Carded vs. Loose Action Figures
By Randy Herkowitz
October 24, 2008 - 06:52
There are primarily two types of action figure collectors, those who prefer their action figures mint in package (never opened) and those who like to free their action figures from their plastic prison cells. First and foremost, no one should dictate how a collector should collect. There are benefits to both ways of collecting. It all depends on what you want to get out of the hobby.
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Loose action figure collectors tend to be in it more for the passion and love of the sculpture or play value of the toy. There are great advantages with removing your action figure from its package. The obvious benefit is the ability to play and pose the action figure. Whether you actually play with the toy or just pose it and put it on a shelf is your business but it will usually result in greater enjoyment than leaving it in the package especially when dealing in such toys as Transformers which contain a great deal of play value. Other benefits are less storage space is generally needed. Whether you put the action figure on a shelf or store them in bins, space is less of an issue. As far as resale value, surprisingly, the value does not depreciate a great deal as long as the item is mint and complete with all the accessories it came with. Some collectors would much rather buy an already opened toy than to have to open a vintage one itself just to ensure a mint item. Some people might find opening a vintage action figure sacrilegious. However, I’ve no problem with it and have done it several times. Some people would want to kick me in the head if they knew some of the vintage action figures I’ve opened just to get a mint complete toy.
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No matter what your preference is when it comes to collecting action figures, the most important thing is to enjoy it. What is the point of having a hobby if you don’t enjoy it? Even if your main purpose is for a potential monetary return, you can still admire the items you purchase for resale. If you don’t, you are most likely better off playing the stock market or something perhaps more stable.
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