I think collecting purely as an investment is probably foolish. I've made quite a bit of money selling off older things from my collection I don't want anymore but the money, time and space taken up collecting would not be worth it if I was just doing it purely in the hope I could sell stuff for a profit years later.
When I was growing up, my dad dealt in antiques and collectibles for a time and he gave me a great piece of advice: "anything marketed from day one as a collectible, probably never will be."
I wonder if series 1 iPods and iPhones will be collectors items one day. I would guess yes, but perhaps because their functionality will be so slim compared to newer models, no one will collect them. As you say, knowing what people will be nostaligic for in 25 - 50 years is anybody's guess!
I bought three Castle Grayskulls when the Matty Kickstarter was born (Thank you Scott for being the first to offer this innovative crowdfunding idea) one I immediately opened for myself and the other 2 I left alone in my parents basement in the OG cardboard shipper for years and years. It was only during the time when Super7 was offering snake mountain that I decided to put them up on eBay and I charged a premium that I felt was deserved since my listing was the only one with the cardboard Shipper untouched/dent free/ ready to ship (it was the ugliest looking listing 😂). I sold each of them for $2100 a piece. So needless to say as insane as to how much they sold for, this video is near and dear to my heart.
I had considered getting one at a comic shop for $400 about 5 years ago or so. Now, it's completely out of the question. Custom cardboard Greyskull it is! lol
I basically paid for college selling my Transformers collection. And it only consisted of redone G1 characters. People want the best representation of their childhood heroes.
I’m buying the motu origins figures to complete my collection without having to buy vintage versions. The 2nd market prices are just as high sometimes though. I never see anything beyond he man, skeletor, battle cat, & panthor at retail. I collect for me at the end of the day. If something ends up valuable, then it’s just a bonus
I think vintage from before the 90s when people started to collect toys to keep them mint in box vs opening then are the only things that can hold there value. You can go to any antique mall and see tons of toys from the 90s still in there box going for less than retail.
I know Lego has some investment potential. I occasionally run across YT channels from people who invest in Lego the same way most people do in the stock market. Considering how you can build anything, everything they have produced in the last 50 years are compatible with one another, and the sets are pretty quick to be officially retired, it's no surprise that there's money in that line.
Nice video, Scott - thank you. Any chance you could maybe do a Top 20 video of the rarest/most valuable MOTU Classics figures and why they're that way over the others in the line?
What are your thoughts on Fans Toys Masterpiece Transformers? They tend to hold their value and some sell for quite a bit more in the secondary market.
I still remember going to a convention in the 90s just after McFarlane started doing figures, certain items were almost impossible to get at first but they had just announced that they would be reissuing some figures. Well there was a rep there for McFarlane Toys he knew all the news but was in the decision making process. He was just there so the company had a presence at the convention. While a friend and I were talking to him three different people came up and yelled at him, that they were ruining their investments and one guy actually mentioned not being able to put his kid through college. The reps line to all of them was we make toys and want to get our product into as many hands as possible. I was getting upset for the rep, so I being a senior in high school at the time, calmly suggested that he have his children look into scholarships or grants to pay for college. The collector then asked me to take it outside, to which I said grow up, these are toys we are talking about, I haven’t fought over toys since I was taught to share when my sister was born. He ran off in a huff. The point of the story is collecting toys should be fun (that’s what toys are there for) if you are in it for the money. It can become super stressful and toys should be relieving stress and not causing it. Buy what you like, what you think is cool, what makes you happy, but look at a purchase gaining value as a bonus to your collection not the reason for it.
Question...I'm just starting out collecting and placing items in my display case. Do you take the toy out of the package and place in your display case? Secondly, what if you were to have an officially signature on a item, does it double the value? Example: what if Lebron signed my Funko Lebron figure, or an artist that made the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame signed a Funk figure...Do they sign the box or the figure?
Thinking about MOTUC Castle Grayskull. This weeks MOTUesday video got me thinking that maybe they will dust off the tooling for that playset and rerelease it in Masterverse. Do you think thats a possibility?
Buying at the right price is important. A lot of stuff I bought 15-20 years ago, Has gone up 2-7 times. So from a long term investment it’s there, no one knows what the future holds. For the record some stuff in my collection never went up much either, so buy what you like and it’s all good if it never spikes in price.
I really like your video Sir, what do you think the value of the Marvel Legends 2020 " Stan lee" (Action Figure ) will the price go up after 15 years ?
Origins I wouldn't sleep on though. They're cheap enough to easily triple in value very quickly. Always hard to say because we don't know the production #'s but it's a line that isn't easy to find. On top of that many people are opening them for display and play. My opinion is that it's a safe and worthy investment that is you can't go wrong with.
@@idkwhattohaveasausername5828- I'm telling you grab them if you can. The old vintage line is starting to disintegrate lol origins will be the go to line eventually. Mattel did everything right with origins and for long term investment it's a no brainer at retail imo.
@@spectorcreative1872 - Yes I do absolutely. But you need to have a good 15-20yrs of patience like any collectable. If you want a quicker return on your investment then I agree 100% haslab, super7, mezco type stuff is the way to go. Of course that's a bigger investment you need up front though.
So which one is the rarest one to invest in among motuc? Oo-lar? (Pictured in your thumbnail) Horde Zombie He-man? That one shot up to over $400 in less than a year. Can you reveal real numbers in production runs or will you remain tightlipped?
If you’re in it for the “value” your in it for the wrong reason. The value should be a bonus, like with Classics Trap-Jaw. Easily three figures on eBay.
I don't know about it being the wrong reason. I highly doubt many people are in a just for making money possibly. There's some enjoyment, so like you said.. The bonus to be able to resell your stuff, for the most part, for what you got if not more if you do it right.
Time of release should be considered since your precious investment materials may start to decay after a couple of Years (talking to you, hot toys fandom). Also mainstream is an important issue... franchise time lines and characters vanish at the drop of a hat. (That stan lee figurine is a peg Warmer in my country)
7:04 - I don't know how they had them, and had I know they were supposed to be on-line only, I would have grabbed some, but a Big Lots near me had some of the MOTU Classic figures. Unless another line used that same packaging and art? I was a while back. At least a year, maybe more.
To be honest I am not a toy-collector. But I am interested in product development (in general), which is also a central theme of your channel. But I also like He-Man.
I personally collect for myself, but if I see a toy I know is in high demand I buy it to sell it online for about the same price. However, if they're Japanese toys I know have a fan base I'm willing to sale what I don't already own.
I live in the middle of South America and a lot of stuff released in other markets never get here. But some stuff only comes out here and not USA. Wonder if the set of Transformers Animated happy meal toys that released only here and surrounding countries would ever be sold for a lot.
I have a nice collection of action figures myself, some I decide to open some not, some I buy two so I can open one. I guess my question is does that do anything to hold up the value or am I wasting my time?
What are your thoughts on packaging errors? You might want to go back and grab that AEW Nick Jackson figure that's packaged in a Chris Jericho box lol.
Scott every time you post a new video all I can think of is you dressed as Ray Waltson from the beginning of Amazing Stories and all of us are surrounding you by the campfire… speaking of Amazing Stories this particular video totally reminds me of the Mark Hamill Episode where he collects toys until he is an old man because a little elf told him he’d be rich if he did. 🤑
Thanks for all the observations and advice. Weirdly, MOTU seems to bypass at least one of these guidelines, though, because even after Scare Glow (to name one example) has been released in multiple lines and form factors, his vintage figure still sells for $150 loose. This is also true for Sorceress and Randor, though they have yet to see new retail releases in the Origins or Revelations lines.
@@spectorcreative1872 Fair point! I expected the secondary market pricing to go down on vintage SG after the Origins fig became widely available... but as of yet, no such luck. I guess I shouldn't hold my breath!
I thought it was 4 Love Of Money, dont make the droid choose! But seriously this is one of my favorite channels since I've found it, I appreciate all the insite to the toy industry.
Note, managed to collect 51 G1 Transformers mint in sealed Box. About 6 grand, when the first live-action Transformer movie came out, doubled my money right away. Didn't want to sell, but prices were high.. sold and paid off a new van. Go huge. So much fun, rewarding. And I plan on getting at least my money back if not more when I do decide to sell.
Out of curiosity, how much would you say that the “avoid retail” rule applies to stuff like store exclusives, or limited run variants like McFarlane toys does with “Gold Label” and “Platinum Chase” figures typically found in the collector section?
My one regret of toy collecting is Not buying the Jabba Sail Barge. The reason was there were no actual photos of the thing to sell it...just a box art concept. My other was super 7 Snake Mountain. I bought afterwards on ebay but had to spend more than what it originally sold for. Also...the DC Animated Batwing and Batmobile are my favorite and def will go up in value!
@Star Killer i emailed Haslab if they would ever do a re-issue. They said 1 time run. It wasnt fair that they didnt even have the actual sail barge to show when it was up for preorder...nothing but the box art was shown and wasnt sold with that. It sucks that now its over 2k
I learned the lesson with the Playmates Star trek line. The number on the figure does not mean a thing. Who knows if it's even accurate. I know of a now defunct high end collectable company, were great at confusing their customers with their numbering systems.
I started amassing a huge Super Powers carded collection in the early 90's and stopped around 2005. I have about 200 carded figures. To put this in perspective, when I stopped collecting Super Powers, it was possible to buy a MOC Shazam for around $90. By the time I retire, this number will easily reach $1,500 - $2,000 or more.
@@spectorcreative1872 I know I loved the old toy. finally getting my hand on bravestarr. Then I stood him beside Classics He Man the BOOM I am like that would be cool.
Isn't Masterverse a possible way for Mattel to sell Classics again? Right now they are focusing on Revelation but I think I heard them say it was possible (Classics). I believe Classics is too good to be left for dead, IMO they will comeback one way or another.
In my hometown, Matchbox Lesney England vehicles are valuable, as well as the vintage Star Wars action figures. I think the first wave of Marvel Toybiz action figures (Iron Man, Toad) are expensive. Oh, Lego toys are good investment, too. Btw, I saw you on Power of Grayskull documentary, way cool Scott!!
Excellent video. You didn't mention these, but when DC Universe Classics came out I tended to pick and choose my purchases based on how my particular tastes intersected with whether I thought a particular character would ever be made again. Case in point: Bronze Tiger. I thought then (and still think today) that there will probably never be another Ben Turner figure in his late 80's Suicide Squad rendition, so I snatched up a few of him (Suicide Squad #1-4 being some of my favorite comics of all time). Turns out I may have been right, because he's gone up substantially in the years since. On the other hand, while I generally think that Jack Kirby's Marvel creations are awesome and legendary; his DC characters had to have coincided with a mental breakdown or unfortunate crack addiction because I absolutely hate the so-called "Fourth World" and would never buy any of them, no matter how much they increase in value.
I always wished mattel would have produced Skeletor's filmation ship, the "collector". Just curious if you're aware if this was ever in development or even being considered?
@@spectorcreative1872 👍 yeah im sure, it was a pretty big ship, it would've been a nice playset though! I always imagined it could've been done like grayskull and snake mountain, not exact to scale. Or maybe like the millennium falcon in the starwars line.
Dear Prof Spector, notice that it isn’t just exclusive figures, it’s the larger bicep figures that go up too! MOTU classics, got the big biceps, Spider-man got the slender arms.. i rest my case lol
Remember the Sam's Club 3-packs from POTF 2? They had three individually carded figures bundled together, with one set for each of the original movies. I would occasionally look at toy price guides in the late '90s: for some reason, the Empire Strikes Back set would run for $80-100, while the other two sets topped off at $30 or $40. I still have all three of those 3-packs, but I'd probably be lucky to get $20 each from them. In terms of investments, POTF 2 were like Beanie Babies with lightsabers! 😂
@@Starrgroove that may be. I had never heard why it was worth so much more. Strangely, the Degobah Luke was the only one in either set still on the orange card.
Traded some figures( including a 2002 King Hsss figure MIB) for a Molar vs Skeletor and Count Marzo Mattie Collectors Figures...plus $50 bucks. Seemed a bit steep to call it a deal, but I was able to unload loose figures I didn't want. There's always a risk when dealing I'll say.
I haven't watch this video yet. But for 34 years I've had my collection because I didn't have those things growing up and I enjoy, but I've collected as a investment. If I ever have to sale anything then i can. I can get more out of it more what put into it. Over 34 years I've only sold two things out of my collection. There been a few times I've traded with someone. Hey young Spector. This is sledgemaster. Hope u and family are ok
I can speak on that being a LEGO Builder (incindental collector). Yes, the "larger sets" in count/size have lower count production. There are also limited runs. Currently the IDEAS line (fan created submissions) are hot, examples are the LEGO Voltron Team and Back to the Future Delorean. Also exact sets are not re-issued. A newer Star Wars X-Wing theme set would be rebuilt as newer parts are developed. LEGO sets also come in different scales - micro, standard minifig, deluxe, TECHNIC - to name a few. There can be several iterations being sold at the same time.
Well, yeah purely as investment is dumb, but knowing you can get back a little for some of your figures is a great feeling, maybe not even 100% of the original cost, but this is a great hobby that retains it's value better than book, CDs, movies, videogame, comic books, and even trading card collecting at least IMO
Why I collect.. It's easy, rewarding and fun to have all the toys. And ninety-nine percent of mine I just keep inboxes because they're brand new beautiful, great artwork Etc... And knowing they can be resold for their value if not more or less a little bit.. pretty neat. So fun hobby to enjoy but get your money back if you do it right. My collection is huge, huge now. I'm curious about selling it, when I'm going to sell it and how. Love to buy a big building and set it all up in there like Toys R Us just have people come in admire and buy. Not sure when I'm going to do in the near future.
so would had the vintage MOTU figures been in the same boat as origins being bought in hill's or Kmart back in the day! now look at the value on some of those figures. Not being smart just curious as to why origins wouldn't be a good choice 20yrs is it because vintage already started it all for the line🤷♂️ luv the videos truly👌
Speculation is BS. I'm sitting on a horde of comic, action figures, posters, non-sports trading cards and LEGO parts/sets that have been attempting to unload. You can get big bucks if selling to the end collector/consumer rather than some middleman store owner who also wants to make a profit. Buy to play, not to collect. If you die before you cash in your collection, then that "gold mine" is just garbage (figuratively and physically) for them to deal with after you are gone.
As a Transformers collector it is funny looking at trying to collect for money, our toy value is to volatile. There will always be a better figure. Outside of G1 everything is so mass produced that you really can't collect as an investment. My most valuable toy is the Matty Collectors Voltron, and wife wants to be buried with it.
Around 1992 to 1993, scored several but never completed the Diaclone Trainrobots which would later be repackaged as the JP Raiden combiner team. Each cost around $5 each. Nope. Not KOs, the real thing. Guess how much they are selling for at the 2ndary market now? Too bad I never scored the "bullet train" type members of the team. Btw, still with me and never sold them but I kinda misplaced their Diaclone pilots.
At 6:31 there’s a picture of an AEW figure labeled “Chris Jericho” next to Skeletor. That’s actually an error. The figure inside is either Matt or Nick Jackson from the Young Bucks, so, if it’s sealed MOC, there’s a pretty penny for you likely lol
Investing in toys is simple - just buy vintage 1977 - 1985 star wars in as good a condition as you can get/afford. Then sit back and watch the value keep going up.
Step 1: invent time machine Step 2: but up original Star Wars figures Step 3: stash them away where only you will find them Step 4: future you unearths them Step 5: future you sells them and uses the money to invent a time machine
@@MightyEmperor Couldn't you just take the star wars figures back to the future with you in your time machine saving steps 3 and 4?? Other than that it's a fool proof plan.
Invest in toys! 😂😂😂. I started buying property back in my early 20s and now I’m 48, I’m fully retired and i just recently sold one of the properties I owned for $652,000 (the banks gets zip, nothing) and there’s another property going on the market within the next couple of months. Life is good. I’m not counting what I buy and collect to be worth anything. I’ve instructed my wife and our daughter to donate my toys (or have a massive bonfire) to charity when I keel over and leave this plain of existence. What I collect is: MOTU, Predator, SW, Transformers, Deadpool, Mad Max, music based Pop Vinyls (heavy metal and rock), TMNT, Ghostbusters (no 2016 pish), certain Lego sets, G.I.Joe and some, not all, Marvel Legends. Collecting is a hobby, a pastime to fill time. It’s not a future source of income or anything like that. Nostalgia plays a BIG part in what I buy….growing up in the 70s and 80s what awesome.
@@spectorcreative1872 that’s what life’s all about. Enjoying what you can, when you can and for as long as you can. Life’s only a temporary thing. Enjoy it whilst you’ve got it.
When Twilight I really thought about making bank on, is the Harry Potter. 50 million little kids that are growing up.. Kind of like we all did with He-Man and Transformers, might want the first set of Harry Potter figures.. So I collected all those with the thought of selling it in the future
Not interested in investing. I collect for display and personal pleasure. Back when I had 55 Avengers, they were appraised at $500. I now have 73 different Avengers and hopefully 74 when Sersi comes out.
This is definitely a subject in which many collectors need to exercise more wisdom. At some venue or other there's always some random ding dong with a huckster spiel fueled by equal parts frustration and denial.
Yeah, the sailbarge worked out, and sentinels might too, because they’re generic. Anybody actually ordering five Galactuses though? You’re probably going to be stuck with most of them.
General rule: once a thing is profitable, everyone starts buying it and makes subsequent releases less valuable. Then those people looking for easy money leave and the later pieces become rare again.
So motu origins hardly made no one can find and also toys people used to open 70s 80s because every one and there dog keeps mip I also wonder what happens when my generation dies out will value fall no one will be interested
And let’s not forget that the Mattycollector line is one of the best lines of all time!!!
Easily!!!
Can't disagree with that
I think collecting purely as an investment is probably foolish. I've made quite a bit of money selling off older things from my collection I don't want anymore but the money, time and space taken up collecting would not be worth it if I was just doing it purely in the hope I could sell stuff for a profit years later.
Sometimes it can worth it but it does vary. I completely agree with you as certain figures will sell better than others.
It is not guaranteed at all
Space could be a big issue for sure, but if you have it is very worthy, IMO.
When I was growing up, my dad dealt in antiques and collectibles for a time and he gave me a great piece of advice: "anything marketed from day one as a collectible, probably never will be."
There are exceptions
@@spectorcreative1872 Indeed, but not many and it's correctly determining those rare exceptions that is the problem.
I wonder if series 1 iPods and iPhones will be collectors items one day. I would guess yes, but perhaps because their functionality will be so slim compared to newer models, no one will collect them. As you say, knowing what people will be nostaligic for in 25 - 50 years is anybody's guess!
That’s so true.
You made a very interesting video.
I'll stick with the fun of collecting toys rather than long-term investment.
I stick with fun. Especially gum
Me too. Just look at what happened to baseball cards and comics.
I bought three Castle Grayskulls when the Matty Kickstarter was born (Thank you Scott for being the first to offer this innovative crowdfunding idea) one I immediately opened for myself and the other 2 I left alone in my parents basement in the OG cardboard shipper for years and years. It was only during the time when Super7 was offering snake mountain that I decided to put them up on eBay and I charged a premium that I felt was deserved since my listing was the only one with the cardboard Shipper untouched/dent free/ ready to ship (it was the ugliest looking listing 😂). I sold each of them for $2100 a piece. So needless to say as insane as to how much they sold for, this video is near and dear to my heart.
And those have sure gone up in value!
I remember when they were on sale for $150 shipped! $150 SHIPPED!!!!! Congrats on the great ROI.
I had considered getting one at a comic shop for $400 about 5 years ago or so. Now, it's completely out of the question. Custom cardboard Greyskull it is! lol
I basically paid for college selling my Transformers collection. And it only consisted of redone G1 characters. People want the best representation of their childhood heroes.
That is impressive
I love reissues of older figures!!! Helps me pick up figures I passed on, wish companies would regularly reissue figures.
I’m buying the motu origins figures to complete my collection without having to buy vintage versions. The 2nd market prices are just as high sometimes though. I never see anything beyond he man, skeletor, battle cat, & panthor at retail. I collect for me at the end of the day. If something ends up valuable, then it’s just a bonus
Exactly!
High quality, rare, and will likely have a buyer in 10 years. Thank you for making this.
Noted
I think vintage from before the 90s when people started to collect toys to keep them mint in box vs opening then are the only things that can hold there value. You can go to any antique mall and see tons of toys from the 90s still in there box going for less than retail.
It is true
I know Lego has some investment potential. I occasionally run across YT channels from people who invest in Lego the same way most people do in the stock market. Considering how you can build anything, everything they have produced in the last 50 years are compatible with one another, and the sets are pretty quick to be officially retired, it's no surprise that there's money in that line.
Lego is actually a great investment and pays off big
Nice video, Scott - thank you. Any chance you could maybe do a Top 20 video of the rarest/most valuable MOTU Classics figures and why they're that way over the others in the line?
I'll add it to the list
What are your thoughts on Fans Toys Masterpiece Transformers? They tend to hold their value and some sell for quite a bit more in the secondary market.
I like them but I am not a big "I hope it will go up in value" guy. I collect what I have room to display and enjoy
I still remember going to a convention in the 90s just after McFarlane started doing figures, certain items were almost impossible to get at first but they had just announced that they would be reissuing some figures. Well there was a rep there for McFarlane Toys he knew all the news but was in the decision making process. He was just there so the company had a presence at the convention. While a friend and I were talking to him three different people came up and yelled at him, that they were ruining their investments and one guy actually mentioned not being able to put his kid through college. The reps line to all of them was we make toys and want to get our product into as many hands as possible. I was getting upset for the rep, so I being a senior in high school at the time, calmly suggested that he have his children look into scholarships or grants to pay for college. The collector then asked me to take it outside, to which I said grow up, these are toys we are talking about, I haven’t fought over toys since I was taught to share when my sister was born. He ran off in a huff. The point of the story is collecting toys should be fun (that’s what toys are there for) if you are in it for the money. It can become super stressful and toys should be relieving stress and not causing it. Buy what you like, what you think is cool, what makes you happy, but look at a purchase gaining value as a bonus to your collection not the reason for it.
That is cool
Question...I'm just starting out collecting and placing items in my display case. Do you take the toy out of the package and place in your display case? Secondly, what if you were to have an officially signature on a item, does it double the value? Example: what if Lebron signed my Funko Lebron figure, or an artist that made the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame signed a Funk figure...Do they sign the box or the figure?
Thinking about MOTUC Castle Grayskull. This weeks MOTUesday video got me thinking that maybe they will dust off the tooling for that playset and rerelease it in Masterverse. Do you think thats a possibility?
Buying at the right price is important. A lot of stuff I bought 15-20 years ago, Has gone up 2-7 times. So from a long term investment it’s there, no one knows what the future holds. For the record some stuff in my collection never went up much either, so buy what you like and it’s all good if it never spikes in price.
I just subscribed, your knowledge is great!
Thanks for the scalping tutorial, Scott.
See the thing is, if you are holding an item long term it is investing not scalping
I really like your video Sir, what do you think the value of the Marvel Legends 2020 " Stan lee" (Action Figure ) will the price go up after 15 years ?
Origins I wouldn't sleep on though. They're cheap enough to easily triple in value very quickly. Always hard to say because we don't know the production #'s but it's a line that isn't easy to find. On top of that many people are opening them for display and play. My opinion is that it's a safe and worthy investment that is you can't go wrong with.
I love collecting origins, if you can find them lol, they’re reasonably priced
@@idkwhattohaveasausername5828- I'm telling you grab them if you can. The old vintage line is starting to disintegrate lol origins will be the go to line eventually. Mattel did everything right with origins and for long term investment it's a no brainer at retail imo.
But will they increase in value?
@@spectorcreative1872 - Yes I do absolutely. But you need to have a good 15-20yrs of patience like any collectable. If you want a quicker return on your investment then I agree 100% haslab, super7, mezco type stuff is the way to go. Of course that's a bigger investment you need up front though.
So which one is the rarest one to invest in among motuc? Oo-lar? (Pictured in your thumbnail) Horde Zombie He-man? That one shot up to over $400 in less than a year. Can you reveal real numbers in production runs or will you remain tightlipped?
For MOTUC the rarest would prob be Fisto due to the production issue (unless you count the King Grayskull SDCC and charity variants)
If you’re in it for the “value” your in it for the wrong reason. The value should be a bonus, like with Classics Trap-Jaw. Easily three figures on eBay.
I don't know about it being the wrong reason. I highly doubt many people are in a just for making money possibly. There's some enjoyment, so like you said.. The bonus to be able to resell your stuff, for the most part, for what you got if not more if you do it right.
One way to retire
@serick73 I have.
But won't be retiring mind you.
Time of release should be considered since your precious investment materials may start to decay after a couple of Years (talking to you, hot toys fandom). Also mainstream is an important issue... franchise time lines and characters vanish at the drop of a hat. (That stan lee figurine is a peg Warmer in my country)
OH very much so
7:04 - I don't know how they had them, and had I know they were supposed to be on-line only, I would have grabbed some, but a Big Lots near me had some of the MOTU Classic figures. Unless another line used that same packaging and art? I was a while back. At least a year, maybe more.
They did hit Big Lots, but were just a small selection.
I will get into this soon!
To be honest I am not a toy-collector. But I am interested in product development (in general), which is also a central theme of your channel. But I also like He-Man.
Me too
So the age of Apocalypse is the only one you can find at retail that you recommend
I constantly say "it's an investment" to myself, as to justify my figure purchases. Turns out, I'm not wrong.
Ha!
FACTS💯
I personally collect for myself, but if I see a toy I know is in high demand I buy it to sell it online for about the same price. However, if they're Japanese toys I know have a fan base I'm willing to sale what I don't already own.
Well there you go
I live in the middle of South America and a lot of stuff released in other markets never get here. But some stuff only comes out here and not USA. Wonder if the set of Transformers Animated happy meal toys that released only here and surrounding countries would ever be sold for a lot.
Oh yes, internationally is usually a two year gap away
I have a nice collection of action figures myself, some I decide to open some not, some I buy two so I can open one. I guess my question is does that do anything to hold up the value or am I wasting my time?
Really you should do it for fun. The idea of a pay off is just not guaranteed
What do you think the value of the Dc universe classics figures will be in 10 - 20 years?
I think they will actually improve because of how unique the line is
What are your thoughts on packaging errors? You might want to go back and grab that AEW Nick Jackson figure that's packaged in a Chris Jericho box lol.
It is a personal thing. Some people love em, some would t want em at all. For me, it is not personally what I collect but I get why some do!
Scott every time you post a new video all I can think of is you dressed as Ray Waltson from the beginning of Amazing Stories and all of us are surrounding you by the campfire… speaking of Amazing Stories this particular video totally reminds me of the Mark Hamill Episode where he collects toys until he is an old man because a little elf told him he’d be rich if he did. 🤑
I only dream of being Ray
Mythic legions is a sick line to look onto
Thanks for all the observations and advice. Weirdly, MOTU seems to bypass at least one of these guidelines, though, because even after Scare Glow (to name one example) has been released in multiple lines and form factors, his vintage figure still sells for $150 loose. This is also true for Sorceress and Randor, though they have yet to see new retail releases in the Origins or Revelations lines.
They were also released late in the line and in fewer numbers
@@spectorcreative1872 Fair point! I expected the secondary market pricing to go down on vintage SG after the Origins fig became widely available... but as of yet, no such luck. I guess I shouldn't hold my breath!
I thought it was 4 Love Of Money, dont make the droid choose! But seriously this is one of my favorite channels since I've found it, I appreciate all the insite to the toy industry.
Droids…
Note, managed to collect 51 G1 Transformers mint in sealed Box. About 6 grand, when the first live-action Transformer movie came out, doubled my money right away. Didn't want to sell, but prices were high.. sold and paid off a new van. Go huge. So much fun, rewarding. And I plan on getting at least my money back if not more when I do decide to sell.
As long as you are having fun that is all that matters
Out of curiosity, how much would you say that the “avoid retail” rule applies to stuff like store exclusives, or limited run variants like McFarlane toys does with “Gold Label” and “Platinum Chase” figures typically found in the collector section?
Less so than if not at retail at all. Basically the lower the run the higher the chance of an increase in value down the line
@@spectorcreative1872 Thank you for your insight, and I love your content!
My one regret of toy collecting is Not buying the Jabba Sail Barge. The reason was there were no actual photos of the thing to sell it...just a box art concept. My other was super 7 Snake Mountain. I bought afterwards on ebay but had to spend more than what it originally sold for. Also...the DC Animated Batwing and Batmobile are my favorite and def will go up in value!
I just don't have any room for it!
@Star Killer i emailed Haslab if they would ever do a re-issue. They said 1 time run. It wasnt fair that they didnt even have the actual sail barge to show when it was up for preorder...nothing but the box art was shown and wasnt sold with that. It sucks that now its over 2k
I learned the lesson with the Playmates Star trek line. The number on the figure does not mean a thing. Who knows if it's even accurate. I know of a now defunct high end collectable company, were great at confusing their customers with their numbering systems.
Oh yes indeed
I started amassing a huge Super Powers carded collection in the early 90's and stopped around 2005. I have about 200 carded figures. To put this in perspective, when I stopped collecting Super Powers, it was possible to buy a MOC Shazam for around $90. By the time I retire, this number will easily reach $1,500 - $2,000 or more.
A good line to amass
Where can I find "non retail" toys? Direct sales toys?
Conventions mostly
I'd love to see a classics version of the Bravestarr line.
That would be awesome!
@@spectorcreative1872 I know I loved the old toy. finally getting my hand on bravestarr. Then I stood him beside Classics He Man the BOOM I am like that would be cool.
When someone asks me if toys are worth money, I usually just look at them with dead, hollow eye and say "No... no."
Well comparably...
😂😂😂
Worth money to someone, usually before you buy it then you have remorse afterwards.
@@ZeroAnalogy I am gonna paraphrase and condense elsewhere: "I have traded these hard-earned dollars for remorse."
😂👍
By that analogy, at least 60% of the MOTU Classics will rise in price since most will probably never be released again?
Likely
Isn't Masterverse a possible way for Mattel to sell Classics again? Right now they are focusing on Revelation but I think I heard them say it was possible (Classics). I believe Classics is too good to be left for dead, IMO they will comeback one way or another.
In my hometown, Matchbox Lesney England vehicles are valuable, as well as the vintage Star Wars action figures. I think the first wave of Marvel Toybiz action figures (Iron Man, Toad) are expensive. Oh, Lego toys are good investment, too. Btw, I saw you on Power of Grayskull documentary, way cool Scott!!
That be me!
Excellent video. You didn't mention these, but when DC Universe Classics came out I tended to pick and choose my purchases based on how my particular tastes intersected with whether I thought a particular character would ever be made again. Case in point: Bronze Tiger. I thought then (and still think today) that there will probably never be another Ben Turner figure in his late 80's Suicide Squad rendition, so I snatched up a few of him (Suicide Squad #1-4 being some of my favorite comics of all time). Turns out I may have been right, because he's gone up substantially in the years since. On the other hand, while I generally think that Jack Kirby's Marvel creations are awesome and legendary; his DC characters had to have coincided with a mental breakdown or unfortunate crack addiction because I absolutely hate the so-called "Fourth World" and would never buy any of them, no matter how much they increase in value.
That is a good point and I agree, the chance of ever seeing a bronze tiger figure again are slim
I always wished mattel would have produced Skeletor's filmation ship, the "collector". Just curious if you're aware if this was ever in development or even being considered?
That would have been a good one!
I am very aware of it, but way too big to have been made as anything but a hot wheels
@@spectorcreative1872 👍 yeah im sure, it was a pretty big ship, it would've been a nice playset though! I always imagined it could've been done like grayskull and snake mountain, not exact to scale. Or maybe like the millennium falcon in the starwars line.
Dear Prof Spector, notice that it isn’t just exclusive figures, it’s the larger bicep figures that go up too! MOTU classics, got the big biceps, Spider-man got the slender arms.. i rest my case lol
Clearly the evidence is found on the side of the bicep. Case dismissed
I remember before the Retro series tan Wolverine from Hasbro, the original Series VI Wolverine from Toybiz was still selling upwards of 40USD.
And now worth nothing
Remember the Sam's Club 3-packs from POTF 2? They had three individually carded figures bundled together, with one set for each of the original movies. I would occasionally look at toy price guides in the late '90s: for some reason, the Empire Strikes Back set would run for $80-100, while the other two sets topped off at $30 or $40.
I still have all three of those 3-packs, but I'd probably be lucky to get $20 each from them. In terms of investments, POTF 2 were like Beanie Babies with lightsabers! 😂
That is usually stock that can't be sold
Wasn't TESB set desirable because it was the only way to get the original Lando on a green card?
@@Starrgroove that may be. I had never heard why it was worth so much more. Strangely, the Degobah Luke was the only one in either set still on the orange card.
Traded some figures( including a 2002 King Hsss figure MIB) for a Molar vs Skeletor and Count Marzo Mattie Collectors Figures...plus $50 bucks. Seemed a bit steep to call it a deal, but I was able to unload loose figures I didn't want. There's always a risk when dealing I'll say.
Always a risk
I haven't watch this video yet. But for 34 years I've had my collection because I didn't have those things growing up and I enjoy, but I've collected as a investment. If I ever have to sale anything then i can. I can get more out of it more what put into it. Over 34 years I've only sold two things out of my collection. There been a few times I've traded with someone. Hey young Spector. This is sledgemaster. Hope u and family are ok
Well enjoy watching it!
Scott, I heard that Lego (the big sets) appreciate in value better than gold! I'm pretty sure I have never seen them re-issue any boxsets, too.
I can speak on that being a LEGO Builder (incindental collector). Yes, the "larger sets" in count/size have lower count production. There are also limited runs. Currently the IDEAS line (fan created submissions) are hot, examples are the LEGO Voltron Team and Back to the Future Delorean.
Also exact sets are not re-issued. A newer Star Wars X-Wing theme set would be rebuilt as newer parts are developed. LEGO sets also come in different scales - micro, standard minifig, deluxe, TECHNIC - to name a few. There can be several iterations being sold at the same time.
Oh yes, and shoplifters know this too. Top toy that is stolen
Well, yeah purely as investment is dumb, but knowing you can get back a little for some of your figures is a great feeling, maybe not even 100% of the original cost, but this is a great hobby that retains it's value better than book, CDs, movies, videogame, comic books, and even trading card collecting at least IMO
At least
I have the retail wave of age of apocalypse but i still need the Haslab only line.
You may
Why I collect.. It's easy, rewarding and fun to have all the toys. And ninety-nine percent of mine I just keep inboxes because they're brand new beautiful, great artwork Etc... And knowing they can be resold for their value if not more or less a little bit.. pretty neat. So fun hobby to enjoy but get your money back if you do it right. My collection is huge, huge now. I'm curious about selling it, when I'm going to sell it and how. Love to buy a big building and set it all up in there like Toys R Us just have people come in admire and buy. Not sure when I'm going to do in the near future.
I wish toys were easy to collect, scalpers have been ruining it for me lately
Fun is the name of the game
What about super 7 ultimate figures in general? TMNT,spongebob,ren and stimpy,thunder cats
Yes I do think in general they will do well on the aftermarket because no one will ever do what they are doing again
Looks at the MotU Origins Battlefield Warriors I stressed over finding: "Don't worry baby...You'll always be worth it to me."
What me worry?
so would had the vintage MOTU figures been in the same boat as origins being bought in hill's or Kmart back in the day! now look at the value on some of those figures. Not being smart just curious as to why origins wouldn't be a good choice 20yrs is it because vintage already started it all for the line🤷♂️ luv the videos truly👌
Glad you are enjoying! Topic suggestions always welcome!
I love those age of apocalypse figs I have one of the sets
They are cool
Mythic Legions are quite expensive on the aftermarket.
And worth it!
Speculation is BS. I'm sitting on a horde of comic, action figures, posters, non-sports trading cards and LEGO parts/sets that have been attempting to unload. You can get big bucks if selling to the end collector/consumer rather than some middleman store owner who also wants to make a profit. Buy to play, not to collect. If you die before you cash in your collection, then that "gold mine" is just garbage (figuratively and physically) for them to deal with after you are gone.
Oh it sure is
Motu commemorative was retail and triple value 20 years later...why can't origins?🤷🤔
It could. It won’t
As a Transformers collector it is funny looking at trying to collect for money, our toy value is to volatile. There will always be a better figure. Outside of G1 everything is so mass produced that you really can't collect as an investment.
My most valuable toy is the Matty Collectors Voltron, and wife wants to be buried with it.
Very much so
If you invest in a series you enjoy, research the market and you'll find fans wanting to grab a piece of that proverbial pie! There's fans out there!
It is true
Around 1992 to 1993, scored several but never completed the Diaclone Trainrobots which would later be repackaged as the JP Raiden combiner team. Each cost around $5 each. Nope. Not KOs, the real thing. Guess how much they are selling for at the 2ndary market now? Too bad I never scored the "bullet train" type members of the team. Btw, still with me and never sold them but I kinda misplaced their Diaclone pilots.
It is always hit or miss
At 6:31 there’s a picture of an AEW figure labeled “Chris Jericho” next to Skeletor. That’s actually an error. The figure inside is either Matt or Nick Jackson from the Young Bucks, so, if it’s sealed MOC, there’s a pretty penny for you likely lol
Well thank you! I will update the description!
Not a swap?
Investing in toys is simple - just buy vintage 1977 - 1985 star wars in as good a condition as you can get/afford. Then sit back and watch the value keep going up.
If it was only that simple
Man I love buying up original vintage toys during the 2008 era. Felt like I was buying at cost
Step 1: invent time machine
Step 2: but up original Star Wars figures
Step 3: stash them away where only you will find them
Step 4: future you unearths them
Step 5: future you sells them and uses the money to invent a time machine
@@MightyEmperor Couldn't you just take the star wars figures back to the future with you in your time machine saving steps 3 and 4?? Other than that it's a fool proof plan.
@@frankjones9839 Well that would have saved me an awful lot of effort!
Invest in toys! 😂😂😂. I started buying property back in my early 20s and now I’m 48, I’m fully retired and i just recently sold one of the properties I owned for $652,000 (the banks gets zip, nothing) and there’s another property going on the market within the next couple of months. Life is good.
I’m not counting what I buy and collect to be worth anything. I’ve instructed my wife and our daughter to donate my toys (or have a massive bonfire) to charity when I keel over and leave this plain of existence. What I collect is: MOTU, Predator, SW, Transformers, Deadpool, Mad Max, music based Pop Vinyls (heavy metal and rock), TMNT, Ghostbusters (no 2016 pish), certain Lego sets, G.I.Joe and some, not all, Marvel Legends. Collecting is a hobby, a pastime to fill time. It’s not a future source of income or anything like that. Nostalgia plays a BIG part in what I buy….growing up in the 70s and 80s what awesome.
Hey as long as you are enjoying yourself!!
@@spectorcreative1872 that’s what life’s all about. Enjoying what you can, when you can and for as long as you can. Life’s only a temporary thing. Enjoy it whilst you’ve got it.
At this point I tell people I’m planning on opening a toy boutique.
I would love to do that if ever able.
Nice
my dad bought an Error set of X-Files Barbie dolls. he paid $200.00 aud in 1998… they’re going for $200.00 aud on ebay TODAY…. That’s the way it goes
It’s unpredictable. Like a Kangaroo in a ball pit
Tin toys from the 50s or older. 1970s Tonkas, Mego dolls and thats about it.
Anyone want my lincoln logs?
I AM, don’t buy them just to flip them! And do everything we can, within reason of course, to stop and/or discourage them!
Pretty much
Hint: don't put your savings into limited edition Beanie Babies! 😂
Or Funko Pops - they next beanie baby of the future!
@@frankjones9839 I've been wondering what those goofy things were!
I wish you had told me this earlier!
When Twilight I really thought about making bank on, is the Harry Potter. 50 million little kids that are growing up.. Kind of like we all did with He-Man and Transformers, might want the first set of Harry Potter figures.. So I collected all those with the thought of selling it in the future
No Twilight talk!
@@spectorcreative1872 😂😂
I just want to invest in toys so I can invest to buy myself a trip to Scotland or Italy
Not interested in investing. I collect for display and personal pleasure. Back when I had 55 Avengers, they were appraised at $500. I now have 73 different Avengers and hopefully 74 when Sersi comes out.
Same here. I collect only what i like and display it all! ...even play with my figures at times. Lol
Jus have fun!
I’ve been doing this as a kid and let me tell you has not worked out for me.
It is not a sure bet at all
Think…. The Barge!
This is definitely a subject in which many collectors need to exercise more wisdom. At some venue or other there's always some random ding dong with a huckster spiel fueled by equal parts frustration and denial.
And there really is no one answer
So Hot Wheels and Barbie are getting the real growth right? While we grown men argue about what exactly???
I wish I could tell you
@@spectorcreative1872 but toy companies are making money... Saw the earnings..
Figma toys tend to go up in price.
True it is
Yeah, the sailbarge worked out, and sentinels might too, because they’re generic. Anybody actually ordering five Galactuses though? You’re probably going to be stuck with most of them.
General rule: once a thing is profitable, everyone starts buying it and makes subsequent releases less valuable. Then those people looking for easy money leave and the later pieces become rare again.
It is always a risk
Glyos. That is all.
My bad
I tell my family that I collect for profit so they’ll get off my back
I'd rather swing trade Hasbro stocks and make my money through premiums and dividends
Stock is a better investment
people who collect for the sole purpose of an investment 🙄 really need to rethink their plan.!!!
Not a good plan
invest in Neca Ninja turtles.
And support your local Splinter
So motu origins hardly made no one can find and also toys people used to open 70s 80s because every one and there dog keeps mip
I also wonder what happens when my generation dies out will value fall no one will be interested
There is no sure way to tell.
Hot Toys?
Worth it
If you collect purely as an investment (long term or short), you're a terrible person and ruin the hobby for everyone else.
In a way