How It Works
Selling your model railway to Footplate is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Rich and Derek have refined this process over 30 years to make it as easy as possible for sellers. Here's how it works from start to finish. If you'd like to know more about the full range of ways Footplate can help, visit our Services page.
Step 1 — Get in Touch with Footplate
Start by telling Footplate about your collection. You can:
- Call Rich or Derek on 01562 750076 or 01270 421717 for a friendly chat
- Email Footplate with a list of items
- Send photos — even a quick phone photo helps Rich and Derek understand what you have
- Fill in the form on our selling page and Footplate will get back to you promptly
There's no obligation at this stage, Footplate is just getting to know your collection. Not sure what gauge your items are? Our Gauges & Scales Guide can help.
Step 2 — Footplate Values Your Collection
Once Rich and Derek know what you have, Footplate will provide a valuation. Depending on the size and nature of your collection, this might be:
- By phone or email — for smaller or straightforward collections where photos give Footplate enough to go on
- In person — for larger collections, layouts, or specialist items, Rich or Derek will visit you at home anywhere in the UK and make an offer on the day
Footplate's valuations are honest and based on real market knowledge, not lowball offers. For more on what affects value, visit Footplate's Advice Centre.
Step 3 — You Get Paid by Footplate
Once you're happy with Footplate's offer, Rich and Derek agree a price and arrange for the items to come to us — either by post/courier or via a home collection. Payment is made promptly, typically within 24–48 hours of receiving your items or instantly when collecting in person.
Footplate usually pays by bank transfer (BACS), though Rich and Derek can also offer cash, or store credit if you'd prefer to put the value towards something from the Footplate range.
That's It
No listing fees, no waiting for buyers, no packaging headaches, no returns. Just a straightforward, fair sale with Rich and Derek at Footplate, people who know and love model railways.
Still have questions? Check Footplate's Frequently Asked Questions or find out why customers choose Footplate.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with Footplate today →