Whenever you make any purchase it is important to take into account what you are buying. Whether buying for yourself or for someone else as a gift, you should examine your options and think through what you would like to buy. Purchasing model ship kits is no different. Additionally, because model ship kits can be rather expensive, it is sometimes even more important for you to carefully consider your options before committing to one kit or another. Here are some things to consider before you spend your money on a model ship kit. Budget. This is always the first consideration whenever you buy anything, including model ship kits. Because there are kits that cost tens of thousands of dollars as well as those that cost less than $100, it is important to know how much you are willing to spend. Skill Level. Different model ship kits are for people of different skill levels. Make sure you know whether you need a beginner, intermediate, or advanced kit before you buy. It is not so bad to give one that is below level, but the results can be devastating when the skill level is too advanced. Motorized or Not. Some model ship kits come with motors so that they can self-propel through the water. These can be expensive to fuel and maintain, so make sure you understand what is involved before purchasing a motorized ship. Time Period. There are ships from many different time periods. Model ship kits offer a wide range of time periods in the history of sea travel. If you or someone you are buying for has a preference, you should make sure that the kit you purchase meets that preference. Specific Ship. Not only is it possible to buy model ship kits that fit a time period, but it is also possible to build replicas of ships that actually existed (or still do). So find out whether you or your friend needs a certain ship for a collection, and then buy that ship. Quality. If you are concerned about quality, make sure that you purchase your model ship kits from a reputable company. There are plenty of hobby shops and online kit purveyors that can help you find a good quality ship, often at good prices. Support. The best hobby shops and other sellers of model ship kits offer support and advice. Some even offer warrantees on their products. If you are looking for good service, make sure you purchase your kit from a company that provides support and help from professionals.