Bob's Marvellous Models

Bob And His Marvellous Models

Tell us about your business Classic Diecast
Classic Diecast is an online business and information portal selling original Dinky brand diecast models, together with William Britain (Britains) brand lead, hollowcast & diecast toy soldiers and models.

Only trading in premium models, Classic Diecast is a niche-market business where all models & boxes are original; never any repaints or reproductions.

Dealing in fixed-price trading, Classic Diecast`s `point of difference’ is a personalised high level of customer service, no auction fees or buyer`s premium, together with providing free worldwide postage.

How long have you been operating the business?
Since October 2010, after 18 months research and market analysis.

Have you always been involved in a similar field?
No. I have a diverse career background including natural health therapies where lifestyle advice became as important as the health treatment; life coaching then became an extension of my health practice in 1999 with this developing into Owen Solo Business, a business coaching service for the solo & micro business owner.

What made you begin the business?
I love people who have enthusiasm for what they do, whether at work or play; who could be more enthusiastic than a hobbyist or collector? They have a passion for their collections that others may find hard to understand.

I chose the Dinky and Britains products as they were in the toy & hobby shops when I was growing up; there was a gap in the market for premium product & service and I learnt the basis of web site construction working with a business coaching client several years ago.

Will you ever retire?
I don`t think so. I love the satisfaction of creating & maintaining my own solo business too much; I feel the need to keep learning and hope that I can pass on my experiences to others.

Is your business mainly online?
Yes, it is online only.
I have full control of the website, maintaining an e-commerce facility, changing/updating content and also taking care of the `search engine optimisation’.

Where do you send your models?
Worldwide with free postage.
Most customers are from English-speaking countries but I have sent a Dinky aircraft to Sweden. Also this is not only a business for the guys, one of my earliest transactions was the sale of a diecast tractor to a girl living on a farm in Indiana.

What are some of the challenges about your business?
Poor quality, bargain-price product appearing on online auction websites; this gives the perception that this is the marketplace standard when in fact the reverse is true – the model gradings traded by Classic Diecast are similar to those of Vectis, Special Auction Services and Wallis & Wallis in the UK who are among the world`s leading toy auctioneers.

Also, ensuring that Search Engine Optimisation is always up-to-date; being an online business I need to be at the top, or near-top of Google search results.

And the good parts?
Sharing the pleasure when I can supply a customer with that special model; being able to respond promptly and personally to customer`s email questions – no auto responses.

Being able to make business decisions quickly and to act on them; enjoying the flexible working hours of having a 24 hour-a-day global business.

What`s your favourite model? Why?
The Dinky Avro York Airliner #70A/704. I`ve always had an interest in planes and as a boy was in the Australian Air League.

This original model was produced by Dinky 1946-48 and was one on the last propeller-driven airliners prior to the introduction of jet transport in the 1950`s – be sorry to see this one go.

How do people get in touch with you?
Website : www.classicdiecast.biz or Click here
Email : bob@classicdiecast.biz
Mobile : 0402 008 251