Is Collecting Only Reserved for the Elite?

In this enlightening video, we delve into the world of collecting and uncover the truth behind a common misconception: Is collecting now only for the elite? Join us as we demystify this notion, opening up the world of collecting to all enthusiasts, regardless of their social status or financial means.
Collecting has long been associated with the wealthy and privileged, giving rise to the belief that it is exclusively reserved for the elite. However, we aim to challenge this perception and showcase how collecting can be enjoyed by individuals from all walks of life.
Our exploration begins by shedding light on the various types of collecting, ranging from classic art and vintage cars to stamps and rare coins. We reveal the sheer diversity of collecting niches available, proving that there truly is something for everyone.
We then debunk the myth that collecting comes with an exorbitant price tag. While some collectibles may indeed command high values, it is important to realize that collecting can be an accessible hobby for individuals with different budgets. We discuss strategies for finding affordable pieces and share expert tips on building an impressive collection without breaking the bank.
Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of passion and knowledge in collecting. Regardless of your financial status, a genuine interest in the chosen field can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling collecting experience. We encourage all aspiring collectors to explore their interests, learn about their chosen niche, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and embrace the joy of acquiring and preserving collectibles.
Join us on this eye-opening journey that dismantles the notion that collecting is only for the elite. Discover how this enriching hobby can be enjoyed by individuals from all walks of life, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the collecting community.
So, if you've ever wondered whether collecting is within your reach, or if you're eager to debunk the stereotype that it is exclusively reserved for the elite, this video is a must-watch. Experience the enchanting world of collecting and be inspired to embark on your own collecting journey, regardless of your background or means.
Support The Channel By Ordering Your Statues HERE: linktr.ee/batmanstatuecollector
E-Win Racing Gaming Chair
Use code BATMAN at checkout for 20% off here: bitly.ws/Jw2V
If you would like to tip the channel to help with tech and data costs, or just to show love for the content you can click HERE: streamelements.com/se-5897313...
Welcome to the Batman Statue Collector channel, a haven for collectors of high-end statues and exclusive collectibles. Join us as we delve into the world of statue collecting, showcasing the finest pieces from Sideshow Collectibles, Prime 1 Studio, Tweeterhead, and beyond. From live streams featuring rare finds to in-depth reviews, our channel is dedicated to bringing you the ultimate statue-collecting experience. Become a part of our passionate community by hitting that subscribe button today!
Join the BSC Membership KZbin Group for EXCLUSIVE Perks: / @batmanstatuecollector
BSC SHIRTS: / @batmanstatuecollector
PATREON: / batmanstatuecollector
PAYPAL: www.paypal.me/bsccollecting
Amazon Affiliate Links For Equipment I Use:
Shure MV7 USB Microphone: amzn.to/3Qs2ept
Rode PSA1: amzn.to/3vQPz7H
Join Us On Facebook! / 804794606363063
Join Us On Instagram: / batmanstatuecollector
Business Email: [e-mail]
Mailing Address: 545 E North Street, Salina KS 67401
FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make a commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel! :)
Special Thanks To Our Producers:
Brad Ladner, Justin Racklin, DarkRanger7, Boxed Supe, Matthew Martin, John Perkins, LegenD_sc, Captain Trenchcoat, Tyler Talley, Bryan Diehl, David P. Murphy, Robert, Steven Warren!
Please Like, Comment, And SUBSCRIBE!
#collecting #artcollecting #collectibles #collectors #art #antiques #vintage #rare #luxury #auction #investment #elitism #wealth #collectibleitems #passion #hobby #exclusivity #enthusiast #curation #fineart

[@TheOneSoulMate_]

I think for the most the answer is simply yes.

[@scenesofalife]

As someone with a below average income, it would never occur to me to collect figures like this at all. I am so happy and proud at the same time to own Aloy from Prime 1. I had to work for half a year to get it. That's why I was amazed at how others can have 30 to 40 figures at home. Will always be an impossibility for me. So already now ...

[@particleflow]

It feels like everything is only for the elite these days, not just collecting :(

[@rulyaryawan4741]

I live in jakarta, Indonesia and i have to pay high shipping and tax for products imported from US, Japan and Singapore . Obviously the shipping rate from Japan and singapore are slightly lower compared from US. But I do think why Asia manufacturers are able to put higher prices is because they do target people with high incomes and in Asia, the buyers are mostly people who buy these statues like wine or super cars. They demand high quality and low ES, so not many people can have what they have. However, I also think that this type of buyers are not people who collect because they have the passion on this hobby. They will disappear when they are bored with buying statues

[@supermankelly]

I stopped even looking at Prime 1 and XM two years ago. Tweeterhead 1/5 and 1/6 scale and some Sideshow PF are barely within value. I say that, but I'm paying 1/4 price for 1/6. That's as far as im willing to flex my wallet. Its shipping which is th tipping point. I used to accept $150 shipping was a cost id never see again. When im quoted $500 for shipping. Hell no.

[@Enty94]

Instead of 5+ pieces a year most will have to reduce it to 1-3 pieces at these prices. Sideshow, tweeterhead, pcs have always been the best bang for your buck. Even for me in the UK. Shipping recently has changed that a bit. But xm, prime 1, queen, infinity etc have always been the top top company's that are for the more affluent collectors. Inflation has just amplified this fact.

[@supermankelly]

Just because I had a $4K budget for 4 statues a year doesn't mean I would spend $2K on 2 statues. They aren't worth that and the aftermarket backed this. Which is one reason why many ES are dropping. Most don't want a statue which doesn't hold its value. 150ES more likely would than a 1500ES.

[@Enty94]

@@supermankelly only alternative to not paying the prices is to not collect anymore. Personally I don't buy to flip. If the time comes and I need to sell then I sell and the price is what it is.

[@supermankelly]

@@Enty94 I don't think many buy to flip. Easier ways to make money. But no one is dying of old age with statues I guarantee it.

[@mitchelllawrence2798]

An important topic that needs speaking on. It's definitely getting to that point and heading in that direction. Myself being from the UK, shipping and import fees is astronomical... Which is why I'm being super selected and wise picking certain particular pieces. I've almost completed my main core of statues, after which I'll be stopping, only acquiring new pieces if it's something I'm an admirer of and truly want.

[@JWEntertainment77]

Like you said before, it's all about being disciplined. I'm very happy with my collection, and I could see myself adding maybe a few more pieces. Great chat, Dear Sir. I hope all is well!

[@derekfletcher224]

My first statue I bought was Thor premium format. The one from the first Thor movie. That was over 10 years ago. I paid $350. Now 1/4 scale are almost $1,000. I even bought some 1/3 scale. I can't afford them anymore. I moved back to collecting 1/6 scale and 1/10 scale.

[@Enty94]

Very valid video Chris. I think it's moving towards the extreme collector.

[@ausgamecollector]

During covid, Sideshow were selling 1/4 scale PCS statues for 220 USD with FREE GLOBAL SHIPPING…Statue websites are only in the market for selling 10-20+ pieces at a time, now, most of these websites have such poor CS, they don’t even respond. The golden age of collecting has long been over for the middle class man. Collecting in general is moving towards 6 figure plus earners only. EDIT: I will say this. Years ago when companies started to include disclaimers about ‘clean breaks’ and stating nothing would be warranted if broken, I began losing interest. However, for pieces under $1000, I can kind of understand their pov. If they’re still doing this with $5k up to $40k units, there’s no way a collector in their right mind should be donating that much coin to a studio..It’s absolute rubbish and I can almost bet they’re using all of the same disclaimers.

[@Leny1777]

Very well said, and most doctors and business owners who are 6 digits has best statues and toys.

[@CelticChief1979]

For the Prime 1 1/3 scale, yes.

[@cherryfireice8216]

Yes. To me WETA is a classic example. Around 2012-14 you could get beautiful pieces in 1/6 for 200-300$. Then prices jumped to 400, 600, 800$. Now they put out limited runs of elaborate pieces at 2,000, 3,000$. Even small pieces doubled in cost. Now there's this hyper real movement with busts or huge pieces from Prime One and so on. I've only gotten one piece close to 1,000$ (WETA) and past 600, 700$ (like for IS' Mandalorian) I'm done when it approaches 1,000$. I'll be grateful for what I have but I'm not in the economic class to afford 1,000$ plus collectibles. So that's that.

[@RobinVC1995]

I feel gutted about this. This hobby was one of the few things that actually made me happy and excited and now I am forced to give it up. I used to buy about 2-3 a year and now zero. You COULD SAY, just buy 1 then. But I could never bring myself to pay that much for 1 statue now. Like that p1 penguin. I want him.. but I used to pay like 900€ for a statue of the arkham line. And now penguin is almost half that size and he costs €2250 in europe for the EX. So it's over. Back to reading and gaming only.

[@bachirmessaouri4772]

I collect other stuff. And I came to the realization that one shouldn't start a collection of items they can afford but only if they are moderately careful. Because of the inflation baked in economy, sooner rather than later, the hobby becomes suddenly and brutally out of reach. I"m not lecturing you of course, I'm in the same boat. It's just that those considerations didn't occur to me back then and it really sucks when you are forced to a nasty reality check.

[@RobinVC1995]

@@bachirmessaouri4772 true. I am a saver also and I just can't justify spendinc that kind of money on a statue anymore.

[@jefjefg]

Hi Chris you already know I've cut back on buying the larger scale statues to where I buy 1 large piece a year now. All of my other purchases are a few 1/6 scale figures. But I mainly buy 1/12 scale figures (Mcfarlane Toys) along with prints and 1989 Batman memorabilia. So I'm still in the game but I've had to cut back a lot due to the price increases on the statues as well as the S&H. I dont think Ill ever really quit collecting I just adapt and change to what I can afford. Thanks for the video and have a super day! 😎👍

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

My pleasure my friend

[@jap9539]

I wish smaller scale statue such as Kotobukiya, Diamond select, Dc Collectibles get more highlights from statue reviewers. They're artistic wise great and priced good as well.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

I buy anime PVC scales now, Kotobukiya is one of the companies that make them.

[@jap9539]

@@InfamyOrDeath-__- check Gecco figures as well. They’re amazing!

[@focusfireoneeightseven846]

With a limited budget and space constraints I was happy when it appeared companies were going to focus on 1/4 scale. The issue is they made 1/4 scale pieces larger to keep the 1/3 price point. The lack of variety in characters or product lines has also limited my interest. PCS seems to be providing some of the best variety for the money and even though Sideshow made David from the Lost Boys a 1/6 figure instead of a statue, it was refreshing to see them expand their arsenal.

[@rubenlmartinez3537]

It has gotten insanely ridiculous Chris. I have a few 1/4 pieces and I wanted to start getting into the stat game even more and the prices for everything are just too insane. I am even going back to collecting hot toys and mezcos etc rather than dealing with the insane prices. Atleast those are enjoyable as well u know.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Oh wow, they made David? I absolutely love that movie.

[@Mr49r1681]

Hey Chris, I’m still here in sunny CA. I’m not rich nor elite and I still collect while disciplined. Sideshow, Tweeterhead will always be some of my goto companies for anything good in stock less than $1K. XM, Prime 1, Queen, Infinity and others overseas, are tough on customers’ expected price ranges lieu of shipping prices, I’d get 1 or 2 over $1K items. F4F is avoided by collectors. I still go to cons up and down Cal for cool things to collect. Strange why Tweeterhead or Sideshow hasn’t appeared in SVCC (Silicon Valley) or SF FanExpo than no show at SDCC. It was kind of strange seeing Queen Studios at Wonder-Con. None of these companies are interested in appearing in my NorCal Bay Area without explaining why. But do at NYCC or overseas. Thanks for sharing this topic. Keep rooting for the underdogs.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Thanks so much for commenting!

[@Cameron-wk6xb]

I’ve gone from 4-6 quarter scale statues per year to 1 life size bust and maybe a sideshow 1/4. I miss the more frequent changes to the collection but pricing and lack of new characters or concepts have me going bigger but fewer.

[@despitewisdom]

I just ordered my first Sideshow piece (Catwoman) & it is cheaper to get into if you get in early by leaving a deposit then doing a payment plan but buying a Prime 1 flat out is still out of my budget.

[@zalmanlivshiz]

It is much more expensive in Australia then in America especially since the Australian dollar is very weak now and the secondhand market is nearly completely dead no one can afford it anymore.

[@Simpanzee69]

I think it’s important that these companies recognize this before it’s too late. Even if prices aren’t brought back down they could at least minimize the burn with a larger payment plan. Instead of 8 payments sideshow could offer 12 for example

[@PedroLopez-cy1kl]

I see the situation like car shows. Its nice to see Lamborghini's or Ferrari's, i know i cant afford them, but some people can because I see them driven on the streets. Thankfully payment plans are usually offered for the expensive items I want, otherwise I would not own most of the statues I have now.

[@chrislogan4280]

Those who can afford it basically

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Yep it just is so frustrating at times, I hate to see people priced out

[@uncardedreviews9721]

​@BatmanStatueCollector but how are people being "priced out?" 🤔 I really don't understand this concept. I'll use automobiles as an example: I don't see anyone complaining that Lamborghini and Ferrari prices have skyrocketed. If you complained to the average person on the street that you couldn't afford the latest Porsche 911, you'd get very little sympathy and probably a great deal of scorn and derision. I just can't fathom how high end statue collectors can cry and complain about price with a straight face and anyone take them seriously 😂

[@RX-79Ez-8]

@@uncardedreviews9721 Respectfully, I don't think the automobile analogy applies here. Those exotic cars already priced out most consumers since their inception from the msrp on the vehicle itself, to maintenance and insurance costs. I cannot pinpoint the cause of what's causing this trend in all honesty. Is it the collectors witnessing these statue companies side lining their existing clientele for bigger fish with deeper pockets? Or is it the consumers that did not exercise discipline and close their wallets when the price to scale ratio became egregious. I'm leaning toward a mix of these two thoughts. These statue companies do their research and get attractive IPs licensed out with limited ES, so it pushes people to want to have these recent editions in their collection. We live in a high stress society whether you want to believe it or not and people spend to play with that tension as some form of adrenaline rush mixed with the fantasy of the figure itself.

[@uncardedreviews9721]

@Ez8ify it seems like a case of statue collectors having things too good for too long, and now they are facing a reality check and throwing a temper tantrum. Collectors regularly demand that these pieces of art meet "their" standards, not those of the companies and artists producing them. Look at how often collectors demand 100% fidelity to an actor's likeness, while simultaneously crying about how much the statue costs. If you want quality you need to pay for it. It's past time for collectors to dial back their demands and reel in their expectations, if they don't want the artists and statue companies to equally expect to charge more in order to match the customer's demands. You can't have it both ways. And for those who don't like the price, Mcfarlane toys, Iron studios and Diamond Select offer many options for your collecting pleasure...respectfully 😉

[@captainaction8100]

I’m only buying certain pieces and I make hard choices. I also pick up custom anime pieces that can be more affordable. 1/3 one piece for 3-400 bucks ain’t bad. Just got one in I’m looking forward to opening up. I picked up the 1/1 Luffy bust from Tsume for 2 racks but that comes out in ‘25 and sold out day one. Choices choices, but I’m more selective with my money.

[@ThuyNguyen-ek4pz]

From what I'm seeing I feel like in a few years price will go up so much that it will become a hobby for the rich like Mr X JND selling 1/3 piece close to 3 grand and all the life size stuff between 4 grand to 5 or more, even prime1 getting more expensive, I want to enjoy this hobby but as someone that doesn't make much I don't think I can keep up.

[@josephr6447]

What's funny is that prices keep going up while resale values are in the toilet. I think used cars now retain their value better than statues lol

[@paulwalker5005]

Bought my 1st sideshow Batman Grim piece and thought oh my on the shipping cost to the UK. Then took a massive hit on import costs. Nearly doubled the cost of the statue. Such a shame as I'd love to collect more but it's just too expensive

[@edoardonucera2806]

I'm in italy, I collect transformers pieces and it's always more worse, because I have to pay taxes which on a 3000$/euros are around a 1000. So I think this is happening to all of us "mid class" collectors. BTW great contents!!! ❤

[@AspenKaraZor-El]

To be honest I find the 40k for the whole set a scandal. The bust is priced really well regarding the current climate. The 10 k for the life size is indeed less then I expected. But the 40k..... I don't think that only the elite are the only target audience but I do think that many collectors are being priced out at the moment. The time that people could buy multiple statues per year are really going down. I see it online also, most people only buy a few statues per year. I'm at only 4 in 2023. 2 Weta, 1 Sideshow and 1 Prime 1. I do think that there are still people who want to spend more then 2k for 1/3 statues. But those people only want to do that once or twice a year I think. We all complain about the prices of the statues, but in the end we keep paying it. That is also one of the problems. The companies sell less then before, but people still buy. In the end I do think that over the years many people left the hobby, but there are still people who will give money to these things. My family really like my statues and my collection, but besides my girlfriend and my parents, no one in my family knows how much these statues cost. Because I know for sure that they won't understand that I spend 2k on statues. But for me this is my hobby. I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't go out to party. There are many people who go out every weekend and spend this kind of money on drinks. We spend this kind of money on statues. And that is also the way that I can buy these. I have a steady income. And every month I safe money on the bank and every month I keep something aside for this. And about complaining I do think that the Prime 1 Keaton Batman is a priced a little bit too much. I waited on production pictures, I saw the pictures of the statue in the show and yes I'm going to order him. I think he is overpriced, but I will buy him. That is also one of the problems in the hobby 😊🤭.

[@jamesdrake3651]

I started buying GK at the start and only started messing with stuff like Prime 1 later, so I can always go back to buying sub 1k GK statues. I can always go back to premium action figures if that gets ridiculous.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@kirillmaslov8320]

I live in Japan, so I can buy Prime1 Studio statues much cheaper than it's been selling in US or EU. But Prime1 decided to focus on 1/3 rather 1/4, so price goes up. Buying Sideshows and Tweeterheads started to feel painful for me, because of terrible shipping costs to Japan in covid time, and now japanese yen extremely fell off, but my money income didn't change, so everything out of Japan is close to impossible for me right now. May be I should just ride out this storm, idk, I still got passion for collecting.

[@obiwan7701]

Companies have seen a drop off of buyers and costs have gone up for these companies to produce quality statues that they hope we buy and because of this they make less because they dont want to chance having so many left over that nobody wants to purchase but for me I have become very choosey on what i buy based on price and quality , companies have brought in payment plans to ease the price shock so thats helpful for those more pricier statues if your so inclined to purchase a higher end statue but its all about priorities pay your bills buy your food and essentials first and your hobby second , Takecare

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Really appreciate your thoughts

[@mikestainbrook6311]

Morning Chris I've come to rhe conclusion rhat I'll prolly never own any of these amazing statues I've only just started but the prices are growing faster than my collection for sure puts me out and I'm kinda sad I see so many that I want.Guess ill have to settle for the less expensive ones.

[@bchan6539]

maybe ppl are not interested in anything that is high ES bc ppl would wait to purchase knowing that the ES is high or see if eventually they can obtain at 2ndary market? Low ES items even if it is not that good probably will stimulate purchase due to its low ES. This low ES move may be a new strategy and it allows them to even over charge and still feel safe that all will sell out.

[@optimus6614]

Yes Chris I believe it is!!! Quarter scales are now over a grand and I think people are showing it with their wallets!!! I’m slowing down with buying!!! Just getting to overwhelmed!!! All the best Chris!!! Congrats on the bat bunker!!!! 👊🏻🤘🏻

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Thank you so much

[@Leny1777]

​@@BatmanStatueCollectorI want Storm Collectibles 1/6 Scorpion but its 250!! But it is a toy and not a statue.... 😢

[@Dyon_Cole_QuietStorm]

I definitely don’t agree with inflating the ESs again. I feel like thats where we just came from. You rev up the hobby by keeping so-called limited edition items, limited. I do think the finer brands like xm, queen, even P1 to a certain extent, are for “the elite”but there are so many more companies of the opposite spectrum that are more accessible to a wider group with low prices.

[@NorthernLadMSP]

I find it interesting that in this video you state low ES doesn't and shouldn't really matter, but in your unboxing and Ivy review videos, you mentioned her ultra low ES of only 250 many times, as if that was a selling point.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

It really depends on the individual. For me personally it doesn't really matter much, but for some it matters a great deal for resale profit.

[@leomanteca4685]

Great car side chat Chris. Great topic. Important topic. The simple answer is YES. What more evidence do we need than current price points, edition sizes and shipping costs. At least 1:3 scale and above. Including dioramas and busts. 1:4 scale is nearing it. Luckily, there's still 1:5, 1:6, 1:10 and hot toys for the rest of us. I wonder if statue companies realize just how many customers they are losing. Maybe they just don't care.

[@josuesagastume2421]

The answer would be yes and no. For people like me, having my statues cost me around $50k but some collectors who make videos on social networks or have a discount from the manufactures is something different.

[@LUISSCS813]

There are more ways to collect than one. Definitely recommend only buy what you can afford. Right now I am really into Comic Books at $5 per 😂. I’m kidding but hopefully people are being smart with their money out there.

[@josuesagastume2421]

some advice if it helps. Never buy statues directly from the manufactory because shipping is very expensive. Look for something to buy that includes taxes and the shipping is reasonable

[@bachirmessaouri4772]

I'm from Europe. I don't know how people handle money where you are from. I know it's different. Here we are taxed automatically from the source and only get the remaining net amount in hand. Which is about half of it. And afterwards, we have to pay/receive the difference when the calculations are made by the end of the year. Needless to say that most of the time, you pay a substantial extra. Not complaining, we get benefits ("free" health care, "free" education, etc..) and a sense of social security. Anyway, whatever one's political opinion on this, it just is what it is. At the end of the day, an average person getting the national mean salary has about 600 euros remaining each month after everything is paid for (vacations and entertainment not included). That's not a lot. This is mainly due to people renting rather than owning their home because owning requires substantial funds that the average guy doesn't have. And this is where the middle class is at, right here, right now. Being married allows for more savings but then there are inherent costs that are added to the bill (children, etc..). It's basically a draw in terms of affordability. So, yes, any piece that is more than 999 euros, shipping included is a luxury most can't afford. Maybe a College professor, certainly not a high school teacher. Above this price point, it's a luxury only elite can have access to in a consistent manner. And now, the average piece that is really worth the attention for a collector is around 1500 euros. Premium 1:4 stuff will cost you between 2000 and 2500 and most of the time, the insane shipping costs are not included. They were negligible once, now they are not. The average guy can afford a fair amount of small merch stuff (less than 250 euros a piece) if they are nerds , half a dozen 1:6 stuff if they are enthusiasts or a couple of high end stuff (1:4 sculpts) for basic decoration purposes only. That remains doable (not easily though). But starting a real collection of numbered items is not sustainable. In terms of costs AND in terms of real estate. Add the inflation and the energy costs to the bill nowadays and there you have it. Costs are skyrocketing while salaries aren't. The target niche is shifting and the hobby is now out of reach. To be honest with you, none of the "batcaves" I've seen so far here or elsewhere look anything like leisure rooms of the average joe's I know. It's just not realistic. I'm about to pull the trigger for two items that will cost me around 4000 euros. This is a one time madness that will require big sacrifices on my end. I have to spare money, exclusively for this, for 6 months. It's objectively not reasonable. And I'm as middle class as one can be, according to my country standards. I think we way passed the "it's all about being disciplined" point, for many. And those who can see themselves starting a premium collection if and only if they are disciplined (2 or 3 numbered pieces a year) are already blessed with a relatively comfortable income that is way beyond my national average. And at an international scale, my country is considered as a reasonably wealthy one...

[@SABadger]

I'm willing to spend the money at the right price and now it's too much. Yes a piece may be awesome but if it's overpriced then I'm passing.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Thanks for your thoughts 🙏

[@acecat2k11]

Those who don't have the means to keep collecting can admire the elite pieces in other peoples collections and maybe collect Funko Pops

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

It's fun to admire other people's new items, love when the community shares their excitement!

[@lexluthor8888]

Chris, I am not a statue collector or hobbyist but I do buy an expensive statue when I see something I like. I view them as pieces of art. I am not obsessed with the ES but I also won’t buy the mass produced statues. Perhaps I am the person that these companies are targeting. I don’t know for sure since I don’t know other statue buyers. By the way, you might not use the term “elite collector”. To me being able to buy an expensive statue means we are lucky to be able to afford it but we are not elite. Thank you.

[@bachirmessaouri4772]

I believe there is nothing wrong with the word "elite". By definition, it relates to a few who possess a specific trait that is uncommon and socially valued. Money is one of those traits. If you can afford stuff most people can't , you are part of an elite. And that's really not a problem. It's ideologically, politically and morally neutral since it only describes what you are blessed with and not what you do about it.

[@joeltbasham]

I’ve been considering Hot Toys. So…

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

It’s the customs that hurt me, on a Prime1 $1,200 statue I have to pay €380 customs.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Yikes that's horrible

[@jonathanwong6801]

Economies of scale can only be stretched so far. At a certain point no matter how much you produce, the production cost won't drop any further for any significant amount. And given that this is already a shrinking niche hobby, that's not leaving much room for manufacturers. And the US has one of the highest average (not sure about median) wages in the world, but there are of course those few European countries that are higher. But my guess is that US collectors use a lower proportion of their wages than many others to get an item in hand.

[@StanleyJjo]

It's not the company's fault, it's the collector's fault. Only a small number of rich collectors are buying stuff. The average collectors need to STEP UP, and start buying fair-priced statues.

[@ausgamecollector]

There is no ‘fault’, the fact is companies can’t cater to the average person, therefore they feel they have no choice but to target the higher end buyers.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Pretty much

[@MsBLACKSCREEN]

Yes, I agree with, theonesoulmate, it's my belief by 2026, collectors and companies will drop out of the Game ! Example if a company is Only selling one thousand of a product a year,the Only way still in " The Black " , is to increase the price of said item !! It's Business !!

[@TruSavage62]

I haven't bought a statue in a couple years now It's just too expensive for me to justify any purchase on my current budget

[@IrcnStark]

I think they're absolutely catering to the elite. The elite have a more inelastic demand for pieces that cost $3k plus than the average collector. I think what's really hurting the hobby is the aftermarket sales. I have so many pieces I'd love to sell to fund one of those big purchases, but I'm not going to sell it for 1/3 of what I bought it for. If these pieces went back to breakeven/appreciating in value like true art it would be a different story. There's no point spending this much money on something that doesn't have function (like a car) and isn't going to make back what it's worth. I'm not even someone who views collecting statues as an investment. It isn't. It's a hobby. But for the average person, $2k could be used on a home improvement project with a near guaranteed return on investment that we aren't seeing at all in the statue market these days. I have to guess statue companies are narrowing their target markets to the elite to stay afloat.

[@shaunschuller3282]

Chris I think maybe you are understating your class or maybe middle class is the new elite. To say "I'm in education" can mean many things as far a compensation goes. I know some educators who are paid at the poverty line but doubt somehow you are in that category. I obviously don't know your family income, portfolio or what KZbin pays you BUT anyone buying the amount of statues, specialized ART, Con Trips, VIP Disney vacations with thousands per hour private tours (cool vid on that BTW) and home gallery upgrades is doing more than alright by themselves. This is not a criticism of anything those things because what you are able to do for yourself and your family is great and I say more power to you for what you have accomplished and prioritized doing with you disposable income. But to give yourself less than an Elite label might be a misnomer as I'm sure many middle classers aren't capable of spending the multiple thousands monthly on their hobbies. Sure there are people with financial means beyond ours who are 1% Elite that might not care about blowing $50k they have in a change drawer on a full size armory or 15ft life size Hulkbuster but you and many other collecting KZbinrs are probably best classified as Elite. Congrats to that but maybe call it what it is.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

You might be right. It's really hard to say. My wife and I are both professionals, and we do sell to keep our family very comfortable, although it's getting harder each year. We are very blessed, and if push comes to shove, the extras in our lives would be the first to go.

[@daf5162]

QS lifesize Batman those few that can afford to buy it good for them too rich for my blood, but hats off. I will stick with high, but reasonable statues until I run out of space or the luster of the hobby goes cold.

[@Leny1777]

Yes because its getting too expensive.

[@extremegamercollector425]

Simply yes

[@witchblade100377]

This hobby is definitely out of reach for the average collector. Most of the people that helped pushed this hobby to where it was a couple years ago have all left and the prices are just out of reach now on most things. Really don't know how much longer the companies on the cheaper side of selling can stay around. I don't know if it's a sign of things to come, but Sideshow is thinking of doing Kickstarter funded projects. The hobby can't survive much longer if all the prices continues to approach $1000 or more.

[@mariuszzygowski8844]

yes it is ...............

[@badprotocol1105]

I don't think the hobby has reached that point. I think general economic instability and the rising prices of everything forces consumers to divert more money to necessities.

[@oldmangrayson]

Don’t you mean ‘is collecting only for the idiots willing to pay the stupid prices for a piece of painted stone’

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Yep pretty much lol

[@Kaitschi]

Let's see, if enough People are really buying those expensive Pieces, so the Companies making Profit... I don't see it

[@jorgrtrujillo]

👍

[@sade281]

Yoooooo I jus don’t hav the space no more 🤡 and 42k it’s not that serious it’s statues I hav over 40 pieces so for me I am done I don’t sell for new ones so I am good 😮

[@Yosemite25]

Mr X does not collect anymore. Really he doesn’t. He is changing his channel to trips he goes on and mainly how much it costs him. Not nearly entertaining as he use to be. Now I’m down to Chris , who is the best and a handful of others… Art Statue Collector, the French guy, Flankster.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Thanks for sticking with us!

[@BC-ni3sk]

As this keeps coming up, yes it is. Collecting is far too expensive and got there about 5 years ago. Over the top and unreasonable now.

[@Sinjade]

Issue is western comics is dying off. Characters have been done 300 times over and in general is old now. Whereas manga/anime is the complete opposite. Plethora of new characters, new and better stories, and more that are now getting the interest across all ages, well minus those over 50 maybe. Todays DC and Marvel pale in comparison with what was done in the past. I feel companies know this and while there is interest still by some they will make it premium only for those collectors that can, they don’t concern themselves with current generation since they are more interested in Eastern pop culture now instead of the old dying west. It’s just how things are currently.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

You are spot on

[@darkknightskiy]

I feel like it was always an expensive hobby and with inflation and insane shipping prices it went to the extreme, I think better payment plans helps and I think the future might be in custom not official products that are way cheaper.

[@MattMatt77]

Well.... I feel yes. For many reasons. But the statue hobby is in a bad place. He ll nobody's even talking about how every single statue company skipped over NYCC and Sideshow sold there booth to Hasbro. The market now is Smaller but the prices are 3x the original prices we paid.

[@erics5198]

Bad business plan from my end these companies can’t make on a 150 es at 3500 for a statue it’s ridiculous, let them eat cake attitude towards collectors that got these companies successful,sad 😢

[@terrellc8658]

Hmmm 🤔 I think so

[@uncardedreviews9721]

Hi Chris, I understand that you're putting out a thought provoking topic in order to stimulate conversation (which is great) but let's be real here. "Collecting" takes many forms and to be honest there is product to "collect" at just about every price point. Regarding [high end] statue collecting specifically, I think that these pieces have always, always been greatly underpriced for what we as collectors receive in value. This is art, and these are non-essential luxury items in the most literal sense and meaning. I've always been surprised that any decently made, limited edition, fully licensed, 1/3 scale or larger piece could be readily purchased for an MSRP under $5k. I'm not playing devil's advocate here; These statues almost always appreciate in value in the secondary/resale market. So why should the artists and manufacturers of these pieces not capture more of that value/profit up front? If you can't casually spend $3k -$5k on a collectible piece of art, then statue collecting at this level may not be the right hobby for you. I welcome anyone's feedback, but tbh the constant complaining from the "high end" statue community about price is a bit of a head scratcher to me 🤷‍♂️

[@ausgamecollector]

If the pieces are costing an average of $5k upfront, the process of appreciating value is completely taken out of the equation, potentially rendering these ‘rare collectible artefacts’ without that same value or value retention they would have once had. Appreciating value only applies & is only relative to the original seller’s price point. Realistically, nobody is on-selling or purchasing pre-owned(albeit rare) statues for $6-$7k+ when the market is oversaturated with expensive ‘new’ statues already.

[@uncardedreviews9721]

@ausgamecollector not true at all. Even if a piece started at $5k retail, it could (and probably will) appreciate in value relative to the initial purchase price. Not sure what statues you're overpaying for but perhaps you should look for quality pieces, with low ES, that are popular and in demand. Just a thought...

[@ausgamecollector]

The market for reselling will be affected by initial hyper-inflation, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. Even as a high-end purchaser/ collector, you’re better off with a lower initial price point when reselling as it broadens your market. It appears you’re making assumptions based on my personal purchasing habits & collection, to which you have no oversight, my friend. I don’t collect super high-end and I don’t overpay for pieces in my collection. I only buy statues from websites who offer free shipping and no taxes. The highest ES I will accept for the units I purchase is around 300… Stay thrifty

[@uncardedreviews9721]

@ausgamecollector Actually I based my reply directly on your comment and so no "assumptions" were made, hence the reason I said "I'm not sure which" and additionally you're making the assumption that we are "friends"...I don't know you from Eve, and I don't know/care what your buying habits or your budget is. My statement still stands. You're making the assumption that everyone thinks that these statues are expensive. Concentrate on what's in your own wallet, because apparently there may be some sort of deficit ...

[@ausgamecollector]

@@uncardedreviews9721 Assumptions based on inferences are still assumptions, bud. Stay thrifty

[@dickfacealvaro]

Chris, I'm gonna miss your videos as I'll be on a two week cruise. Sincerely, Tom Cruise.

[@BatmanStatueCollector]

Have a great time