Introduction:
My name is Kevin and I have been collecting sofubi for about two years. Like many here, I started off on the KR boards and have found this place to be a breath of fresh air. Whenever someone there mentioned the “SB” forums, I always thought they were referring to some Nike SB forum and never looked into it. Eventually, I figured it out after I became really interested in t9g’s Rangeas and L’amour Supreme’s Mongolion. I think PK’s Boss Carrion got me to stay here as a long-term board member
I wanted to make a post about some things I’ve learned or realized over the two years collecting and posting here. I know I’m still relatively new, and I’ve whined and moaned and made stupid decisions, but I’m trying to be a smarter and “true” collector. Face it, everyone has paid way too much for a piece of plastic before, but some people learn from the experience and become wiser over time. Feel free to correct my errors and add your thoughts and experiences. Shoot me a pm if you’d rather keep things private; it’s always fun to see that red box at the top
My thoughts...
1. Stop complaining about the ways toys are sold!
There will never be a “perfect” way to sell toys - there will always be someone who gets left out. Brick and mortar stores, webstores, conventions, lotteries, lists, etc. - all of these have benefits and problems. If you haven’t produced a toy before, you haven’t been in toy makers’ shoes and you don’t know their thought process or what they have to deal with. Not everyone can make made-to-order runs; just look at how exhausted Rich got from the InvisaOllie release!
Sure, the Anraku “list” is disappointing to know about when you’re not included, but new people like me don’t really have a right to complain when people who have been collecting for decades aren’t even on the “list.” If the toy maker is alive and well and still making toys, you always have another shot. Anraku, HxS, and other highly sought after toys pop up in the sale forum more often than you think!
2. We are collecting in great times!
We’re lucky to have the internet to find whatever we want and international shipping in lotteries and other sales. Collectors just ten or twenty years ago had it much harder. American toy makers are making a huge leap forward, and there are collaborations everywhere, all the time. You can find cheap toys all the time in the sale forums and other places. Support some of the smaller artists out there, and help the toy scene grow even more
3. Toys aren’t investments
Don’t expect to get what you paid back when you try to sell a toy. Selling toys shouldn’t be your emergency fund or your full-time job (unless you run an actual store). I recently read Brian Flynn’s interview in the Mook, where he talked about how he bought kaiju when no one wanted it, and then suddenly the kaiju scene took off and it’s become impossible to buy some toys now. Toy prices fluctuate pretty wildly - invest in something else if you want to make money.
4. Not everyone can sculpt and paint…
A lot of people see the sold out runs and pricey customs and think, Hmm…I could do that and make boatloads of money! Well, chances are you can’t (at least not yet). First of all, you should by sculpting and painting more for the fun of it when you are beginning. If you decide to show off your work, be ready to listen to criticism. Be patient and work hard – try to improve! Take some art lessons if you can. Be respectful of existing toy makers – don’t just copy them!
If you decide you want to start selling your work, don’t expect to make a profit from your first custom or sculpt. Also, don’t charge Gargamel prices for your first custom. You’re lucky if you break even in the first year, just like any business venture. Be prepared to start small and grow over time.
5. Stop buying into the hype!!!
Buy something because YOU want it, not because you know twenty other people do.
This is a bad analogy because toys aren’t investments, but think of the stock market. Good brokers don’t buy when the stocks are at their highest price; they buy when others undervalue the stock. If you can score some MVH from Rich’s release at retail, good for you! But don’t miss out and then rush to buy at an overinflated price from someone else. Wait a bit, and you will almost always be able to find it again for a decent price. Don’t let the flippers win!
Note: There is a difference between flippers and people who are just selling on ebay. You can usually tell if they try to hide their identity.
6. Miracles happen – always have money ready!
I didn’t think I’d ever own an HP Rangeas or the PK Bemon I recently got, but it happened - give it time, and anything can happen. Don’t be the guy who sees one of his grails pop up for sale, and then feels disappointed because the seller put “no holds.” You also don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling off a bunch of toys to afford something. Have money ready for the unexpected surprises
7. Learn some toy history; branch out to new things
Browse old threads and toy blogs and books to learn as much as you can about the toys we collect. You may stumble across a beautiful toy you may have never learned about otherwise.
Everyone collects differently and sets different “rules” for themselves. For example, some people decide on one shelf/detolf, never buying customs, only buying one toy per sculpt, etc. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone of only buying neo kaiju or vintage). Explore the toy world – rules were made to be broken! Some of the best collectibles can be found by accident at a flea market
8. Toy collecting shouldn’t be painful
Don’t let toys ruin your life and/or run all of your emotions. It’s normal for people to get excited about a release and then get bummed about losing a lottery, but it’s REALLY not the end of the world! Be patient, and you will eventually find what you want. Also, be happy with what you have!
Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Buy in moderation or according to your budget. I’ve seen lots of people on KR just buy everything in sight (3A preorders anyone?), only to have to sell most of it the next week/month when the bills come.
9. Most importantly, have fun!
Get to know the community! Try to make it to a toy convention whenever you can, or stop by a toy store. Set up local meet-ups - it’s a lot more fun to nerd out about toys with others, especially in public places
Try not to leave everything bagged up; take your toys outside or to the bar with you. You aren’t going to live forever; sell/trade some toys once in a while and make someone’s day.If you made it all the way here, thanks for reading! I feel a bit like Jerry Maguire right now - hopefully I don’t get banned!
