| A lot of die-hard NASCAR fans these days are | | | | number of terms that have been simplified due to |
| collecting their favorite drivers' cars in the form of | | | | their common usage. You will need to understand |
| diecast miniatures. Just about every NASCAR driver | | | | that MFG means "manufacturer", i.e. who made the |
| has been represented in the various collections, with | | | | collectible, that H/O means "hood opens, i.e. the |
| more coming out every season. One great way to | | | | collectible's hood opens up, that B/W means "black |
| get your collections started is to purchase your | | | | window", i.e. the interior of the vehicle cannot be |
| NASCAR collectibles through eBay. | | | | seen, and that C/W means "clear window", i.e. the |
| All of the most popular drivers are represented on | | | | interior can be seen. |
| eBay, including the late "Intimidator" Dale Earnhardt | | | | You will also need to understand scale. Scale |
| Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., the ever-popular Jeff Gordon, | | | | represents the proportion of the collectible in |
| Jeff Burton, Bobby Labonte, Tony Stewart, and | | | | comparison to the real vehicle. 1/64 scale is the |
| Mark Martin. You can find a wide variety of diecast | | | | smallest scale and the cars measure about 3 inches |
| collectibles for each of these drivers and more on | | | | long - the size of most Matchbox cars. 1/24 scale |
| eBay. | | | | vehicles are very popular and measure about 8 inches |
| If you are new to eBay, it is essential that you first | | | | long. 1/18 scale is the largest and most detailed scale, |
| familiarize yourself with the bidding and purchasing | | | | but its sheer size (and therefore increased cost) |
| system. You'll also need to understand feedback, | | | | cause many people to not collect cars of this scale. |
| shipping, return policies, insurance and payment | | | | As any die-hard collector knows, it is imperative that |
| methods. Once you have that out of the way, it's | | | | you understand the value of your collection. eBay is a |
| time to figure out what cars you want and how to | | | | great way to keep track of the running value of cars |
| find them.eBay is very easy to navigate. You'll first | | | | you already have and cars you are looking for. |
| have to go through the "Toys & Hobbies" portal, | | | | Trends tend to develop in the eBay market rather |
| then click on "Diecast, Toy Vehicles", followed by | | | | quickly and tend to stick to fair market value. After |
| "Cars, Trucks-Diecast", and finally "NASCAR". From | | | | all, if you overprice items, you are not likely to sell |
| there you can start perusing all the different cars | | | | them. Also, you must take steps to protect your |
| available. If you don't want to manually search | | | | collection. Never keep your cars in direct sunlight and |
| through the dozens of cars, you can use the | | | | keep them away from extreme heat and humidity. |
| "Search" function at the top of the page to look for | | | | Give your insurance company a call, they may even |
| a specific car. | | | | allow you to insure your collection. |
| Another facet you need to familiarize yourself with | | | | Hopefully this puts you on the right track towards |
| before diving into NASCAR collectibles is the lingo | | | | establishing your own NASCAR diecast collection. |
| associated with the hobby. As you will discover, | | | | eBay is a great place to get started, as long as you |
| abbreviations and acronym are an intrinsic part of | | | | exercise caution and deal with trustworthy sellers. |
| eBay buying and selling, and NASCAR collectibles are | | | | Play it smart and you can find some great deals that |
| no exception. As with every hobby, there are also a | | | | will give your collection a head start. |