Where do you hunt for diecast?
So being new to this hobby, I'm curious where most of you hunt for your cars? I've tried the obvious places:
- Target
- Walmart
- Major Grocery Stores
- Dollar Store(s)
The possibility of employees cherry picking "the best stuff" irks me, as well as the resellers. I left another hobby due to this and doing my best to keep my kid away from that hobby. Diecast seems completely accessable because of the retail price and generally good nature in various communities.
So aside from the initial question of where do you hunt, are there lesser known stores/shops that i'm overlooking? I'm in North East NJ if that helps. It's definitely a population dense area so I'm sure I'm not the only hobbist here.
Also, any tips to help out on hunt days?
Thanks for looking!
Discussion
Either
- Walmart (Mostly)
- Target
- Shoprite
- Walgreens
- Malls
- Dollar Tree
- Flea Markets
- Amazon (Rarely)
I'm Also In Northeast NJ...
- Yeah you're in Bergen county, right? I'm in Essex — TommyLateNight
- Bergen County, Yeah... — PortilloRacing
- That's awesome. Come to think of it, I went to college with a dude named Portillo. He was a navy veteran I think... — TommyLateNight
- Well I’m Not The Guy You Might Be Thinking Of… — PortilloRacing
I've actually had great luck with some normal supermarkets as they have a smaller selection so often aren't targeted by the scalpers and collectors. You do pay more for them but it's worth it for me if I can get the casting I want. Our supermarkets don't do any premium releases though, only mainlines but still a great option
O'Reilly Auto parts sells them as well, main lines and premiums(sometimes).
Family Dollar/Dollar Tree is another good spot.
Otherwise, Wally, Target, Dollar General.
I do pretty good at my local thrift stores although condition and selection will vary. I get most of mine from eBay. Granted I mostly collect old cars from the 70s. I just got the last 2 hot wheels zowees for my collection and I have all 8 of the original Shell promos. This was a good question and something I've wondered about myself.
As another northern NJ guy, I check the pegs at the Walgreens across the street and occasionally when I go to Walmart for something. I've bought a few cases from Dollar Tree's website, both Hot Wheels and Matchbox. One of my local frineds also looks at thrift stores and whenever the local diecast club has a meeting or race.
- I just saw that you can buy cases from DT for a decent price, but it's not guaranteed to be a sealed case and you can't return it. Did you regret making that purchase or was it worth it? — TommyLateNight
- Every case I bought from DT was sealed. I was putting them into the claw machine in my arcade, so I could keep any that I liked and let the rest of them go into the claw game. I've kept most of them in the last year and send the ones I don't want along with my race entries as prizes. No regrets in buying a full case or two. — Billys_Midway_Racing
In addition to the big box stores; I look around antique malls and flea markets, there are also 6-7 hot wheels conventions in eastern and central Pennsylvania every year I try and get to.
If you are looking for second hand cars, which is the best way to find older models that aren't available on shelves currently. Me personally I resort to Toy vault, you'll commonly find this place in malls where they sell old or second hand toys. Prices can be iffy but I've gotten some nice hauls from toy vault. Besides that always check your local thrift/antique stores because they can always have goodies.
Hunting Diecast?
I usually navigate the dense Congo jungle, looking for a rare Hot Wheels car that someone left behind or hidden in some forgotten corner. The air is thick with humidity, the rustle of leaves keeps me on edge, and I hear the occasional roar or growl in the distance: Camaro or STH...who knows? But I've got my wits about me, and also a trusty shopping trolley with knowledge of how to avoid dangerous animals like scalpers and resellers.
Be safe out out there....
Don't ignore antique malls. It's an even bet that at least one booth there will focus on diecast. Sure, you may pay greater than retail, you'll do that online for sure. No shipping charges, at least! I've scored castings that I was certain that I'd missed out on completely, and at fair prices