If you are a collector (and are not living under a rock) you know BreyerFest is just a few days away. BreyerFest is a massive gathering of model horse collectors, in the horse capital of the world (Lexington, KY), put on by Breyer Animal Creations themselves. It is indeed the mecca of everything model horse related. This event has a HUGE impact on the model horse secondary resale market, and I will touch on a few things to look out for.

If you are an active seller of model horses, you may have already noticed that your online sales may have diminished a bit. This is definitely from the pre-BreyerFest slowdown, caused by collectors saving their money to be spent in person at the event. Many collectors would rather buy in person, so you can see first hand what you are buying in terms of authenticity and condition. So, if your sales are slow right now, this could be a legitimate reason. If you are a buyer, it might be just as good of a time to get a good deal on a model that the seller hasn’t been able to move.

BreyerFest is also a massive drop of limited edition models – all at once – that can only be purchased at the event. Collectors, whether at the event or not, will be focused on these models and busy trying to acquire the ones needed for their collection. These limited edition models will hit the secondary market almost immediately (some are already being resold as “pre-sales.”) This leads me into the discussion of availability and demand.

The time during and immediately after BreyerFest, these limited edition models will FLOOD the market. Many times these models will have highly inflated prices that collectors will pay, because they *must have it!* As a collector, you can buy immediately, sometimes at a very inflated price, to guarantee that you get what you want for your collection. Or, do you gamble a bit and wait until the initial rush dies down, to maybe get a better deal?

This is where you must call upon your experience and observations from within the hobby to make an educated guess on which models will continue to resell at a high price, and the ones that will fall in price. Which models will still be easy to acquire, even months after the event? Which models will stay in high demand, become harder to find, and retain their high resale prices? Ah, the struggles of being a Breyer collector!

Personally, I make these decisions all the time. Typically I will wait out the initial inflated prices, if only to see the prices continue to go up (or stay high.) It happens! But generally, for the majority of the BreyerFest special runs, the prices will come back down to near or just above their issue price. Most, but not all!!

In the Breyer Value Guide, I do not publish speculation, but do my best to report the resale values as they are. And, try to keep up with the fluctuations. I have been adding Ebay sold auction values to some of the rarer model listings. It is a slow process, but as I am recording these values, I am posting a screenshot of the ended listings with their price, and the date of sale. You can see an example of what I am doing with Flamingo’s listing: https://www.breyervalueguide.com/valueguide/flamingo/

So, if you are not a collector invested in BreyerFest, hang tight, your online sales will come back. There are still plenty of collectors not going to the Fest, and looking to feed their model horse habit by shopping online.

Examples of Ebay screenshots that are being added to listings.

BreyerFest always comes with its fair share of frustration as you try to navigate through throngs of people, wait in long lines, and sweat. But 2020 was definitely a different ballgame. Sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic, Breyer decided to evolve BreyerFest into an on-line virtual format rather than cancelling it all together. In the short timeframe that they had to pull this together (and keep the same dates) is a feat in and of itself. I think I speak for many when I say that I’m glad they did what they did, versus cancelling. But it for sure was not without glitches and issues. Anyone who works with – or uses – computers knows how easily that can happen!

Throughout the weekend, Breyer reported some 30,000 visits to the website. No wonder the special runs sold out in seconds each time they were made available. There were plenty of glitches and unhappy “attendees” but I honestly believe they did the best they could in this situation. My hat goes off to Breyer and their team. I’ve worked on the backside of virtual events before and I am sure glad I wasn’t working on the BreyerFest site (this one can be enough somedays!)

As of writing this, the Special Run models are starting to arrive on doorsteps. You won’t find any spoilers here, as I kinda want to be surprised (only if somewhat) when my purchases arrive. There are already many BreyerFest special run models available for purchase on the secondary market, and many are at a significant markup. This is for sure due to the difficulty in acquiring these models   in the first place. I believe you will begin to see prices begin to regulate once models are in the hands of collectors and availability (on the secondary market) grows.

The hottest model coming out of virtual BreyerFest seems to be the Gypsy Vanner “Cheesecake” (pictured above.) With only 1000 matte models being produced, I think this model will only continue to grow in popularity and value, at least for a little while longer. Plus, they were almost impossible to snag during BreyerFest. Once the surprise model is revealed and available for resale, those too will be hot until collectors get the pieces they need for their collections.  Historically speaking, the BreyerFest surprise models generally average above their issue price, and depending upon the mold and specific quantities of the colors/finishes, some will continue to bring in a much higher price.

Once the models are in the hands of collectors they will be added to the website and their values will be monitored and updated as needed. Values will fluctuate over the next few months, but will eventually level off once the frenzy has subsided. Where will your favorite model level off at? Is it smart to buy now while there are many models available (and lots of buyers/competition,) or wait until the demand dies down? This is definitely a guessing game sometimes, and I think most collectors have had the experience of “win some, lose some.” I know I have!

So, be watching for the BreyerFest models to be added to the site over the next couple weeks. Thanks for reading and happy collecting!

Well, OK…we are all guilty of overspending at BreyerFest! Me included.

Although you cannot control or make any deals on the BreyerFest exclusive special runs, you can still be a savvy shopper while you are browsing the vendor booths at the Horse Park, or shopping till you drop at the room sales and swap meet at the hotel.

One of the best things I love about shopping at BreyerFest is that you have an opportunity to see – if not buy – just about anything. it also gives you the opportunity to look over models to find subtle flaws, or neat variations. We take such a gamble these days buying models on-line. From poor pictures and lacking descriptions… it’s true not many people have the discerning eye that we collectors do, and that becomes ever so obvious when buying from an on-line listing.

But at BreyerFest, amidst the crowds and heat, you do have the ability to see the models in person to find that perfect piece for your collection. Sure, the hotel lighting could be better… but by buying in person you are knowingly accepting flaws or finding rare variations that others may have overlooked.

This rare opportunity to shop model horses in person gives us the ability to determine if a particular model is worth the asking price. Would you pay a higher price for a model that fits your criteria? Yes, I have and do pay up sometimes when I feel it is warranted. You also have the power to negotiate a lesser price if the model has condition issues that impact its value. Would you hold out for a piece in better condition, or settle for what you found (price was right, model is hard to find?)

At BreyerFest you will have the opportunity to purchase $5 bodies and play toys, all the way up to $1000 (and more) prize and raffle models. Just because you are not a big spender doesn’t mean there aren’t treasures to be found. Be educated on the values of the models on your wish list, and feel god about the purchases you bring home to your collection.

Know before you go! A subscription to the Breyer Value Guide is a valuable resource! Subscribe for as long or as short as you need. Your subscription goes toward the maintenance of the site, as well as my motivation to keep it going and up-to-date! Research values of Traditionals, Classics and Stablemate models. By being an educated, savvy shopper, buyer’s remorse can be a thing of the past!

See you at BreyerFest!