10 Years of Hot Toys Collecting Advice in 10 Minutes

Summary

The video offers essential advice for Hot Toys collectors, drawing on 10 years of experience. Key tips include having a plan to avoid burnout, pre-ordering figures early, and thoroughly researching sellers before purchasing. It emphasizes paying via secure methods like PayPal, trusting instincts when deals seem suspicious, and asking for videos when buying secondhand. The video also highlights the importance of loyalty programs, patience in finding good deals, and investing in high-quality displays. Overall, it encourages collectors to stay focused on their own interests, avoid community noise, and be mindful when selling secondhand.

Takeaways

• 📝 Have a plan for your collection: Focus on space, display options, and key franchises or characters to avoid burnout.
• 🚨 Don't delay on pre-orders: Pre-order early to secure figures, as waiting too long might result in missing out.
• 🔍 Do your research before purchasing: Always verify the legitimacy of sellers through Facebook groups or reviews before making transactions.
• 💸 Use PayPal Goods and Services: Protect your purchase by paying the small fee for buyer protection rather than taking risks with friends payments or bank transfers.
• ⚠️ Walk away if something feels off: Trust your instincts and avoid deals that feel suspicious, even if the offer seems tempting.
• 🎥 Request videos when buying secondhand: Ask for video proof of the figure's condition, including articulation and common flaws.
• 🎁 Shop where loyalty is rewarded: Take advantage of retailers with loyalty programs, even if it means waiting longer for figures to arrive.
• ⏳ Be patient with purchases: Avoid buying figures at inflated prices or during hype; wait for better deals to surface.
• 🗣️ Ignore noise from the community: Don’t let others’ opinions influence your purchases or sales if the figure doesn’t appeal to you personally.
• 💡 Invest in your display: Enhance your collection by improving lighting, posing figures dynamically, and optimizing cable management for a polished look.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice for Hot Toys collectors mentioned in the video?

The first piece of advice is to have a plan for your collection. Collectors should consider factors like space, display cabinets, and which characters or franchises are important to them to avoid buying too many figures impulsively.

Why is it important to pre-order Hot Toys figures early, according to the video?

Pre-ordering early is important because figures can sell out, and collectors might find themselves unable to secure one later. In some cases, collectors wait too long and miss their chance to pre-order from their preferred retailers.

What should collectors do before making a purchase from an unknown seller?

Collectors should do their due diligence by researching the seller, checking Facebook groups, and reading posts about the business to avoid scams. If there are no posts or negative feedback, it can be a warning sign.

Why is it recommended to use goods and services when paying through PayPal?

Using goods and services through PayPal provides buyer protection. The 3% fee is worth the peace of mind because it covers you in case the seller ends up being a scammer.

What should collectors do if something feels off about a deal?

If something feels off, it's better to walk away from the deal. Trust your instincts, even if you really want the figure. It’s better to be safe than regret making a risky purchase.

What should collectors ask for when buying secondhand figures?

Collectors should ask for a video showing the figure’s articulation and any common issues it may have. This is particularly important to check for problems like material flaking or parts prone to breaking.

How can loyalty programs benefit collectors?

Loyalty programs can offer benefits like discounts or points that reduce the cost of figures. For example, in Australia, Pop Culture offers a 10% pre-order discount and loyalty points that can be used for future purchases.

Why does the speaker recommend patience when collecting Hot Toys?

The speaker recommends patience because the market for Hot Toys is cyclical. Instead of buying figures at inflated prices, it's often better to wait for the right deal or price in local buy-sell-trade groups.

What should collectors do to enhance their figure displays?

Investing in good lighting, background dioramas, and cable management can improve the display of figures. Spending time learning how to pose figures also makes them look more dynamic.

Why is selling secondhand figures difficult, according to the video?

Selling secondhand figures can be a slow process unless they are considered ‘Grails.’ Most collectors won’t pay close to retail price, so selling often takes time or requires offering figures at a low price to move them quickly.