How to Collect Action Figures?

Answer 1

Just about every kid played with Action Figures at one time or another during their childhood. If you were on of those kids, you should dig through those old boxes in your basement or attic and see if you can find any action figures from the TV shows, movies and cartoons you used to watch growing up. These items are worth a good deal of money nowadays and make fun collectables. While an adult collecting action figures may seem a tad odd to some, it’s a perfectly acceptable hobby. Below are some tips on how you can start an action figure collection:

• To start or add to an action figure collection, you’ll need to visit some memorabilia stores in your area or check out eBay and other internet auction sites. This is where you will find those mint condition Bo and Luke Duke action figures from the old TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” or even something as classic as Mr. T from “The A- Team” or Darth Vader from the original “Star Wars” movie. Some of these may be sold in their original, unopened packages. If you can get a good deal on something that you think will be worth even more money in a few years, go for it.

• You can also head to big chain stores like Toys R Us, Walmart and Target to buy some modern-day action figures. These won’t have the same monetary value as a rare action figure from yesteryear, but they will be rare and worth lots of money someday. It doesn’t hurt to look down the road, especially if you think this could turn into a long- term hobby for you.

• If you buy an action figure that is still in its original packaging, don’t open the package or you will severely reduce its value. Things are worth more money when they are mint and can be preserved exactly as they were originally sold.

Most adults aren’t going to have much interest in playing with action figures; their interest will be strictly in the resale value and in the pure fun of collecting things that are rare and bring back cherished memories from their childhood. If you are interested in collecting action figures, the tips above should prove helpful. Remember, you should start by seeing if you still have any of your old action figures lying around in a box somewhere and continue by trying to find others from your era, or even further back.

Answer 2

Action figures are not just for kids anymore but can be part of a hobby that is both enjoyable and profitable for adults. Whether a collector is looking to collect action figures for personal enjoyment or merely to make a few extra dollars, these tips can help interested people collect action figures at low cost and with little hassle.

1. First, the collector should determine the purpose for which he or she wants to collect action figures. If it is just for personal enjoyment, then any line the collector prefers will do. Those who are collecting in hopes of later selling and making a profit should focus on older lines of toys, as that is where most of the money is to be found in collecting.

2. Second, the collector should determine how he or she is going to store and display the collection of action figures. Collectors who hope to resell the toys one day will probably not want to take their figures out of their packaging and will consequently need more shelving and other space to store the action figures. Those who are collecting merely for personal enjoyment can feel free to open their figures before storing and displaying them. This will cut down on the space each figure needs to occupy in the collection.

3. Third, become familiar with the literature and websites that are devoted to the action figures that are collected. There is now a lot of valuable information online about most current and past action figure lines. This data can help collectors create up-to-date checklists, become fully aware of when new figures are released to market, pricing trends on the action figure line, and other important details for the action figure collector.

4. Fourth, determine the best places to look for action figures at discounted prices. Depending on the line that is being collected, online auction houses or storefronts can be the best way to get the lowest prices on action figures. Newer lines that are still currently on the market can often be had for less when they are purchased during a storewide sale.

5. Finally, take time to enjoy the collection. Handle the action figures with care, read their packaging, and do whatever else it takes to enjoy the specific action figure collection.