Disclaimer alert: I am not an expert on collecting toys. These are wisdom shared by fellow toy collectors in our community based in Singapore. Often, these are lessons learnt the hard way too. Here we go:
1. It is almost always more expensive at EBAY. Or at least where I am situated. I started collecting by buying toys off EBAY. It is true that you can find most of what you are looking for quickly. This even applies to rare and old toys. But the difference in prices will shock you once you realise that you can get the same toy cheaper and in a better condition. You can get it cheaper at Carousell and even lower in dedicated Facebook groups where collectors sell their toys. This is because some collectors want to let go of their toys quickly and you can be the one to gain from such situation. A little patience and research go a long way!
2. Always meet up when selling or buying loose toys. This prevents misunderstanding between buyers and sellers. I have once bought a Transformers Generations Drift off a seller at a relatively good price. The photo of the toy posted on Carousell was not clear but I went ahead as the toy looked like it was still in its blister pack. I was so wrong! The seller had taped a dusty old loose toy back to the card backing, posing it as a mint toy! I am sure you will hear of many other horror stories where buyers have purchased knockoffs and damaged toys at a price intended for a brand new authentic toy. You can't always trust the photos and descriptions.
3. Wait for clearance sale. Some toys are considered rare because of the limited quantity that survived over the passage of time. New releases are seriously not that difficult to find in departmental clearance sales (depends on your location). Look, impulse buys are real. We thought we may never get a toy that is popular. But is that true? Is it the nagging collector voice in your head speaking to you again? I have walked into departmental store clearance sales and chided that voice off! Wait till you see the stock available at Hasbro toy clearance sale. You will probaly want to murder that collector voice.
4. Consider trading or selling the toys for ones that you really like. Let's face it, we all have limited space and money. What? It is a reality. There is no shame in trading or selling the toy that you have forgotten about. I have met sellers who can afford the space and cash but sold the toys that they no longer value in their collection. It is logical and practical. If your hobby can fund itself, why not?
5. Connect with other toy collectors. They can almost always point you to a toy you are looking for and provide good advice on purchasing or handling the toys. Do your research and ask around! A friend of your friend may just be trying to sell the toy you are looking for. Some toys have flaws, are difficult to handle or require some fix. Collectors share such knowledge to benefit one another. May the power of collective knowledge and wisdom guide your toy hunt and collection!
6. The toy you are buying or selling is only as valuable as one perceives. Try earning a profit from a 'rare' toy that you have purchased priced for its rarity. You may find it difficult to do so quickly as the right buyer who values the toy in a similar fashion must come your way. In short, don't pay too much for something impulsively.
7. Scalpers are always going to exist because of adult collectors. Most kids buy their toys off the rack at departmental stores. Adult collectors are different. They are known to scour the Internet for toys. Some are more obliging and impulsive than others to buy the toys that are 'rare' as they are no longer on the shelves. And really, it is because adult collectors have the income and purchasing power. That is why we need the support of the toy community to safeguard the prices and stock availability.
8. If you are saving for a purchase or you are on a tight budget, avoid toy reviews. They are basically visual and audio cues to kickstart the spending habit. How many toys have you bought after going through a toy review? 'Nuff said.
9. Keep a close watch on the toys that you have preordered. They can leave you broke when the toys arrive within the same short period. This is true and understandable as some 3rd party toy companies struggle to meet the estimated completion date from their lack of experience in design and production. The store you have placed your preorder may not be so understanding. Your spouse may even be less understanding...
10. Please have fun with the toys! They are not supposed to make you feel miserable. :)
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