What Do You Do For A Living/How Do you Afford All This?

[@MoneyHungryPig]

Damn all the cocaine and hookers are killing my hobby, thanks Gem.

[@boosterg1015]

I literally shot the water I was drinking out of my nose when he said that!! I laughed so loud!!

[@Theomite]

I had to give up the hookers because they gave me their rates and I was like "FUCK, I can't buy those 3 Venom omnibuses AND pay for her. I said 'Bye Felicia!'...even though her name was Krystal and she knew I knew it, but you know what I mean.

[@GATEWAY2MARS]

🤣 💀 oh f***!

[@dragonballtalk8527]

Sell both

[@MarkPR58]

Going to a ballgame or the movies were options curiously missing from the examples Great vid

[@wonderwaffle93]

“You can always get it back these are material things” that right there are words to live by. So glad I’ve found your channel.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Yes! Thank you!

[@manmadeaids]

Totally I just subbed. I Dont want to watch a dude with a trust open pricey items. This man actually puts in work.

[@KirksCORNER1983]

Not really usps is so bad now they'll LOSE IT

[@kevinyoung7294]

Never buy or get into a hobby thinking it will be worth money. Collect what you like and you'll never be unhappy with it.

[@kiddisley5890]

That's good advice and bad advice. Of course every situation is different. In my situation I didnt get into collecting funkos or supreme because, even though I felt it could become valuable I didnt personally like funko or supreme. But I could have made a big amount of money like 1-3000 probably in profit just reselling them. And then put that money into the things I do like.

[@coltonomega7700]

Kidd Isley That’s true but you could have just as easily bought them, and the bottom fall out of funko. For as many times as I’ve made nice money on collectibles in my collection, early on I also made terrible investments thinking “oh this will be big” You have to have a great deal of knowledge of whatever you are collecting and still that isn’t always enough to flip profit on things you buy. My view on that is don’t buy collectibles expecting to earn mad cash. If you have no passion for what you are collecting and just want to earn money over time, invest in penny stocks and work your way into the stock market. The toy market can be weird and at times unforgiving to those who only ride hype trains and don’t have a passion for it

[@kiddisley5890]

@@coltonomega7700 even if you have really good luck In the toy market it's still a lot of effort for the fraction of the money you could make in stocks. But still everyone I tell to get into stocks tell me that its tricky and not worth it. I've been recommending stocks to friends because I heard a wealthy celebrity say stocks are the best thing you could invest money in.

[@coltonomega7700]

Kidd Isley no doubt, I play with penny stocks and have a few other higher profile stocks that I obtained after learning a little more about the market but I know a few apps that guide you through penny stocks, my friends have had success with it but I’ve never tried the apps personally. Stocks aren’t for everyone that’s for sure but it is definitely worth while and a little less work than flipping collectibles for profit and from my personal experience far more beneficial. Now I just sell my collectibles just like it was described in the video. It’s great when your stuff does raise in price but dealing with you’re lower end collectibles i.e. Marvel Legends, Funko Pops, DC universe etc are always a risk. I’ve seen figures going for $100+ go to just a few bucks with a reveal of a remake at toy fairs and cons. It happens all the time and the same thing with funko, funko vaults figures but just like the Power Rangers they re released them just “action posed” and it absolutely murders the value. And unfortunately that happens more than it doesn’t. You see that on a smaller scale with Mezco, Mafex and SHF, they hold value almost always but they are a big jump in price from the standard price of toys at targets and Walmart’s. I’ve also seen certain hot toys and statues on the much higher end scale of the collecting spectrum lose value due to a number of reasons. No one collecting is really getting rich, it is a very passionate hobby but the amount we put into it we are lucky to get half of what we really spend when reselling sadly

[@michaelbleckler9072]

Well said. I agree

[@wildevil]

"I used to be part of a band called House of Pain" Me: SAY WHAT???!!

[@anamelesshenchman1775]

Jump Around?

[@l02matet]

"Collecting Is not like buying drugs or Hookers" It should be in the entrance of every local comic shop

[@unorthdoxcleric6953]

Damm u right

[@SomeJustice19k]

It IS like buying hookers or drugs though. All three of them are vices, they can all be expensive, they can all be sold for more than Han you bought them and they're all three unneeded. The only difference is one is illegal.

[@muccisebastian9300]

Mike Justice He meant clients of hookers not pimps and coke is a one time consumable you cant resell

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

Alot of comic collectors do act like junkies to be fair tho. No, the merchandise doesnt get disposed of like drugs, but instead slowly but surely starts closing in the walls around you with all the long boxes of garbage adding up lol. Both are pretty unhealthy, financially speaking.

[@satyrssong]

Unless you're buying Magic cards, or other CCG games. Shit is cardboard crack.

[@acerodriguez85]

I love how he keeps it real, So many people here lie about how much they maken how they make their money...say that they have more than they actually do. Thanks gem for being real and being one of us😀👍

[@iliketohearmenmoaning]

The black and white camera angle makes this look like a documentary, and I love it. Gem Mint: The Real Story

[@kaybrzy3367]

lol word.

[@marinoscollectibles]

Thinking the same thing

[@MynameisEpinephrine]

You totally got my wife with the Everlast joke. She jumped off the couch screaming how it didn’t even dawn on her who you were. Then you dropped the bomb it was a joke and she fell over from the rollercoaster of emotions you put her through.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

haha

[@onjohns1]

When you said your were Everlast, I had a moment of shock before realizing you were kidding. 😂

[@ChonkySlotDonkey]

Same Haha

[@theChznasty]

Haha me too

[@hocusstrokus]

SAME

[@InsaneMusicJunkie25]

@312vandal after his music career? Everlast is still doing music. Check him out on Instagram.

[@Faceghost881977]

You had me for a sec. Had to take look at his eyes. Lol

[@SomeJustice19k]

You had me going with the whole Everlast thing. 😂😂

[@sandman-6666]

Lmfao me too

[@bbranco01]

Me too

[@11kirbyloks]

" You can't be scared to sell your shit you can always get it back. these are material things " Wise words gem Inspirational vid Love your videos, love the channel

[@morsteen]

For the most part. But sometimes you really can't get it back. Many times you can only get it back at a big loss.

[@mattysykes2121]

@@morsteen I totally agree, some things just can't be replaced!? When they're gone, they're gone for good!

[@mattysykes2121]

My problem would be getting attached to the collection's! I suppose to be a collector/trader? It's not about becoming emontionally involved and being prepared to sell for the right price!

[@morsteen]

@@mattysykes2121 it is inherently emotional though, because that's why people like collecting in the first place. It gives them some sort of positive feeling inside.

[@nunyabizwacks6711]

Yea and something ive noticed in my many years of collecting comics is that, alotta ppl wanna 'sell' their books but they dont really wanna sell their books, if you know what i mean. I always tell ppl to make sure you really wanna sell a comic and your not still attached to it because it just doesnt work that way. Also, LOTS of ppl in the comic book community think their books are worth their weight in gold. Honestly, every comic book collector should at least sell a couple of books even if they dont want to be sellers, it really helps round out your perspective and see it from more than one angle. I think it actually helps you to realize you shouldnt be attached to every book and stuff. Selling my very first comic book was the best thing that ever happened to me in my collecting and buying habits and the only thing i wish i had done different was do it way sooner. It also teaches you to spend wiser when buying comics.

[@bernieortiz2170]

Hey man as a fellow Collector who received a GED and did some college and ultimately worked my way up to running my own team at work, I gotta say thanks for putting this out there. Sometimes even though I’m management it’s embarrassing to say that I got my GED. Congrats on the success and loving the channel.

[@NickYoung5434]

Not gonna lie, after you said you were everlast I was like no way I’ve been watching you for years and didn’t realize you were everlast lol... got me good gem, now we need to get the views up so you can do this full time!

[@BKsBullets]

Nicholas Young he got me too. I've never even thought he was Everlast until he said it. 😂

[@BrothersGrim]

Lmfaooooooo!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying. I was like wtf how did I miss that!

[@MichaelDean206]

He got me for a second aswell lol

[@MrMulligan84]

Don't forget about House of Pain. Jump Around was a dope tune back in the day.

[@Wombatzu]

Legit got me too.

[@TheCelticTiger32]

I'm a collector myself, of human mass

[@solientie]

You look like a regular guy with Wolverine horns

[@corysigle-oliver5899]

That had to be intentional

[@winterkrash]

He just emphasized one cardinal sin I commit in collecting : I get too attached to my collection 🙁 Also, I think of all the effort I did to get the stuff I collect 😢

[@alexthibodeau979]

Same here. I have too much emotional attachment to my collectibles and its the reason why I pick and choose what I buy.

[@robd1329]

@@alexthibodeau979 ive sold stuff on ebay only to regret it later down the road. I spent so much time collecting Street Fighter Sota/Neca figures and its way too hard to buy them all back now

[@VintageXCollectibles]

Whow whow WHOW BUDDY!!! ENOUGH with the "sell some of your stuff" talk. My wife almost heard you! 😆

[@GemMintCollectibles]

lol

[@jcam320]

mine says that if we ever low on money she'll sale my figures to make ends meet lol

[@VintageXCollectibles]

@@jcam320 mine says the same 😕

[@DustmanNorochj]

Been watching your videos a lot lately. You are super honest and open about the backend and money side of things. Really loving it.

[@paulking5488]

This is what I like about you straight talk no bullshit . All the best kid

[@fgdj2000]

Love your upbeat and kinda "be smart and life takes care of itself" attitude. 😊

[@Pantaro2007]

This is REAL entrepreneur shit right here! keep doing your thing Gem!

[@Lazarus_29]

This video has solid advice for life in general. Great stuff!

[@douglasfunkroy2038]

Bro I swear you're the sort of guy that should flourish on youtube. I'm glad I found this channel. The content is dope but this channel is showing me that the team is legit. I hope the channels grows rapidly

[@Ragemonster64]

The everlast bit was hilarious but if he just did the intro and said “drugs....alright guys thanks for watching I’ll see you next time” I would have lmao

[@oggy350]

I fund my hobby by just saving a little each month and as long as all my bills paid n can treat my family from time to time my wife is cool when I drop a statue 😂👍🏻 Keep up the great work Gem 💎👌🏻

[@DeadassPoetsSociety_DAPS]

Always talk truth, #2 reason I watch the videos...#1 is the collections! Stay blessed brotha.

[@bens427]

I would honestly love a series on this. Kind of how to on keeping the hobby profitable, making good decisions etc. This video was amazing, the production was great and I could tell you really cared about this one. Great job 💎

[@yolondawyatt4922]

Thanks for sharing; one of the few that openly shared what you do and how you fund collecting. I enjoy your channel.

[@GATEWAY2MARS]

One thing I always look for is authenticity. It's completely overlooked & underused. Nothing more wonderful than seeing someone do something they love while also being legitimate. Love this channel.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

thanks brother!

[@chunkymilk]

inspirational.

[@spikespiegel20]

Dude, you are my new spirit animal. Love the way you think and talk, not only about comics.

[@GoodOmen365]

You're a true inspiration to comic book collectors. I myself have been collecting since I was 18 and for basically 2 years now and I've gathered plenty of high end keys like WWBN 32, TOD 10, and so much more. I aspire to be like you, the grind never stops. With a good job/career along with making your hobby your second job is the right way to grow. Thanks for this video man, it's something new collectors have to know to keep the hobby ongoing!

[@sherryr8671]

Dude,I love these segments especially you talking about Bone Thugs N Harmony and then this, really freshens up the channel

[@eliquate]

I like how the wolverine cowl frames up behind his head.

[@ShartimusPrime]

Damn good video! Definitely need to sell shit to get new shit. I’m having a hard time which Hot Toys I have to let go before getting Unicron. Thanks for posting!

[@charlesdominguez3361]

Just found your KZbin channel. Thanks for sharing your collection!! I do almost the same thing, I’m retired military and still work a full time job. One job pays for my living expenses, other pays for my collection and traveling expenses.

[@iliketohearmenmoaning]

Real ones know Gem is the all ruler of the Gempire. Hail Gem ✊

[@Dwish305]

Great vid. Authenticity and transparency are one of the most important and useful qualities one can have, especially as a content creator.

[@jydn5699]

man this is so inspirational in every way, really love what you’re doing and how genuine you are, thank you for this video man, been watching you for years, always been worth it ❤️

[@Spacejockey426]

I have enjoyed your channel for awhile now, and this is the question I have wondered ever since I stumbled on your channel. Great explanation, and it's great to see a fellow collector with a level head who enjoys the hobby in a logical way, and doesn't let it control him in an obsessive way - you control it, and enjoy it even more! Excelsior!

[@dandufault7521]

Great segment, Gem 👍. Your authenticity comes through. Hard word + Being Smart = Success. 💪👊

[@maxkernfeld7928]

You commented 2 weeks ago ? Must be the member subscription

[@thiagomarcel2]

U are not just a colector bro, you're seriously smart, i'm your fan man, keep up the good work!

[@MrSteviej893]

This video is worth the price of the membership (at any level). I've enjoyed your videos for over a year now and have picked up quite a few omnis because of your channel...but this is one of the best as it gives great insight on how to even go about starting a collection. This could be an awesome short series of videos (hint, hint) lol. Great stuff as usual.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

thanks! i like the way it came out too

[@MrSteviej893]

@@GemMintCollectibles quick question...would it be safe to say that when starting a collection, you might have to come out of pocket enough to get started, or should the entire hobby pay for itself from the jump? If so, what would be some good tips to have it fund itself from the start?

[@nozkaian]

Just watched this again, and when you originally posted this, I tried to took your advice and now that I look back, I see that it worked out. I'm getting more and more stuff every month but I'm not spending much than before. This collecting is really funding itself. Thanks man!

[@matthewlee9879]

What's up gem!. I really appreciate this video ,I like how you keep it real and honest and to me that says alot about your passion for not for this channel but also towards comics and your fans.

[@walliehernandez7069]

Thank you for being brutally honest..you have great energy and also very knowledable and you know your shit..which is so important for all viewers...your amazing keep up the bad ass work...blessings to you and yours...you rock

[@BlockBusterGraphicWorks]

Much respect my dude appreciate your openness that gives me hope on doing my own thing keep up the good work.

[@FlashByKnight]

If I've learned nothing else from watching your videos, "let the hobby fund itself" has become a permanent mindset. Thanks for the info.

[@exoticcarfactsofficialchan7050]

Big respect to you bro. Your transparency and real-talk is inspiring to new collectors like myself. Thank you for explaining the rules-to-the-game of collecting 😎👍

[@whall4wh]

Its good to hear a bright person getting recognized and advising others. I understand being judged and then showing my work ethics and intelligence. All your advice is legitimate. Respect brother

[@Invincible-Under-the-Sun]

When I get my Final Fantasy statue I ain't selling it, I'm taking that with me to the grave.

[@nukanszn8237]

Just started watching your channel but watching this video you seem to have a great head on your shoulders and have things figured out and i respect that. Subscribed and hope the channel blows up !

[@LEB86]

Very inspiring. Using this to find my way to the top. Great work.

[@alaay1864]

I admire your honesty.

[@Punisher6654]

Gem Mint tells it as it is, straight up.

[@reijiriffic]

Spoken like a true businessman... with a passion. And we appreciate that

[@TheIMMORTALKAHNHD]

gem mint the kind dude that when u open the door u gotta go through 4 or 5 big ass fools before you can even talk to him.

[@probl3msolv3r]

Much respect

[@U4EA2007]

You got it right, be a collector not a hoarder.

[@Funkiemorsels]

would buy from you just because of this video. Real and genuine, only way to be.

[@PRINCEVEGETA777_TCG]

Ive been watching your vids and always wondered how you had the much money and now i realize that your are very wise and honest. I subscribed because you gave me a lot of great info. B

[@Tifys69]

I love your honesty, genuinely appreciate this.

[@eliquate]

Hey man, Morgan Freeman also started at The Electric Company.

[@thebigpat799]

eliquate 😂

[@TheHalflingRogue]

Your insight is raw, uncut and rare within KZbin. Keep up the good work Gem. Much love from SoCal.

[@OhBenn]

Awesome video. Gem, you seem like a genuinely good dude. Really interesting insight to your hobby collecting , thanks for sharing man.

[@jimboinboston]

I stumbled onto your channel, watched 1 video and instantly subscribed. You have the correct philosophy - the things you own tend to own you so you must renew your interests and not get too attached. Your Everlast line cracked me up. Keep up the good work.

[@amead78]

I 100% agree with this mentality. Not all of us are made of money. When I get bored with a part of my collection, I sell it to buy something that I like. For example, I’m selling my Funko Pops to buy a new Switch Lite. Funkos don’t bring me the enjoyment that they used to.

[@popculturetourist]

Where were you 30 years ago to tell me these things? Your approach to collecting comics (and beyond) is practical, sensible and genius.

[@whysoblutube]

This is my first gem mint video that i watched based on the recommendations and it was dope. Funny, informative, and kicking knowledge. #subscribed

[@katanaridingremy]

Found the channel with the Bobby Drake video, didn't subscribe but liked the video well enough. This video was on my feed today and watched and found it really informative, great stuff keep up the good work and positive energy. So many on KZbin court the negative energy that circles 'geekdom' whether it's comics, superhero shows and movies etc I like this breath of fresh air and subscribed!

[@GemMintCollectibles]

thanks i appreciate. I was always big on celebrating the hobby and the hustle and not negativity.

[@mattstanislen3165]

Talking about having all this integrity while being framed perfectly in front of the Wolverine cutout. Great video, Gem!

[@jimrutherford6867]

I'm not a collector but I really enjoy your videos. Some of these statues blow my mind . I'm 53 and when I was a young kid I couldn't even have dreamed there would be a company that would make such things !

[@tiredsentinel1724]

I have to admit. I wasn’t a subscriber until you made the Everlast joke. Brilliant. 👍🏻

[@rorypatton757]

Haha same!

[@Modiggidy790]

With your attitude you’ll be your own boss in no time. Stay awesome.

[@elizabethbangura643]

Great video very inspirational we all love you here in London England

[@Lclifford]

actually dope, explained his situation and giving advice at the same time.

[@RomeGoLARGE]

Absolutely Brilliant. I appreciate your transparency. I'm trying to do same thing.

[@TwistedGamingTV]

I always enjoy your real straight up talk!

[@jaydawn8704]

Today I learned the differences in value between Omnibus and hookers. Thanks Gem Mint!

[@40krushdrill]

Perfect attitude... thanks for sharing this part of your life. Totally 4-real.

[@NextLevelEntertainment]

For me, I usually buy and keep what I like. It's the reason I bought it, to collect it. Otherwise I would have never bought it. If I sell it, it's because it's not what I thought it was. What this man is saying is Entrepreneurial. He left out what he makes from KZbin. He probably has other income streams he hasn't disclosed. But that's not the point. Point is, know the difference between a collector and an entrepreneur.

[@allisknu11]

Well said.

[@Ben-en8pu]

Very true. I’m a collector, Whatever I buy it’s because I’m in love with it I ain’t selling shit lol. But his little video will help those who want to flip statues. Smart guy he is.

[@grod4243]

Always wondered how you got all your stuff. Even cooler answer than I expected. And love how you explained it.

[@blnkjrd]

I need to learn to let sh*t go, lol. That is the hardest part for me is I get attached to the stuff I collect.

[@lancemartin6782]

AMEN. My problem too

[@brennicolas3093]

Same. I had to sell my comics a few years ago and I’m still devastated about it even though I’ve started a new collection.

[@Backtothehat]

Damn, bro. Props to you for being honest and giving your subscribers some insight to your life.👍🏽

[@justwilder6614]

You floored me when you said you was everlast lol

[@adnanmusafer2929]

Such an amazing video..... So much of great insight as to how a collector should not get screwed up by debt and credit cards.... So Much love for this video.... really happy to have found this channel.... Great work....

[@kev9599]

I be watching your vids on my lunch break at work 😂🔥

[@GemMintCollectibles]

haha get it in

[@khadorstrong]

This is a great inspiring video. Drops the excuses for many I live similar to you, I do a decent job work wise, and then pay for my hobbies by doing professional side painting for models and statues.

[@ReyRoblesJunior]

I do the same thing with my collection; learned to let go. That's sick in the fact you worked your way up. I've been watching you since last year when I saw that comic con statue video. Been enjoying your vibe and videos. Hopefully I can buy my first statue. For now I collect funko pops cause they are cheap and they look decent. I died at 0:42, " Bitch, I dont even know how Everlast look like" Love the content brotha, stay Minty!

[@iamjoeledbetter]

I freaking love this guy!!

[@defroach]

Yo I’m glad your channel popped up in my recommendations..

[@GemMintCollectibles]

thanks for checking it out

[@samcushing3790]

Amazing video and you come across as a great guy and not being afraid to sell stuff is a mindset I have too. As you say, you can always get it back, this is something many collectors can’t overcome and consequently they never sell anything.

[@MCECentral]

Gem Mint the true story! Dig it bro. Cool vid

[@jeremysutton448]

Man respect for keeping it real about how to do this without being a millionaire! Gem Mints is the best channel for reviews and one of the sole reasons I'm back into collecting again. Stay up brother!

[@romeross1557]

I can honestly say Bro, if I was still employed at my old place of employment, I wouldn't be able to afford the pieces and all the other items associated with pop culture that I've been able to obtain. The only thing I hate though is that I do have a car payment. 😑 Hate it. But if you budget right, you can still get the things that you want. Not everything unfortunately, but at least I'm able to get some items, that I thought would never be possible. Real talk video today. This was deep. ✌🏿

[@maxromeris]

So real!!! I truly appreciate your willingness to be so honest and upfront with us. Who are these jabronies that give a thumbs down? Haters everywhere we go...🤓🤜🤛

[@majorcoleman7356]

Great Video I have been collecting since 1975 and I had amassed a hugh collection over the years and I had to sell a lot of key books to pay the bills back in 2014 when I got hurt in the coal mines it got me through until I got my settlement and Disability now like you I buy and sell books that I enjoy it helps to pass the time since I got divorced

[@HanzoWasabj]

I’m glad I came across your video man, I know this is 2 years old but shit. What you said on how you can always get those things back. That hit me man, I got so attached to my collection and I’m now learning that I’m okay with letting things go. I made 1300 in a month just selling lots of my old stuff. You got yourself a subscriber good sir! 💪🏼

[@ds2k15]

So basically your life inspired the movie, "Sorry to Bother You".

[@datura_preworkout]

ds2k15 lmfao

[@lostaudience2208]

Integrity at its highest level.... Stay blessed