HOW TO= Getting cheap models Part one: Planning

OK Well as many of you know I have a VERY LARGE Imperial force and I am constantly asked how I have amassed such a tremendous amount of models. The answer is Ebay, organization and patience. By using those 3 things you get what you want, for the price you want. Im going to break down some of my steps to "success" for some of you who are wanting to field large armies OR just looking to get some models on the cheap.

Step ONE: Patience

This is one of the MOST IMPORTANT things IMHO. You must be willing to have the patience to wait for your unicorn Army to come in. Here is how I do it.

• Set aside money every month for your model budget and let it set in an account (I use a separate bank account or Paypal to stockpile Funds for purchases) for that once in a lifetime army for sale on Ebay. That way when it shows up You have the cash to get it. Also this is a good practice ANYWAY to have a reserve of money for unexpected things, just make sure you dont put yourself in a predicament....
• Also You have to be watching the Listings..... Ebay has a Cool feature that allows you to "subscribe" to a search. When someone posts a auction matching your search you get a email.... This Helps. Also I search weekly or so for common misspellings of the Auctions. if Its misspelled it will get less hits and watches. 
• Dont get attached to a auction. An Ebay bidding war WILL NOT save you money. If its something Rare be prepared to dump money on it, but if its only hard to find let it pass.....I have fallen Prey to this several times because I was attached to the Auction ($100 for the Khorne liber chaotica Book Say what??) Set a price on what your willing to pay and stick to your guns. I find Sometimes its hard but if your REALLY wanting to save this is a must.
• Look for lots. OK when people are too lazy to break up large you win 9 times out of 10. People are more than willing to buy a squad of assembled guardsmen for $20. The platoons of 40-60 guys usually go for $50 or so. But when your buying 3 platoons of 60 men, 9 Russ tanks, 20 Ogryns, 6 sentinels, and 3 valkyries......for $400 OBO... THATS a deal. And most people are not willing or able to dump $400-$500 bucks at a time. 
• Talk to buddies and your FLG/FLGC. Alot of time people DONT set aside money for real world issues and Sell of Armies for quick cash. We all know them and if your prepared, you can help them AND you out.

Step Two: Organization

 You will need to be somewhat organized to be successful. Without a solid plan you will be spinning your wheels. I bought without a plan for a while And I cannot tell you how many duplicate models I have because I was not organized.

• First, commit to an Army. I committed to guard and marines as they were what got me in the game So many years ago. Not only that BUT I have flexibility of changing to another model type WITHOUT changing my Army. Catachans, Cadians,  Valhallan, And Vostroyans can ALL USE THE SAME THINGS. If you get burn-out on one planet move to another planet. But the basics are all the same.....Codex, tanks, Specials, All that changes is the clothes of the Infantry....Paint your tanks in a neutral scheme (urban, jungle or whatever) and Base your infantry all the same and you can reuse the same to tanks for every occasion. Not to mention if you use Resin bases Every Army will match your theme...See??? PLANNING saves money!!!
• I make a list in Army builder of what I want my Army to look like. I then do a model count to estimate what I will need. I then Start my searching KNOWING what I have and what I need. I can concentrate my searches for what I need instead of just bumbleing around not knowing and wasting money on crap I dont need. 
• Set your prices. I NEVER PASS on a good deal if I can help it. I set my prices and if something matches my prices I pick it up. I spend $1 on infantry plastics, $15 on tanks, and 50% MSRP on most everything else. no higher.  These are pretty firm prices and if the price goes out of these parameters I pass. 
• NOW I am organized. I know What Im doing, I have have a budget and cash set aside, and I know EXACTLY what Im looking for to complete my Army and how much Im willing to pay for it.

Step Three: Where to look

You have to know where to look for the deals. I mentioned some earlier but I will outline places that I normally look here.

• Ebay. Ebay is a WONDERFUL place to look, but you have to be careful. Ebay has Alot to offer as sellers from all over the world are there, but sometimes you get knock offs, and misrepresented products. Pay CLOSE attention to what your bidding on and how much your spending. EBAY
• Bartertown. Most know of Bartertown and its one of the best places to trade and buy. Its special because its a "barter" place where you can dump models you dont want or use (see BUY IN LOTS from earlier post!!) for stuff you DO need. Also there is sales there for folks just getting rid of old models and you can get stuff on the cheap all the time. Drawback is that there is only what people are wanting to get rid of so if your looking for that ONE particular hard to find item you MIGHT not find it there if your in a hurry. I swear by Bartertown though as a go to staple of my modeling needs. Plus Linrandir (owner) is a great guy and kicks my butt in Warmachine when I can play him. BARTERTOWN site
• Local Game store. Your local game store or Game clubs are also Great places to find deals. You know the people and can interact with them and haggle on prices. Many stores offer Deals and discounts on overstock product if your a regular. And your buddies who need money to pay rent are there too so you can help them out and save yourself some major bucks in the process.

OK well this is the PLANNING stages and will set you up for success when you find your models. Stay tuned for PART TWO of the series Claiming my find!