Tips for Collectors

[GekiDan]

I have recently made a blog entry about some tips regarding toy collecting.
http://www.jefusion.info/2010/02/budget-friendly-tips-for-japanese-toy.html

What can you say?

Do I missed something?

 

[musashi03]

Thanks for the tips bro! :thumbs:

Though the refrain from buying online doesn't apply to others, especially the US peeps I think, since most of the toku stuff there are more expensive than having it shipped from Japan. Only in the Philippines are the Customs people rotten. :sweat:

But all-in-all, it was a good read. :buttrock:

 

[UkiyaSeed]

Great tips, Geki! Can I add something? Here it is.

+ In case there is a capsule toy machine, try it especially when you are starting in your collection. Each figure is at Php50 and Php100 (About $1-$2).

That is where I got my Den-O Axe Form... and my Den-O Axe Form figure. Boy, I am not that lucky in terms of Gashapon. :laugh:

 

[Kaido]

I agree w/ Musashi03's comment. Online is the way to go for me. The local toy stores charge too much. So maybe I'd say do your research online and the local store to figure out what is a better deal.

I'd also add to use Middle men services for exclusives and try to preorder exclusives as much as possible rather than wait until the figure comes out and buy from scalpers on EBay.

Great read though! And I love the format of your site, very pleasing graphics!

 

[Arkvoodle]

Very nice read.

You could maybe expand on the "don't buy every figure" section though. Maybe suggest reading/watching reviews of the toy(s) in question as a way to influence/dissuade purchase.

 

[Dark Kabuto]

In my case, it's really not cheaper to buy it locally.

Sometimes I have to pay double what it's going for online...but I'm guessing the high price is due to wholesale fees and what not.

 

[Vox Age]

Yes. For people in the US, it's often just plain cheaper to order online off Amiami than to do anything else. Here are more tips:

- Ask around for reviews if you're not sure on a purchase. Always. Heck, even if you're sure, do ask around.

- If you're trying to save money, don't look at sale threads. If you're trying to buy things cheaply, THEN look at sale threads at various message boards.

- Don't venture into new toylines if you're trying to save money. If all you're collecting right now are S.H. Figuarts, stick with S.H. Figuarts. Figma? Stick with Figma. Robot Damashii? Stick with Robot Damashii. Limit your interests.

- Preordering on Amiami is a double-edged sword. If you're not sure you can pay for the figure + shipping when it comes out, don't. If you are sure, you can save a lot of money as popular figures on Amiami tend to sell out quickly.

- Just because Amiami runs out of items or preorders doesn't mean they won't restock; Keep checking that item's page.

 

[Raida|23]

In my case, online is the only way.

Plus, customs are bastards here too. For example, on a 20,000 ¥ order [that would be roughly 160 €], they're gonna charge me an extra 30 € at the custom. This tax isn't due for orders under 2000¥ -meaning almost all my stuff comes with it: toys, CDs, DVDs, you name it, they tax it. Those fucked up bastards.

 

[Dark Kabuto]

Yes. For people in the US, it's often just plain cheaper to order online off Amiami than to do anything else. Here are more tips:

- Ask around for reviews if you're not sure on a purchase. Always. Heck, even if you're sure, do ask around.

- If you're trying to save money, don't look at sale threads. If you're trying to buy things cheaply, THEN look at sale threads at various message boards.

- Don't venture into new toylines if you're trying to save money. If all you're collecting right now are S.H. Figuarts, stick with S.H. Figuarts. Figma? Stick with Figma. Robot Damashii? Stick with Robot Damashii. Limit your interests.

- Preordering on Amiami is a double-edged sword. If you're not sure you can pay for the figure + shipping when it comes out, don't. If you are sure, you can save a lot of money as popular figures on Amiami tend to sell out quickly.

- Just because Amiami runs out of items or preorders doesn't mean they won't restock; Keep checking that item's page.

Another tip I'd like to add:

If you are into collecting multiple lines and don't stick with just one, then do yourself a big favour and DON'T be a completist with the line. Only go after specific ones or characters that catch your fancy.

Buying Locally has it's advantages though.

For starters: I like the thrill of the hunt, going into a store and not knowing what you'll find it makes my trips to malls all that more worth while if I find something I haven't been able to for awhile.

Sometimes I'll get rare instances where it'll be cheaper to buy locally or the cost will come up to about the same if I bought it online anyway.

Like I found Souchaku Henshin Kiva locally for 35$ CDN, and Master Grade Exia Ignition Mode for 72$ CDN

Both would've cost me the same if not a little extra if I were to buy it online.

 

[Raida|23]

About the completist thing, though, I think it's more funny to be one. Of course, it is less funny for your wallet. Mine doesnt talk with me anymore:-(