Only geeks and kids used to buy action figures. Now action figures are hot collectibles, flying off the shelves at toy stores and comic book stores. Use these tips to avoid paying too much for an action figure, or buying one that isn't a true collectible.
Get It Mint On Card
Action figures are worth the most when they are "mint on card." That means that the figure is still in the original packaging, and both are in perfect condition.
"Near mint" is acceptable as well. Near mint simply means that the figure is in the original packaging, but may be a little worn from sitting on the shelf.
Check Price Guides
There are different price guides available that can give you an approximate value of various action figures. You can choose from books as specfic as "Collecting Simpsons: An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from The Simpsons," or trade magazines, such as "ToyFare." Usually price guides will also tell you whether a figure has gone up or down in value.
Check Online Auctions
Price guides are a great place to start when you're estimating the worth of an action figure, but sometimes the figure sells for more or less than that cost. Online auctions are easy and fast places to see what your desired figure really costs in today's market.
Check Your Budget
Just because an action figure is priceless doesn't necessarily mean you have the cash to own it.
In the frenzy of collecting, it's easy to get caught up in completing a collection, or owning a special figure, regardless of the price. Before you buy, check your budget twice to make sure you won't regret your purchase when the electricity is shut off.
Why Do You Want It?
Another pitfall to collecting anything is when you buy something, hoping that it will be worth enough someday to put your kids through college. If that's the only reason you're buying the action figure, don't. No one can really guess how much a collectible will be worth down the road. However, if you're in love with that line of toys, you'll never regret your purchase.
Get It Mint On Card
Action figures are worth the most when they are "mint on card." That means that the figure is still in the original packaging, and both are in perfect condition.
"Near mint" is acceptable as well. Near mint simply means that the figure is in the original packaging, but may be a little worn from sitting on the shelf.
Check Price Guides
There are different price guides available that can give you an approximate value of various action figures. You can choose from books as specfic as "Collecting Simpsons: An Unofficial Guide to Merchandise from The Simpsons," or trade magazines, such as "ToyFare." Usually price guides will also tell you whether a figure has gone up or down in value.
Check Online Auctions
Price guides are a great place to start when you're estimating the worth of an action figure, but sometimes the figure sells for more or less than that cost. Online auctions are easy and fast places to see what your desired figure really costs in today's market.
Check Your Budget
Just because an action figure is priceless doesn't necessarily mean you have the cash to own it.
In the frenzy of collecting, it's easy to get caught up in completing a collection, or owning a special figure, regardless of the price. Before you buy, check your budget twice to make sure you won't regret your purchase when the electricity is shut off.
Why Do You Want It?
Another pitfall to collecting anything is when you buy something, hoping that it will be worth enough someday to put your kids through college. If that's the only reason you're buying the action figure, don't. No one can really guess how much a collectible will be worth down the road. However, if you're in love with that line of toys, you'll never regret your purchase.
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