Terms

Brass Guide, Inc. will only accept and list "brass" items on "The Exchange" that are in a saleable condition and have a minimum value of $100 US. We reserve the right to refuse any item that in our sole discretion does not meet this criteria.

Brass Guide, Inc. will charge a selling fee of 20% of the final sales price. This fee will be deducted from the Final Settlement paid to the Private Seller. This fee does not include any repairs to items that have been authorized by the Private Seller. The Final Settlement will be sent to the Private Seller within 30 days following the sale of their listed item(s). Our cycle for the month ends on the 25th day. All payment for items that have sold up to the 25th day will be issued on the last day of that particular month. All sales after the 25th will be issued with the next month's payment.

All items must be listed for a minimum of 90 days. Any items that the Private Seller requests to be returned prior to the 90 days will be subject to the 20% selling fee of the listed sales price. All fees must be paid prior to the return of any item(s) to the Private Seller. If an item does not sell after 90 days, the Private Seller can request the item be re-listed for 30 days at 10% less the previous sales price. For this discounted re-listing there is no extra charge. However, if the Private Seller does not wish to re-list their item(s) and request a return, they will be charged a $35.00 service fee per item(s) and any shipping charges (including insurance). All fees, including shipping, must be paid prior to the return of any items to the Private Seller. Any item left more than 180 days will be subject to a storage fee of $10 per month.

My Exchange

In an effort to make your experience of consignment something to enjoy, we have developed a personal and private area for a Seller that we call "My Exchange."

(The "My Exchange" section can be found under the Account tab at the top of this screen. Please note: If you have launched My Exchange for the first time you will be required to accept the same terms as shown on this page before you can proceed in creating a Lot#. You can update your profile by selecting the check box in the Update Customer Information Screen).

Within the My Exchange interface the Seller will be introduced to a virtual tracking system for items they wish to consign with Brass Guide on the Exchange. You will be able to monitor the overall progress as well as each detailed step of your consignment items. We assign each new order a Lot#. Whether your Lot consists of 1 or 200 models, all of them will come under this one assigned Lot# for easy referencing. Additionally, within a Lot, we assign each Item or Model with a separate number so that you can easily identify and track its progress. Once you begin by creating a Lot, the real power of My Exchange goes to work for you. Our automated system will help you identify each model you wish to consign and get it on its way to Brass Guide. Our system will generate a "Packing Slip" for easy reference of your Lot items. We also send automatic replies via email to notify you when we receive the items at our facility. When an item is tested and Appraised with a value, you again will be sent confirmation of the Appraisal Price and have the opportunity to Accept, Reject or Hold the item for later review. Once you do Accept the price we will automatically photograph your model in our studio using high quality digital photography as indicated below in the Photos section. Once that happens we will list the item on The Exchange where again, you will be sent confirmation of the Listing. Then, when the item sells, our system will automatically notify you via email.

Unlike any other consignment service out there, we have taken this to another level! Not only do you receive the automated system generated emails of each step of this process, you are also able to check the status on your "My Exchange" page. From this one area you can view just about any detail or status of your item at anytime. Would you like to know where your payment is, now that your item has Sold? Simply look in the My Exchange area and the Final Settlement column will indicate with a green check mark when your check was sent. Want to view your sales history? No problem, all of it remains accessible for you in this one area. We are confident that you will find "My Exchange" to be the easiest yet most sophisticated consignment process available today.

Repairs

Any models that are in need of repair will be the sole responsibility of the Private Seller. Brass Guide, Inc. will notify the Private Seller of such repairs and the approximate cost. Payment for authorized repairs must be made to Brass Guide, Inc. prior to listing on "The Exchange" or return to the Private Seller.

Appraisal & Listing Price

At Brass Guide we have spent many years researching and developing the Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide. Unlike any other company, with this invaluable resource at our fingertips, we have the ability to determine the highest possible value of any brass piece based on current market prices. We have acquired and will continue to amass, brass sales data history from all areas including On-line auctions, Importer and even Dealer sales to ensure the most accurate pricing system available anywhere. Not only can you be sure your item receives the most favorable pricing, the final buyer can also be confident in knowing the item that they will purchase is worth every penny of their investment.

When your model is sent to us we will provide an Appraisal of the item and then generate an overall grade for it. The item grade is then calculated into the current market value and an overall Listing Price for that item is given. This price and grade (including a detailed description of the grade) are noted on an Official Certificate of Appraisal from Brass Guide and will be included with the sale of each item. Once a Listing Price is determined, the Private Seller must agree on the price before an item can be listed on "The Exchange."

Photos

Once a Listing Price is agreed upon, Brass Guide will then take up to 8 high resolution digital photographs of your item. However, this is no ordinary photograph! Each professional photograph that is taken by Brass Guide is shown on "The Exchange" with the capability of extreme magnification. It's called Zoomify! A prospective buyer has the magnifying glass at his fingertips as he is able to carefully view multiple areas of each item in an extreme close-up mode. This gives them confidence in what they are purchasing. Your model will be displayed as the true piece of art it really is.

 

Int'l Shipping /Customs

Can you declare a lower value of my order for Customs purposes?

We’re sorry, but we cannot.  This would be customs fraud. This also does not protect you from later charges by customs that can be issued for up to five years for items that have been declared to low. We realize there are some companies that will do this, which makes it tempting. However, we value the integrity of our company and customers so much that we are not willing to risk it.