that's why there may be a big difference in two pieces.

I would say the owner of those HL's named his asking price and the secondary dealer probably added 30% to each one to cover his or her efforts.

Bob

As far as I'm concerned....I hope they get whatever they ask [above retail]!! By the way....I've got a 1991 Cape Hatteras that I am "asking" $5,000 for....

Brent,

Thanks for making me laugh after reading the heartbreaking news about St. Georges.

Joanne

Please don't judge all secondary dealers by this. I own every piece that I sell. Never brokered a piece yet except an origional Hatteras.This I did only because Iwas selling for another dealer who actually made the deal. I really wish I could receive these prices. I am sure there are other dealers who are honest and feel the same way. I have never met Randy Kreemer, but I feel that he just like me is honest and does not condone these practices.
Thanks,
Don Farrell www.donslighthouses.com

I agree with Don. I have purchased several of my HL Lights from him and feel that at the time the price was very reasonable and competitive with other secondary market dealers. I think caution and good judgement should guide any purchaser.

KYKEEPER - Pat

In keeping with what Pat said in the prior post... I agree. I have carefully purchased several pieces through the secondary markets and have been more than pleased with every piece. A plug for Don Farrell - I purchased my first piece from him this week (Cape Canaveral) and it arrived in wonderful condition. His prices are very competitive. Thanks again Don, I WILL be buying from you again!

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

Supply and demand, kids! An HL is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I bought my Minots from a Hallmark store for $49.95 in 1998 (I think). They were available on the secondary market for roughly $90-$100 at that time. I saw one on a dealer's shelf at Quincy Market in Boston last year. I took a closer look at the price tag....such a deal!!!!....only $275! The clerk asked if I was interested at $275. I said yes, if the price included dinner for two at the Four Seasons.

Bob

As in life, there are honest and selfish people, secondary dealers, retailers, etc. It pays to be knowledgeable, and not in a great hurry when looking to buy a retired piece. A year ago I was convinced I could not ever afford to own any Southern Belles, but have been able to get 5 of the 7 by being at the right place at the right time. I also saw the 3 Maryland screwpiles at a dealer for $300+ for each but found them at about retail by looking around. Have a price in mind for what you want. Don't buy with your emotions. Eventually you'll find what you want at a price you think it's worth.(yes, you will have to pay retail times ? for the elite but not as many as you think.)
Good luck, this is the fun of collecting!

I agree with what you have to say Don. It's funny some times to see what other people are trying to get for their pieces! The Southern Belles will always be at a high price because of demand. I only sell what I have bought over the years. I bought extras since the beginning. I remember when the Gulf Coast Series came out. I bought one of each at that time instead of buying the three Hilton Heads that the store had on display! BIG MISTAKE! Never in my wildest dreams did I think this piece would demand the prices it gets today. Like Bob said above, it's all about supply and demand. I have made a few dollars on some pieces I have sold and lost on others just to keep up with the new editions!!!!!!!

I wonder if any of the newer pieces will command the same secondary market value as some of the earlier releases. As I've said before it is the more popular lighthouses, especially those on the east coast in tourist/resort areas (Cape Hatteras, Portland Head, Hilton Head, St Augustine, St. Simon etc) which commands the higher prices. Coquille River is a west coast exception but there were alot fewer of them made too. Are there any extemely popular lighthouses left that Harbour Lights has not yet made into a sculpture?

Doc John

I would say it will be back to "supply & demand", Doc. The less made of a particular HL, the more valuable it will probably be in the future. The other factor will be if the HL Family continues to grow and the demand for certain HLs increases because of it.

Perhaps someone could enlighten us as to what recently issued HL has actually increased in value since it's release.

Bob

Bob, the only one I can think of is Panama Canal. There again, the number of pieces made was low, making demand higher. Would it be sold out if 8000 were made? I don't think so, IMO!

It can't be simple a matter of supply Bob...otherwise Point Arena would certainly carry a much higher secondary market value than say Portland Head or Hilton Head. However, it doesn't even come close. In fact the secondary market value of Point Arena has hardly increased at all. I think its more a matter of "demand" that influences secondary market value...people want more "popular" or well known lighthouses.

Doc John